As I read through this heartwarming tale of determination and perseverance, it reminds me of the old adage, “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.” This young actor, with his humble beginnings serving tables in New York City, took a chance on a low-budget independent film, little did he know it would turn out to be the defining role of his career so far.
There’s a new clown prince at the domestic box office, and his name is Art the Clown.
David Howard Thornton, the star of “Terrifier 3”, surprisingly maintains a positive outlook despite being the actor behind some of the most disturbing and twisted on-screen jokes in recent history. This optimism was further strengthened when Damien Leone’s $2 million budgeted sequel surpassed “Joker: Folie à deux” at the box office over the weekend, earning an impressive $18.9 million. It’s quite fitting that this turn of events occurred as Thornton’s favorite villain is none other than the Joker himself, and he had previously portrayed him in a fan-made YouTube series before “Terrifier” gained widespread popularity in early 2018.
As a die-hard fan, I can tell you that while some scenes in “Terrifier 3” pushed the boundaries with gruesome acts like splitting a college student in two or force-feeding live rats to an unsuspecting victim, it was the latter scene that made actor David Howard Thornton flinch during filming. Yet, he showed resilience and chose not to use a body double for these intense moments, choosing instead to fully immerse himself in the role.
Thornton shared with The Hollywood Reporter that he couldn’t tag in his double during a particular scene due to his face being visible throughout the shot, which makes him uncomfortable. He believes director Damien intentionally included this aspect to test him, and it succeeded, pushing Thornton close to his limits. However, he held back to avoid spoiling his makeup, with his makeup artist urging him not to give in.
It’s possible that the unrestricted Terrifier movies appeal so much to viewers because they break boundaries in a way that many film franchises can’t. Mainstream films, trying to appeal to worldwide audiences across all demographics, have become overly cautious, conservative, and self-conscious. In contrast, Leone has managed to capture the unique sensation of watching something that feels illicit or inappropriate for the big screen.
For Thornton, the key to playing Art the Clown is also unique from most popular slashers.
The line from the initial movie that significantly clarified the character for me was when the cat lady remarked about him: ‘He considers his actions amusing since he’s chuckling,'” Thornton recalls. “This isn’t about vengeance or anger for him. He doesn’t harbor these emotions. Instead, he derives pleasure from taking lives, which I found crucial in understanding him because he’s the opposite of a jester.
With the success of “Terrifier 3” in cinemas, actor Thornton eagerly anticipates returning to set for “Terrifier 4”. This is particularly true after the nail-biting cliffhanger ending of the third installment, where each surviving character finds themselves at their lowest ebb in their own distinct manners.
Thornton expresses his enthusiasm for the way [Terrifier 3] concludes its characters at the film’s end, likening it to an ending similar to that of Empire Strikes Back. This leaves him eager to discover where this character will journey next, as he finds himself in a state unlike any he has been in previously.
Initially, Thornton tried out for the character of Art the Clown following a series of setbacks in the NYC stage industry. In fact, he was advised against taking on the part that would later become his most recognized role.
Thornton had never tried out for any movie roles before, but he desired to enter the world of filmmaking. One day, I stumbled upon an audition for Terrifier, and I thought to myself, ‘This villain seems like a wicked version of Mr. Bean. I’d jump at the opportunity to portray such a character!'” Thornton says. “Consequently, I put myself forward for it, but my agent was hesitant. She argued, ‘This is merely a low-budget independent production. You don’t need to waste your time on projects like this.’
In the end, his representative agreed, yet this didn’t imply instant success. The unexpected movie that kick-started a franchise, Terrifier, was screened at various festivals throughout 2016 and 2017. However, once it became more widely available in March 2018, the following it garnered and its strong fanbase laid the foundation for the highly successful crowdfunding campaign of Terrifier 2 in 2019.
Thornton shares that during the production and post-production of the first ‘Terrifier’, he was working as a waiter in New York City, barely getting by financially. The film’s release in 2018 transformed his life, he adds.
In his latest chat with THR, Thornton shares the boundary he refuses to cross when portraying Art the Clown.
Well, first and foremost, are you okay? Has Art the Clown taken a toll on you at all?
Absolutely fine here! I’m enjoying myself immensely. However, my main concern is about those who are watching my movies. Are they all right?
They’re definitely not okay.
(Laughs.)
Have there been instances where you’ve been too queasy over a gag and opted to tag in a double?
Indeed, that incident occurred in “Terrifier 3”. Unfortunately, I couldn’t tag out since my face was visible throughout the shot, leaving me to exclaim, “Oh, no, no, no.” The scene involved something that generally makes me queasy, and it’s particularly unsettling when I encounter it. It seems like Damien deliberately included this disturbing element in one of the kill scenes, perhaps as a challenge to see if he could push my limits. (Chuckles.) I came close to losing control, but I managed to restrain myself because I didn’t want to spoil the hard work put into my makeup by my artist. She had spent hours on it, and she was standing nearby, urging me, “Don’t you dare, David! Don’t you dare.
Was the shower scene the one that tested you the most on Terrifier 3?
Actually, it wasn’t that particular scene you’re thinking of. The one I’m referring to is closer to the ending of the movie, where a disturbing event involving feeding live rats occurs through a tube (as per your note, this is the scene in which a victim is tube-fed live rats).
Essentially, are there any boundaries you refuse to cross while portraying the character of Art the Clown, and if so, have you discussed these limits with the creator, Damien Leone?
Absolutely, we’ve discussed this matter before, and it’s clear that a boundary Art firmly upholds is the act of rape. This topic is deeply inappropriate for him, to the extent that I don’t even associate him with sexuality in that context. It’s something he would never stoop to, and it’s an idea that I find abhorrent and disturbing. In my opinion, such acts have no place in film or any form of media.
Is there really no logic behind Art’s seemingly chaotic actions? Is it futile to try and discern a pattern or purpose in his conduct?
In the initial movie, a particular line resonated deeply with me, helping me define the protagonist’s essence more clearly. This line was spoken by the cat lady: “He finds what he’s doing amusing because he’s laughing.” The realization struck me as profoundly unsettling. It wasn’t that he was driven by revenge or anger; instead, he derived pleasure from taking lives for his own entertainment. This revelation greatly aided in my understanding of the character because he serves as the antithesis of a clown – while clowns are meant to bring joy and laughter to others, this character is intent on inflicting pain and misery upon them for his amusement. His twisted perspective is truly chilling, which is why I’ve maintained it throughout the story. Whenever he kills someone, it’s a form of entertainment for him. He’s effectively putting on a show for an audience of one, adding yet another layer of depravity to his character.
At least, he takes care to wash the dishes himself when staying as a guest at others’ homes. He’s not entirely heartless.
(Laughs.) Exactly. You’ve got to clean up. You’ve also got to get rid of the fingerprints.
Isn’t it better to keep some aspects about Art’s background a secret, as part of what makes a compelling villain lies in the intrigue around their identity and origins?
Absolutely, I appreciate the gradual unveiling of our character’s background, as it adds an intriguing layer to his persona. We subtly hint at his past in the early scenes, which I found quite clever. I believe in preserving the element of surprise to keep viewers engaged and maintain the excitement surrounding his character. For instance, Freddy Krueger’s backstory wasn’t fully disclosed until later in the Nightmare on Elm Street series, and we aim to follow a similar path. We’re also adopting a strategy reminiscent of the Joker’s origin, where his past as the Red Hood is known, but the identity before that remains shrouded in mystery. Similarly, our character Art’s history might be shown, but not necessarily his prior identity, thus maintaining an air of enigma that enhances his appeal.
Just out of curiosity, did you see Beetlejuice Beetlejuice?
I did, yes!
As a gamer, I found that unique spin on Betelgeuse’s history quite engaging, but I’m not sure if I want such a straightforward approach when it comes to crafting Art’s backstory.
Absolutely, it turned out well for Betelgeuse. The logic behind it was clear, and the humorous remark in the initial movie, where he says “She meant nothing to me” after pulling a finger out of his pocket, added to the amusement. (Laughs)
Art functions much like a silent, expressive clown who communicates profoundly without uttering a single sound. Is there still a microphone used for potential audio additions?
They never equip me with a microphone, and I strive to perform my actions silently. Occasionally, it could be beneficial to produce sounds, particularly when I’m laughing, as it adds authenticity to the movements of my character. At times, I might even emit a soft chuckle, ensuring that my body mimics the genuine posture during a real laugh. However, when I’m being attacked or injured, I make an effort to remain silent, avoiding any sounds, grunts, or similar noises. Additionally, I aim to make it simpler for the sound editing team by being mindful of the sounds I produce.
When Art first came along, how would you describe your life at the time?
At that moment, I had recently returned from my final run with “How the Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical”. I stood in for the remarkable Stefán Karl [Stefánsson], who played the Grinch, and I also took on the role of Grandpa Who. Subsequently, I chose to dedicate four months of my life solely to auditions. Prior to this, I had been working as a waiter, but at that point, I opted to take a break. Over the past few months, I had been in contention for five or six different Broadway tours, and each one collapsed during the final callbacks at the last possible moment. This left me feeling disheartened, as I thought, “I’m so close to securing something.
Prior to my film acting career, I hadn’t auditioned for any roles. However, I harbored a desire to break into the film industry. When I stumbled upon an audition for the movie “Terrifier“, I found it intriguing and thought, “This seems like a fun opportunity.” I was already familiar with the character from [Damien Leone’s 2013 horror anthology] “All Hallows’ Eve“, and I felt that he resembled an evil version of Mr. Bean. The idea of playing such a unique character appealed to me immensely. I thought, “There’s something I can bring to this role.” So, I decided to put myself forward for it, but my agent initially resisted. She cautioned, “This is a low-budget independent film. You don’t need to take on roles like this.” I responded, “I yearn for on-camera experience, and this could potentially be something I can showcase in a reel someday. I simply want this opportunity.” Eventually, she submitted my application, and I landed the role.
Although we were shooting the movie and afterwards, I was working as a waiter in New York City, barely managing to get by. Once the movie was released, it transformed my life, for which I am extremely grateful for this chance. If I had landed any of the roles I auditioned for during those Broadway tours, I wouldn’t have been able to try out for “Terrifier” or film it, and I wonder where I would be today. Isn’t it ironic how life unfolds at times?
It sounds like you didn’t set any expectations.
Absolutely! That performance seemed casual at first, merely a stepping stone for personal growth and learning. Little did I know it would turn out to be a pivotal role in my career so far. You never can tell what might happen. All I did was think, “This looks enjoyable, and if anything positive comes from it, that would be fantastic.
With so much left undone at the conclusion of Terrifier 3, are you excited to dive back into the action for Terrifier 4?
Indeed, I was quite pleased with how Terrifier 3 ended in the initial script, expressing to Damien, “Please keep this part exactly as is. I beg of you.” I appreciate the direction it leaves the characters at the film’s conclusion, reminiscent of an ending akin to The Empire Strikes Back. As such, I’m eager to discover where this character will journey next given his unique state, which differs significantly from anything we’ve seen before. This intrigue has me looking forward to the possibilities and unexplored paths that await us in Terrifier 4. However, after his tireless work over the past year, I believe Damien deserves a well-deserved break for a few months to unwind and recharge. But when the time comes, I can’t wait to dive back into the project with him once more on Terrifier 4.
To clarify, Damien benefited from additional assistance in this project, marking his first opportunity to engage a professional makeup effects team. Has this increase in resources affected your regular workflow too?
This new approach significantly streamlined the production process for us. Earlier, we’d all have to stand by while Damien completed my makeup before any filming could begin. He’d frequently need to go back and forth, which only delayed things further. However, in this instance, Damien was able to work on other aspects of the production while I was getting ready with my makeup. On occasion, they even used a body double for parts where my face wasn’t required on screen. This was particularly helpful in accelerating our filming schedule and reducing the time we’d have spent previously. With a larger budget and an experienced makeup team, we were able to execute effects that we hadn’t been capable of before. Although Damien is incredibly skilled, he lacked the resources that Christien Tinsley’s team had access to. As a result, they elevated our film’s action sequences and kills to new heights, making the entire experience more thrilling. I felt like a kid in a candy store while working on this project!
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Terrifier 3 is now playing in movie theaters.
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2024-10-14 22:56