I Know We’re All Comparing Longlegs To Silence Of The Lambs, But The Editors Shared Their Real Inspirations Behind The Film – And Some Might Surprise You

As a huge horror movie fan, I’ve been eagerly anticipating the release of “Longlegs,” the latest addition to the genre that’s been making waves lately. And let me tell you, this movie has lived up to my expectations in every way possible. The editors, Greg Ng and Graham Fortin, recently shared some fascinating insights with me about the inspiration behind the film’s unique style.

There are numerous horror movies in the works, some of which you may have come across, and one of them gaining significant attention is “Longlegs.” Many viewers have drawn comparisons to “The Silence of the Lambs.” However, the film’s editors, Greg Ng and Graham Fortin, who work with director Osgood Perkins, revealed the true inspiration for the Nic Cage production.

In fact, the film’s inspiration comes from movies you might not expect.

I’ve been excitedly counting down the days since July 12, when the new horror movie “Longlegs” hit the 2024 film schedule. This thriller has really gotten people talking in the gaming community and beyond. In it, an FBI Special Agent is on a mission to track down a ruthless serial killer who’s left a trail of devastation in his wake, taking out entire families. With Nicolas Cage and Maika Monroe starring, this film has been praised by critics and has made a killing at the box office in its opening days. I personally believe that the brilliant marketing campaign behind it has played a huge role in its success.

As the movie “The Flick” persists in captivating audiences with its longevity on the big screen, I was fortunate enough to have a conversation with the editors about their sources of inspiration. According to Ng, while “The Silence of the Lambs” is a frequent point of comparison, Osgood Perkins suggested and had them watch numerous older films to establish an authentic atmosphere for the scares, ensuring they wouldn’t rely on comparisons and would stand independently.

Oz isn’t just drawn to modern horror films; instead, he has a deep appreciation for classic movies. Working with him feels like attending an impromptu film school. His passion for old cinema introduces us to titles we might not have discovered otherwise. We discuss films like The Long Goodbye by Robert Altman, which value subtle performances and let the footage tell its own story. During editing, there’s a temptation to add music or sound design to enhance scare factors. But sometimes, less is more. If the fear factor is strong enough, additional embellishments can dilute the impact rather than enhancing it.

It’s true that some people have drawn connections between “Longlegs” and the critically acclaimed film “Silence of the Lambs.” Both productions share a similar atmospheric feel and intricate power dynamics between authority figures and criminals. While I had anticipated comparisons to “Seven,” I was taken aback by mentions of “The Long Goodbye” and other films in this context.

“Robert Altman’s film, ‘The Long Goodbye,’ is among the many of his movies that gained significant popularity during the 1970s. If you have watched ‘Longlegs,’ you might notice some resemblance in the storytelling style presented in this film.”

Fortin additionally mentioned that delving into older films brought him joy, explaining that not all inspiring editing sources for “Longlegs” were directly related to the project.

We discussed another movie, titled “Don’t Look Now,” as well as films by director David Cronenberg. Occasionally these movies have no connection to Longlegs, but as Greg pointed out, it’s enjoyable to delve deep into film discussions.

As a horror movie enthusiast with over two decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that Longlegs is one of the most captivating films I’ve seen this year. The way it lingers in your mind long after the credits roll is a true testament to its masterful storytelling. And believe me, I’ve watched my fair share of horror movies – some good, some bad, and everything in between.

Ng and Fortin are currently collaborating with Osgood Perkins on two upcoming films: “The Monkey,” an anticipated adaptation of Stephen King’s work, and a new production titled “Keeper.” Consequently, we can all look forward to being on the edge of our seats once more. In the meantime, I might revisit some timeless films that significantly contributed to Ng’s growth into such a tall figure.

2024-07-26 01:07

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