McConaugheMay Day 4: The Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Documentary

I stand in awe that this behind-the-scenes documentary of most people's least (or second-least) favorite Texas Chainsaw Massacre, available in full on YouTube, is a genuine banger. While 1994's Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre is mostly notable for showcasing exactly how instrumental Tobe Hooper was to the success of the original (seeing as how Return was directed and written by original co-writer Kim Henkel), this hour-long documentary by Brian Huberman feels more vibrant and original than most films released in theaters. It is, to put it simply, so, so funny. The actors and crew are warm and passionate, each one engaging with the act of filmmaking from a different angle to the point that it almost feels like a Christopher Guest documentary. There's the classically-trained British actor who regards the film as beneath him; the young handsome himbo star who thinks this is the movie that will catapult him to fame and fortune; the shy ingenue who just wants to do a good job without messing up; the stunt double monster man who has a heart of gold. Reigning chief among them is the oft-depressed and anguished director Kim Henkel who seems to hate making the film as much as he despairs about what a better film he could have made in a different world. His story is one of a tragic hero, an artist who hates collaboration almost as much as he hates the solitude of solo work, and his palpable exhaustion is, unfortunately for him, one of the film's funniest jokes. Yet, it's relatable, too. Who hasn't found themselves hating the blank page, their own inadequacy to overcome it, and the helpful co-writer offering ideas and notes all at once?

That said, there is more to the film than just laughing at a film that didn't work—the whole thing feels suffused with such warmth and camaraderie that it makes you feel like anyone could make a film, that the alchemical creations that emerge when a group of friends get together to pool their talents is worth all the money and stress that comes along with it.

This is why we do these challenges, there’s always gold in the dumpster. Humans don’t want ticks, but to a possum, they are a sweet treat to enjoy. I know the rest of the month will be filled with pain and suffering, but for now, in this place, there is peace.

McConaughey has two lines in this and Morgan thought he was never going to be in the doc because it took so long for him to do an interview segment. Ironically for being the two biggest stars in the film (certainly as far as their post-film careers are concerned), he and Renée Zellweger are barely featured in the behind-the-scenes documentary, which seems a mystery compelling enough to invite its own behind-the-scenes-behind-the-scenes documentary.