The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: Film Screening & Author Talk with Joseph Lanza

When Tobe Hooper’s low-budget slasher film The Texas Chainsaw Massacre opened in theaters in 1974, it was met in equal measure with loathing and reverence. The film was banned in several countries and was pulled from many American theaters after complaints of its violence. Despite the mixed reception from critics, it was enormously profitable at the domestic box office and has since secured its place as one of the most influential horror movies ever made.

In The Texas Chain Saw Massacre: The Film That Rattled a Terrified Nation, author and cultural critic Joseph Lanza turns his attention to the production, reception, social climate, and impact of this controversial movie that rattled the American public.


Joseph Lanza is the author of books that center on independent film. His books include Fragile Geometry: The FilmsPhilosophy and Misadventures of Nicholas Roeg (PAG Publications, 1989); Gravity: Tilted Perspectives on RocketshipsRollercoastersEarthquakes, and Angel Food (St. Martin’s Press/Picador, 1997); Phallic FrenzyKen Russell and His Films (Chicago Review Press, 2007). The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (Rated R) will be screened in its entirety followed by a Q&A with Mr. Lanza. The author will have limited copies of his new book for sale and signing.











When: Mon., Oct. 28, 2019 at 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Where: Queens Library—Central Library
89-11 Merrick Blvd.
718-990-0700
Price: Free
Buy tickets/get more info now
See other events in these categories:

When Tobe Hooper’s low-budget slasher film The Texas Chainsaw Massacre opened in theaters in 1974, it was met in equal measure with loathing and reverence. The film was banned in several countries and was pulled from many American theaters after complaints of its violence. Despite the mixed reception from critics, it was enormously profitable at the domestic box office and has since secured its place as one of the most influential horror movies ever made.

In The Texas Chain Saw Massacre: The Film That Rattled a Terrified Nation, author and cultural critic Joseph Lanza turns his attention to the production, reception, social climate, and impact of this controversial movie that rattled the American public.


Joseph Lanza is the author of books that center on independent film. His books include Fragile Geometry: The FilmsPhilosophy and Misadventures of Nicholas Roeg (PAG Publications, 1989); Gravity: Tilted Perspectives on RocketshipsRollercoastersEarthquakes, and Angel Food (St. Martin’s Press/Picador, 1997); Phallic FrenzyKen Russell and His Films (Chicago Review Press, 2007). The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (Rated R) will be screened in its entirety followed by a Q&A with Mr. Lanza. The author will have limited copies of his new book for sale and signing.

Buy tickets/get more info now