Synopsis

Hollywood Dreams and Nightmares gives us a tour of Robert Englund’s life. From his beginnings as a child theatre actor who disappointed his parents by not becoming a lawyer through the many film and TV highlights of his nearly five-decade-long career in front of and behind the camera, and to his role as Freddy Krueger, which turned him into a legend. But the film also looks at his impact on those around him. Including the actors and directors he has worked with and his romantic relationships.

What Did I like?

I like the full picture the film gives of its subject and his impact on his colleagues. Near the film’s beginning, Robert says how fantastic it was to receive compliments for his early work. As it helped him feel confident in himself. From there, through the film’s many interviews, we see how that relatively little act helped create the Englund of today. He becomes someone always willing to give an assuring word to veterans and newcomers. And the love and care that Englund gives to analysing his roles, no matter how minor, really showcases someone who loves every bit of what they do. It helps that Robert is a naturally compelling interviewee. His laid-back manner and lovely voice make him a pleasure to be around. By the film’s end, we feel like we really know Robert. Additionally, the way it delivers its message about kindness and acting power is infectious, made even more brilliant by every other interviewee being engaging presence.

Highlights include Heather Langenkamp, Tony Todd, Kane Hodder, Corey Taylor, Gary Sherman, and partner Nancy Booth. Listening to them talk about how Robert helped them in their work/personal lives and how they are so close, particularly, Nancy’s retelling of their burgeoning relationship and Heather’s imparting of a personal tragedy, gives great insight into what kindness can do in a sometimes toxic industry.

And the film flows incredibly well. Editors Peter Appleyard and Christopher Griffiths give just the right amount of time to each subject to make it feel needed. Never allowing segments to overstay their welcome. Thus the runtime flies pleasantly by.

What Did I Not Like?

Being a Nightmare on Elm Street fan I have watched several behind-the-scenes documentaries concerning the series over the years. Unfortunately, a vast proportion of this film feels like it’s retreading old ground. It’s obviously unavoidable as Freddy Krueger is a hugely important part of Robert Englund’s life but I can’t help but feel a little tired. Though this may not be a problem for everyone.

That said another thing that holds the film back is its rather bland presentation. Despite the best efforts of the participants and the intermittent use of animations the film still doesn’t have the energy it needs to be cinematic thanks to odd framing, flat lighting, and bland music. It feels like a rather generic horror documentary more suited to being a NoES series home media bonus feature. 

Lastly, the film really seems rather lacking in diverse material. Mostly relying on old footage and talking heads to deliver a story. I feel like more could have been done to dynamically showcase Englund’s career. Like a home tour or a visit to the set of a current project.

Verdict

Hollywood Dreams and Nightmares is an average film about an amazing subject but features lots of heart. It suffers from its generic presentation and content style which doesn’t differentiate it from many recent horror documentaries, and its unfortunate need to discuss an already well-covered cultural touchstone. But it’s salvaged by its thorough focus on a fascinating, talented actor who brings out the best in those around him, some great interviewees, a good pace, and a fantastic central throughline emphasising the value of kindness. It’s amazing that the man who scared a generation is so nice.

Rating: (3 / 5)

Hollywood Dreams & Nightmares: The Robert Englund Story will be available on the Icon Film Channel from 2nd October. And will be available on Blu-ray and Digital Download from 6th November.

Also Read: The Horror Crowd: An Insightful Documentary For Fans of the Genre

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Horror cinema has many iconic villains and today we’ll be counting down 10 of the greatest merchants of menace. I will choose a single villain from each decade, look at a bit of the villain’s background and how they managed to traumatize audiences who watched their films. So, let’s get spooky.

1920s: Count Orlok – Nosferatu (1922)

Originally made as a Dracula stand-in, Count Orlok has become a great villain in his own right. With actor Max Schreck’s towering frame, creeping shadow, sharp teeth, and keen unblinking eyes Orlok has become an instantly recognizable cinematic predator that has lasted almost a century. Not even Stoker’s estate could prevent him from becoming a cinematic nightmare.

1930s: Frankenstein’s Monster – Frankenstein (1931)

The archetypal mad scientist creation. The monster isn’t necessarily evil but because of continual abuse and a lack of moral guidance, he begins violently lashing out at the world. Frankenstein’s Monster has a legendary look courtesy of makeup artist Jack Pierce. And thanks to Boris Karloff’s animalistic performance, which makes the character threatening and sympathetic, Frankenstein’s Monster has been cemented as one of horror’s most tragic monsters.

1940s: The Wolf Man – The Wolf Man (1941)

Like Frankenstein’s Monster, the Wolf Man garners great sympathy because of host Larry Talbot’s (Lon Chaney Jr’s) inability to control the monster within him. But unlike Frankenstein the Wolf Man is vicious. Murdering innocent people and leaving Larry to deal with the consequences. With Jack Pierce’s brilliant makeup making the monster the midpoint between man and beast, the Wolf Man is an iconic example of the darkness in all men.

1950s: Godzilla – Godzilla Series

Cinema’s biggest monster. Starring in 35 films since 1954 Godzilla is a Japanese icon. He’s a prehistoric monster awakened by hydrogen bomb testing and was created as a symbol for the destructive powers of the atomic age, though lately, he has become a metaphor for nature striking back at humanity. He’s the embodiment of destruction and for 66 years he’s shown that for all our advances annihilation is never far away.

1960s: Norman Bates – Psycho (1960)

The grandfather of all slasher villains. While seemingly normal, Norman hides another personality that forces him to kill anyone who threatens the illusion that his mother is still alive. Thanks to Anthony Perkins’ understated performance and Alfred Hitchcock’s direction Norman Bates (based on murderer Ed Gein) terrified audiences by showing that even the quiet good-looking boy next door could turn out to be a murderer.

1970s: The Caller – Black Christmas (1974)

Black Christmas‘ sorority house killer remains perhaps horror’s most terrifying villain. Because nothing about him is explained. His victims are random. The only insights we get into him are his disjointed, threatening ramblings. And his appearance, voice; name remain a mystery. Inspired by the urban legend of “the babysitter and the man upstairs” the Caller embodies the fear that you’re never safe. Even in your own home.

1980s: Freddy Krueger – The Nightmare on Elm Street Series

The burnt, razor glove wielding, Christmas sweater and fedora sporting dream killer has been scaring viewers since his 1984 debut. Inspired by stories about young people suddenly dying in their sleep and brought to life in skin-crawling fashion by Robert Englund, Krueger takes sadistic pleasure in twisting his victim’s dreams into nightmares. And the sheer glee he takes in his cruelty is what makes him cinema’s most iconic bogeyman.

1990s: Candyman – Candyman Series

Originally, Daniel Robitaille, Candyman became a vengeful spirit after he was killed over a 19th-century interracial love affair. His hand was mutilated, his body smothered in honey and he was stung to death by bees. Now he kills anyone who dares say his name five times in a mirror. With his imposing figure, hooked hand and Tony Todd’s intimidating voice, Candyman is a true terror titan.

2000s: Jigsaw – Saw Series

Jigsaw is the horror villain of the 2000s. Embodying post 9/11 anxieties about the morality of torture Jigsaw, aka John Cramer managed to carve out a gruesome legacy for himself. His use of ironic traps to reform/eradicate those who he believes don’t appreciate life, Tobin Bell’s commanding voice and his animatronic mascot made him the face of torture horror. And his legacy has continued through multiple accomplices and successors.

2010s: It/Pennywise – It (2017)

Stephen King’s iconic horror creation made a huge impact with Its 2017 reimagining. The creature that haunts Derry, Maine can change into many forms that will give anyone nightmares. His most recognizable form is Pennywise The Dancing Clown (Bill Skarsgard) whose smile hides a desire to devour children. It exploits our fear of the unknown and attacks the sanctity of childhood innocence all at once. Making It the perfect modern horror villain.

So ends my list of horrors 10 best villains. Which horror villains did I miss? Let me know in the comments.

Also Read: 7 Reasons Characters Die In Horror Films

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