Summary

• "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" has become a successful horror franchise due to its terrifying gore and evil characters that the title effectively s.
• The film was originally going to be called "Head Cheese," a gross and graphic name that would have detracted from the true horror of the movie.
• "Head Cheese" may have been a logical title, but it would have been too shocking and potentially hindered the film's commercial success.

While Leatherface and his family. Once the teens fall into Leatherface's trap, escape becomes nearly impossible.

There are many aspects of a horror movie that make it scary, and while titles aren't necessarily vital, they definitely make a difference. For example, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is terrifying due to its incredible gore and thoroughly evil characters, and the title is a strong er of this. It gives a brief description of what audiences can expect: many people being murdered via chainsaw in Texas. Plus, it uses words that evoke fear, such as massacre. However, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre didn't always have this name, and the alternative would have been much worse.

Head Cheese Was Considered As The Title For The Texas Chain Saw Massacre

Before The Texas Chain Saw Massacre earned the name it is now known for, the movie was tentatively called "Head Cheese." This horrifically gross name was one of many that the movie had collected including "Saturn in Retrograde," "Stalking Leatherface," and simply "Leatherface," according to the New York Post. The reason behind the "Head Cheese" title is a pretty obvious one, though it has some layers. First and foremost, "head cheese" is a pretty awful phrase that would definitely have audiences squirming before even starting the film. Plus, when thinking about it in a horror context, it offers connotations of bodily mutilation, especially with a chain saw.

Furthermore, the actual definition of head cheese makes sense with the movie. Head cheese is a type of cold cut terrine or meat jelly that is made out of calf or pig head. It includes other animal organs too, such as feet, hearts, and livers. Typically, head cheese is eaten cold or at room temperature. The make-up of head cheese, and also its chunky, disordered look, paired with a horror movie definitely brings to mind cannibalism and murder. Just looking at the dish, the title makes a sort of disgusting sense. Leatherface's victims are essentially becoming head cheese in a variety of ways.

Why Head Cheese Doesn't Work As Well For The Horror Franchise

Despite the fact that "Head Cheese" is a logical title for The Texas Chain Saw Massacre franchise, it's a good thing the name was never used. First and foremost, it is just a bit too gross, making the film's chance of being commercially successful slightly slimmer. Furthermore, it doesn't have quite the same ring to it. Though "Head Cheese" is certainly memorable and sort of hilarious, it takes away from the true horror of the film. It doesn't give audiences as much of a clue into what the film is about. In the end, it is too shocking to make for a solid movie title.

Source: New York Post