Horror movie trailblazing directorTobe Hooperdied at the age of 74 on Saturday in Sherman Oaks, California, according to the Los Angeles County Coroner. The details of his death are unknown at this time.
Hooper was most recognized for his work in the horror genre with films likeThe Texas Chain Saw MassacreandPoltergeist. He directedThe Texas Chain Saw Massacrein 1974 and it has been argued that the movie is one of the most successful and influential horror films ever made. He took onThe Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2in 1986, but before that Hooper ghost-directedPoltergeist in 1982, which was based on a story by Steven Spielberg.
2017 is sad year for horror fans, first with theloss of horror icon George A. Romero, and now Tobe Hooper.
Hooper’s legacy and his influence will remain intact for generations to come as even current filmmakers like Hideo Nakata, Wes Craven, Rob Zombie, and Alexandre Aja have all stated how big of an influence Hooper’s work had been to their styles. Director Ridley Scott even stated that his work onAlienwas influenced byThe Texas Chain Saw Massacremore than any other B-level genre product.
We cant go without mentioning that Hooper also directed the now iconic very first episode of theNightmare On Elm Street TV series,Freddy’s Nightmares, in 1988, titled “No More Mr. Nice Guy.” The episode depicts the origins of #FreddyKrueger, the infamous trial where he was convicted of his crimes and the ultimate ambush and scorching by the neighborhood parents.
Horror director, Mick Garris did some fantastic interviews back in 2010 for hisPost Mortem with Mick Garrisshow with Tobe Hooper to talk about the horror films he created and what influences he brought with him during their creation. They also discuss makingPoltergeist,The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, Hooper’s thoughts on sequels and remakes, and his work on theMasters of Horrortelevision series.
