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. |