Hidden Redneck Agenda

Tony Williams article, Chainsaw Massacres: The Apocalyptic Dimension discusses different apocalyptic themes and moods especially when referring to the film of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. He offers evidence to his readers of how the family is meant to represent lowlifes within American society and how they have been made irrelevant by incoming and new technological advances. The slaughterhouse family acts out in illogical and diabolical ways but it is their way of displaying their deeply repressed selves. Most films believe there must be a rational explanation behind a characters reasoning for causing chaos, but Williams argues that a rational explanation is not always required. For example, a character may be insane therefore he needs no reason or motive to act out in such a manner. The apocalyptic dimension stresses upon acts such as barbarity, female demoralization, deep desires and one’s repressed self. The slaughterhouse family seeks vengeance for a society that would not accept them, and so they have created this own morbid ‘way of life’ for themselves.