The Evil in ‘Longlegs’ and the Serial Killer Movie Canon
Jul 12, 2024
auto_awesome
Director Osgood Perkins discusses his career and the intriguing elements in 'Longlegs', followed by a deep dive into the serial killer movie genre highlighting dread and audience engagement. The collaboration with Nicolas Cage, audience reception, and creating a sense of dread in horror films are also explored.
'Longlegs' subverts thriller archetypes with unsparing violence.
Serial killer films challenge societal discomfort with satire and critique.
Classic films redefine serial killer genre with unique angles.
Director Oz Perkins emphasizes strong scripts and collaborative filmmaking process.
Deep dives
Representing the Tension in 'House of the Dragon' Season 2
House of the Dragon's second season brings book knowledge to unravel Targaryen conflicts each episode. Raven queries to Trial by Content feed unleash deep dives and answers to lingering questions. The series delves into Targaryen dynamics and storytelling twists.
Exploring Genuine Discomfort in 'Long Legs'
Oz Good Perkins' 'Long Legs' is a masterful thriller crafting a killer image seared into viewers' minds. The film's unique narrative subverts typical thriller archetypes while hinting at unsparing violence, engaging audiences' imagination. Perkins expertly combines simplicity and beauty in framing to create a profound, lingering impact.
Unsettling Reflections in 'Serial Killer Movie Canon'
Serial killer films like 'Funny Games' and 'American Psycho' confront human depravity and societal discomfort. These movies challenge viewers with uneasy narratives, blending satire, darkness, and critique of viewer engagement. The tension between reality and fiction reflects the unsettling mirror these films hold up to audiences.
Influential Classics in the Serial Killer Genre
Classic films like 'M' and 'Silence of the Lambs' pave the way for exploring serial killers on screen. 'Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer' captures killer-focused perspectives, while 'Seven' and 'Zodiac' redefine the genre. Each film contributes unique angles to the narrative portrayal of serial killers.
Creating Films: A Director's Perspective
The director, Oz Perkins, discusses his approach to making films, emphasizing the importance of starting with a strong script as the foundation for a movie. He likens the process to a crossword puzzle, carefully arranging words and ideas. Perkins shares insights into his collaboration with actors and crew, highlighting the significance of allowing creative input and fostering a collaborative environment. He also delves into the impact of post-production on shaping the final product, emphasizing the collective effort that goes into bringing a film to life.
Challenging Traditional Narratives in Films
Perkins reflects on the thematic choices in his movies, such as debunking the romanticization of serial killers and exploring complex parent-child relationships. He emphasizes the importance of crafting narratives that challenge and subvert traditional storytelling conventions. Perkins shares personal experiences that have influenced his filmmaking, including navigating family dynamics and societal perceptions, which contribute to the depth and authenticity of his storytelling.
Navigating the Film Industry and Future Aspirations
Perkins candidly discusses the realities of financial concerns in filmmaking and the aspiration to work on larger budget projects for financial stability. He shares insights into the intersection of artistic vision and commercial success in the film industry. Perkins also reflects on the significance of gaining trust and recognition within the industry, aiming to reach a point where opportunities come to him, signaling a shift from seeking validation to being sought after for his unique creative perspective.
Sean is joined by Rob Mahoney to appraise just how terrifying ‘Longlegs’ is after all the buzz (1:00). Then, they run through the canon of serial killer movies, a horror subgenre that distinguishes itself from slashers (26:00). Finally, Sean is joined by ‘Longlegs’ director Osgood Perkins to discuss his career, the particular elements of ‘Longlegs’ he was most interested in exploring, how a film like this gets received by wider audiences, and more (1:02:00).
