Chainsaws Were Singing (Mootorsaed laulsid)
Directed by Sander Maran
Hosted by Director/Writer/Producer Sander Maran, Producer/Cast Peeter Maran
Official selection
Haapsalu Horror and Fantasy Film Festival 2024
Honors
Audience Award - Haapsalu Horror and Fantasy Film Festival 2024
Best Estonian Genre Film - Haapsalu Horror and Fantasy Film Festival 2024
Director
Sander Maran
Producer
Jan Andresson, Karl-Joosep Ilves, Kaur Maran, Peeter Maran
Writer
Sander Maran
Cast
Karl-Joosep Ilves, Laura Niils, Janno Puusepp, Martin Ruus, Rita Rätsepp
Composer
Sander Maran
Editor
Sander Maran
Production Designer
Kadri Kuusler
contact
Marani Bros
Official website
“Monty Python meets The Texas Chainsaw Massacre meets... Les Misérables?” That’s how the makers of CHAINSAWS WERE SINGING describe their zany, gonzo, blood-soaked musical. A true DIY passion project from Estonian filmmaker Sander Maran, the film is about lovers split up by a chainsaw-wielding killer. Over a decade in the making, Maran not only directed but wrote, scored, shot, and edited this colourful murder-fest that is part gory horror movie and part ridiculous musical. While a true underground independent project, CHAINSAWS WERE SINGING more than makes up for its limits. The camerawork is inventive, the editing slapstick, and the tone absurdist. Most importantly, though, the songs are incredibly catchy (the chainsaw solo alone is worth the price of admission), and in the rarefied subgenre of horror-musicals, it’s clear that Sander is deeply indebted to Trey Parker and Matt Stone (especially CANNIBAL THE MUSICAL) and LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS.
CHAINSAWS WERE SINGING not only overflows with blood but also adorable animals, supernatural fridges, dumb cops, and twincest. Channelling the early works of Robert Rodriguez and Peter Jackson, few films in the past decade have committed so wholly to a totally independent spirit. A whiplash experience of insanely stupid violence and heartfelt musical scenes, every moment of CHAINSAWS WERE SINGING has exacting and thoughtful intention. Every performer gives it their all, fully embracing the movie’s maximalist spirit and, not unlike last year’s HUNDREDS OF BEAVERS, Sander’s insane musical feels indebted to the limitless imagination of animation. More than just a passion project, CHAINSAWS WERE SINGING is made with an audience in mind and will be best experienced on the big screen. This film brims with genuine cinematic ingenuity and an infectious playfulness that will put a song in your heart and a smile on your face. – Justine Smith
Showings
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