As a child who spent countless hours huddled under the blankets, my mother’s television providing a nightly dose of horror movies, I can wholeheartedly relate to Damien Leone’s journey. The creation of Art the Clown, that terrifying embodiment of our collective fears, is a testament to the power of cinematic influence.
In about two weeks, director Damien Leone will release Terrifier 3 worldwide. So far, initial reviews of the movie have hailed it as a remarkable addition to the peculiar franchise that started in 2016, and has spawned a new horror icon in Art the Clown, the main antagonist known for his extreme kills. The series’ notoriety is due to these gruesome acts. But where did this supernatural jester originate, and what led to his creation? As per Leone, we can thank his mother for bringing us one of horror’s most acclaimed villains in recent years.
In an exclusive chat with SFX magazine before the premiere of “Terrifier 3” (as reported by GamesRadar), I shared how my mother was the one who sparked my lifelong passion for horror. Growing up, we’d often watch chilling horror movies together – she had a unique open-mindedness that allowed me to explore even the most intense films at a young age. Unlike some kids who idolize rock stars or sports legends, I found my role models in the fearless heroes of horror, shaping the man I am today.
I developed a deep affection for the horror subgenre featuring slashers and boogeymen. I grew incredibly knowledgeable and captivated by this specific genre to the point where its characters became my idols.
As a horror enthusiast, I can’t help but acknowledge that figures like Jason Voorhees, Freddy Krueger, and Michael Myers are not typically considered heroes by the squeamish, yet in the realm of terror, they have transformed into beloved characters who often overshadow the victims they pursue. These iconic creatures have transcended their on-screen roles to become cultural icons.
“There wasn’t a lightbulb moment where he came to me full on, as is. It was a little more gradual. But it’s really just a steady diet of horror films since I was three years old. So just consuming that my entire life almost inadvertently spit out Art the Clown, like I had to give something back. He’s essentially a love letter to all of those characters.”
Terrifier 3 Delivers a ‘Bloody and Blasphemous’ Slasher
Following its premiere at Fantastic Fest on September 19, there’s a growing excitement for Terrifier 3, with people predicting it to be an even more gruesome addition to the series. Given that the previous installments have already offered some of the most extreme kill scenes ever conceived, this is quite a claim. However, those who have watched the film say that Art the Clown has outdone himself in the third movie, creating a “bloody and blasphemous spectacle” that’s been described as an “unprecedented splatter fest.
Given such critiques, it’s puzzling how the director might persist with the violence in “Terrifier 4”. However, if his past work is any indication, his creative mind seems boundless. Therefore, we are confident he will deliver another masterpiece worthy of its predecessors. In this regard, we extend our gratitude to Mama Leone, not just for nurturing one of horror genre’s most innovative filmmakers, but also for bringing Art the Clown into existence.
Terrifier 3
opens nationwide on October 11, and you can check out the macabre trailer below.
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2024-09-30 22:05