Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"What I will say is that I didn't think much about the mask at all and I came late to that party... If this mask is an awesome, this movie will fail. The mask is what they're going to market with. Ethan's wearing it in every scene. And so, uh, I think I had eight weeks of pre-production and I spent most of that time working on that mask..." — Scott Derrickson
"And I think that, that Ethan certainly had a lot of opportunities when he was younger to become a bigger star. Yeah, he could have been, man. He could have been... but he really has chosen in his career to pursue what is of creative value." — Scott Derrickson
"And then, and then, and there's also this. My, this, I, I shouldn't say this with a smile. I think I was nine or 10... my next door neighbor knocked on my door and I opened it. And he said, someone murdered my mom. And that had happened. And his mother had been kidnapped, and, and sexually assaulted and bound up in telephone wire and thrown in the local lake." — Scott Derrickson
Director Scott Derrickson shared profound insights into his approach to crafting impactful horror films, particularly highlighting the genesis of "The Grabber" character for "Black Phone." He emphasized that the intention was not to create a horror icon from the outset, but rather to focus on making a compelling film with strong design elements. Derrickson recounted the critical importance of the mask's development during pre-production, recognizing its marketing potential and its integral role in Ethan Hawke's performance. His creative process is deeply rooted in personal experience, drawing inspiration from unsettling childhood memories and the pervasive anxieties of his formative years in North Denver, which included real-life events and the societal atmosphere of "stranger danger."
Derrickson elaborated on his directorial philosophy, which centers on finding what genuinely scares him as a barometer for audience reaction, rather than employing a purely manipulative or craftsman-like approach. This personal connection extends to the visual aesthetic, as seen in the deliberate use of Super 8 film for dream sequences in "Black Phone" and "Black Phone 2," aiming for an authentic, imperfect, and unsettling visual texture reminiscent of classic 70s and 80s horror. He discussed the challenges and rewards of making sequels, stressing the need to evolve the narrative without deviating too far from the original's appeal.
The conversation also touched upon the collaborative process with actors, particularly Ethan Hawke, whose fearless approach and physical embodiment of "The Grabber" significantly elevate the character beyond a typical villain. Derrickson views "The Grabber" as a representation of the unpleasant reality of serial killers – "douchebags" and "shitheads" rather than figures of cool malevolence. He also reflected on his career trajectory, emphasizing a drive for creative value over stardom, and his lifelong pursuit of excellence across various art forms, which informs his appreciation for both high and low art in cinema. Derrickson concluded by expressing his ambition to one day direct a large-scale adaptation of "Paradise Lost," seeing it as a significant unmade film about a fundamental human myth.