Jaws on Mushrooms is Definitely a Bad Idea: Talking With Chandler Manness by Owen Keehnen

Most folks first took notice of 6'3" Chandler Manness when he appeared in 10 episodes of the reality show 'The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency' in 2008. Following that surreal stint, Mr. Manness focused on his acting career and has made enormous career strides in one year. He's starred in four films for horror director Creep Creepersin: 'The Corporate Cut Throat Massacre' and 'Orgy of Blood' in 2009 and is slated for 'Red Machete Blue' and 'Final Girl' for the director in 2010. In addition the Netherlands born Manness has played Reaper in the SciFi/thriller 'Box of Shadows', appeared as Bruce in Ramzi Abed's 'Telephone World', as well as appearing in 'Return to Witch Mountain' and 'The Devil's Matchmaker'. This is one VERY busy young actor, but Chandler wasn't too busy to take a few for this exclusive racksandrazors.com interview.


 

 
Chandler, you are making quite a dent on the horror world with roles in 4 new Creep Creepersin movies. Let's start with your first film with him 'The Corporate Cut Throat Massacre'. How did you come about being cast as Bryan in that film?

I don't know about all that...but I certainly hope I will soon. Creep is a fantastic director, a real visionary. His wonderful wife/producing partner Nikki called me and offered me the part. She said Bryan's character was a smarmy, know-it-all sarcastic prick. So I was perfect. I didn't know whether to be grateful or offended.

I also want to hear about 'Orgy of Blood' - can you give me a teaser that is going to make it irresistible to www.racksandrazors.com fans?

Well, I don't think I need to give you much of a teaser, besides the title delivers what it promises. People die. People have sex...sometimes while covered in blood. You really can't go wrong with that formula.

You are also playing Warrington in the two 'Final Girl' movies. 'What is the general premise of that and how does your character fit into the proceedings?

Honestly, I don't think I can tell you the premise. It's something that has never been done in the history of cinema, so naturally the plot is under wraps. What I can say is that I get to play several characters of opposing natures, and that makes me very excited. I guess I can tell you that lots of people die... because that's always awesome too. In gruesome ways...and it's no 'Hostel' torture porn rip off. I think it's important to go places that haven't been explored in the horror/suspense genre.

You gained a lot of attention on 'The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency'. Looking back what was the weirdest aspect of being part of a reality TV show and what are your overall feelings about doing it?

I guess the weirdest aspect was not knowing it wasn't real. I mean, I had never really modeled...I came to LA straight from theatre school. It's a tough struggle, and my bartender savings that I saved in school were running out fast. Also the fact that no agency would look at me without decent credits kind of got me desperate. So I got this opportunity, and said fuck it. I did it, and came on the show expecting nice people, just happy to be making money for standing around. I was wrong, and I really got blindsided by all the people fucking with me for camera time. I never once tried to start issues to get more exposure, funny enough; I ended up on every episode. I don't regret it, but later on some late night talk show hosts are going to have a lot of fun at my expense. We'll put it that way. They have a lot of embarrassing clips to choose from.

Do you have any other upcoming projects you want the racksandrazors readers to know about?

Ah the obligatory self-promotion portion of the interview. Well, you can just IMDB me if you're curious what I'm up to. I don't know why you would be, though. I just did a co-star on '90210'. I also was doing sketch work for the Jimmy Kimmel...but I'm blacklisted on that show now. I guess I inadvertently offended a producer of the show by referring to my taint. So much for comedy. I also just finished playing an Air Force Staff Sergeant in Afghanistan in the film USAF. It was done by Combat Films...they are an awesome group of guys. I was the only one on set who wasn't ex-military. That was a little intimidating.

Vampires, werewolves, zombies, witches, creatures, aliens, telemarketers...what does it for you horrorwise Chandler and why?

Honestly....it doesn't matter what the creature is. It's about the concept, the director, the cast, and doing something original. I would say I'm sick of vampire BS, but 'Daybreakers' looks awesome. After seeing Willem Dafoe's performance in Anti-Christ that man could take a shit and I'd buy a ticket to watch it.

What was the first movie to scare the shit out of you?

The original 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' . I was too young to handle the macabre...and it seriously messed my head up. Also, I saw 'Jaws' on mushrooms once...and let me tell you, do NOT do that.

And what was the last horror movie you saw that really annoyed you?

'Jennifer's Body' was like being punched in the face and testicles at once. What the hell happened there?

Okay, we're pulling into the Chandler Maness Drive In. What three horror flicks are on the triple bill for tonight and what goodies are they going to be serving up at the concession stand?

I've got to represent different factions of horror. 1) 'The Descent' - Neil Marshall. I was scared shitless before the creatures even showed up. Marshall is the man. 2) 'Audition' - If you don't know about this film, you should stop reading this interview and go rent it. Then you'll understand Hollywood's hard-on for JHorror. 3) 'Dawn of the Dead' - Original Romero. This was my favorite Romero film...closely followed by 'Day of the Dead'. Zombies in a mall...nuff said. At the concession stand? I dunno...Pabst Blue Ribbon and Triscuits. Maybe diet sodas for the AA members. If I was playing 'Jaws' I'd have mushrooms for everyone.

What is your favorite horror flick death scene?

I'd have to when Paris Hilton gets a pole through the face in 'House of Wax'. It was an oddly rewarding experience for me. My favorite non-death torture was the scene in 'Captivity' where Elisha Cuthbert awakens from being kidnapped strapped to a chair...and then is forced to chug blended human chunks in a funnel. I'd imagine if cannibals had fraternities, they would have similar rituals. The movie sucked, but damn that scene was sickening.

What's the best Halloween costume you ever had?

When I was 16, I grew my hair long for an entire year to be 'The Crow' for Halloween. I shit you not, that was the only reason.

What scares you in real life?

Sharks and failure. Not necessarily in that order. Sharks because they are ferocious and you are literally at their mercy in the ocean. Imagine you're floating around, and a Great White comes up and bites you in half...salt water starts pouring into the wounds as your blood gushes out. You flop around until he comes to finish you off. Failure to me is not being in/making movies. That would really suck.