Actor Interview:

FREDDY SAYS: TALKING WITH HORROR ICON ROBERT ENGLUND

Robert thanks so much for the interview. First off can you give a visual for the racks and razors readers and describe the room where you are answering these interview questions?

I am upstairs, flat screen blaring in the corner, old dog at my feet, occasionally glancing at the sun as it sinks into the Pacific.

Is it true there is a 'Nightmare on Elm Street' prequel in the works? Can you tell me a little bit more about that?

The rumor is that there will soon be a script and that John McNaughton (Henry, Portrait of a Serial Killer) may be attached to direct.

As you evolved and deepened the character of Freddy Krueger how much were you allowed to experiment and play with what you did with him?

I brought creative physicality to Fred. I gave him his swagger.

In your opinion what was the most distinctive thing you created about this horror icon that wasn't there when the character came to you on paper?

Again, I delineated how Fred moves. I was influenced by Klaus Kinski in Nosferatu and Jimmy Cagney's gangsters.

I am also curious about what goes through your mind or what exercises you have when you get into character for Freddy?

After four hours in the make-up chair being poked with sticks I am pretty ready to let the vitriol flow.

I also love your version of 'The Phantom of the Opera' (1989). Was that a dream role for you?

It was an opportunity for director Dwight Little and I to make homage to the Hammer films of the 60's.

The popularity of the 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' film series also gave you the opportunity to direct. Was that always something you were hoping for in your career plan or did it just happen when the opportunity emerged?

I have directed hundreds of plays in my youth. Having spent so much time in front of the camera, directing seemed a logical challenge.

So what was the most challenging thing you learned about directing horror in the process, and what was the most useful thing you learned in front of the camera that helped when you stepped behind it?

My talents as a director are not necessarily in the horror genre. I am intimidated by FX. My proclivity is for small, character driven movies such as Tender Mercies.

So you've done 'Freddy vs. Jason' are there any other adversaries you are anxious for Freddy to challenge?

Fighting Michael Myers would be a good button to the series.

You're such a profoundly busy guy, in addition to the new Nightmare TV project - you have a bunch of new movies coming out 'Behind The Mask' , 'Hatchet', 'Heartstopper', 'The Demons 5', 'Urbane'...Is there some moment or scene in your horror career that you look upon and say "WOW, that was my most terrifying moment on the screen?"

Don't forget 2001 Maniacs and I am currently directing Killer Pad. I like it when a scene turns out the way I imagined it would.

You are such a horror icon, you have to have been asked some pretty disturbing questions from fans, does any one-request stick out as especially disturbing?

Actually my most strange and obsessed fans were Willie fans.

We're pulling the car into the Robert Englund Drive In. What three horror movies are going to be playing on the triple bill and what goodies are they going to be serving up at the concession stand?

Tonight's triple feature: May (dir. Lucky McKee), The Innocents (dir. Jack Clayton) and Rosemary's Baby (dir. Roman Polanski) and in the snack bar: braised calves brains and ladyfingers floating in cherry sauce.

What makes you go psycho in real life?

Women on cell phones turning left.

What frightens you in real life?

Bird flu.

Thanks for taking the time to chat Robert.