Director Chuck Russell chats horror, remakes, classics and Witchboard!

Summary

In this interview, a filmmaker reflects on their journey in horror cinema, from their early roles in *Nightmare on Elm Street 3* and *The Blob* to returning to the genre with *Witchport*. They discuss the evolution of horror, the balance between suspense and visual style, and the influence of Wicca on the film's sensuous themes. The filmmaker shares insights on casting, chemistry among the actors, and their approach to remakes, stressing the importance of offering something original. They also explore modern horror trends, the role of despairing endings, and the cat-and-mouse dynamic between good and evil.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker reflects on the evolution of horror films, noting the shift from a focus on the characters and aesthetics to a deeper exploration of themes like witchcraft and the supernatural.
• 😀 The speaker's early career in horror with 'Nightmare 3: Dream Warriors' and 'The Blob' shaped his love for the genre, though he later sought to expand into action and comedy films before returning to horror.
• 😀 The speaker emphasized the pressure to create something better than previous works to satisfy both fans and international audiences when considering the Witchport project.
• 😀 The decision to work on 'Witchport' was influenced by the recognition of its potential as a classic piece of pop culture deserving a remake, but with a fresh take on the story.
• 😀 The speaker values reinventions rather than slavish remakes, drawing parallels to how 'Nightmare 3' and 'The Blob' were approached.
• 😀 The casting process for 'Witchport' was key, with Jamie Campbell Bower selected for his role as Baptiste due to his standout performance in 'Stranger Things', and Madison being cast after impressing with her audition.
• 😀 The chemistry between Aaron Dominguez and Madison Eisman was pivotal, especially after discovering they were already friends, which added authenticity to their on-screen dynamic.
• 😀 The shooting style of 'Witchport' aimed for a balance between suspense and rich, colorful visuals to avoid the desaturated, depressing look common in many recent horror films.
• 😀 The film aimed to explore the sensual and powerful side of witchcraft, bringing in elements of female-driven power dynamics and the dark allure of Wicca.
• 😀 The speaker discusses the current state of horror, expressing a preference for films that dramatize the great cost of facing evil, rather than those with bleak, despairing endings where the villains win.
• 😀 The speaker highlights 'Sinners' as a recent horror film that successfully blended dance and music, creating a unique take on the genre with a full studio production.
• 😀 The speaker shares that he wanted to avoid remakes unless the films, like 'The Blob' and 'Witchport', truly deserved to be reimagined, believing these original works were low-budget and could benefit from a fresh approach.

Q & A

What drew the director back to horror after working in other genres?

The director was drawn back to horror by the opportunity to remake 'Witchboard,' a classic piece of pop culture. He was excited about reinvigorating the property in a new direction and felt it deserved a fresh take.

What role did 'Witchboard' play in the director's decision-making for the film?

'Witchboard' was a key factor in the director's return to horror, as it represented a classic franchise that had the potential to be reimagined with new ideas while maintaining its original appeal. He wanted to create a standalone film that would stand apart but still honor the original.

How did the director approach the look and feel of the film?

The director wanted the film to be terrifying yet rich in color and sensuality. He worked closely with the director of photography to create a balance of suspense and visually immersive experiences without resorting to desaturation, keeping the film grounded and impactful.

Why was the casting of Jamie Campbell Bower significant for the film?

Jamie Campbell Bower was cast as Baptiste because of his exceptional performance in 'Stranger Things.' The director saw him as a rising star and believed he could bring something special to the role.

How did the chemistry between the lead actors contribute to the film?

The chemistry between Madison Eisman and Aaron Dominguez was vital to the film. They were already friends in real life, which helped translate into their on-screen dynamic, making their relationship feel authentic and compelling.

What was the director's take on the representation of witchcraft in the film?

The director emphasized the sensual side of witchcraft, particularly how Wicca is a female power-driven religion. He wanted to highlight the attraction to the dark side of Wicca and how it plays a central role in the film's atmosphere and characters' motivations.

How does the director view the current state of horror in cinema?

The director acknowledges that horror is always evolving, with filmmakers adding their own unique twist to classic tropes. He believes that the genre is healthy with a mix of different flavors, from classic tropes like zombies to new creative takes, such as the combination of dance and horror in 'Sinners.'

What does the director think of horror films with a 'happy ending'?

The director feels that horror is the wrong genre for happy endings. He prefers films that dramatize the cost of facing evil, where the protagonists face real consequences. He also dislikes when the heroes are all killed off in a lazy, despairing way, as it doesn't offer much challenge or emotional payoff.

What specific moment in the film did the director feel the film truly came together?

The director felt the film truly came together during the moment when the connection between Madison Eisman's character and Nagasoth, the queen of witches, was revealed. The parallel storyline and visual storytelling in this scene marked a key emotional and cinematic turning point in the film.

Are there any films that the director considers 'sacred' and would never remake?

The director is selective about remakes, believing that only films that deserve it should be remade. He mentioned 'The Blob' and 'Witchboard' as films he reimagined because they had potential for new life. However, he considers some films too sacred to touch, as they remain perfect in their original form.