“You know what they say, kemosabe, in Hell, everybody loves popcorn.”
From beloved cult director Rob Zombie comes the new re-release of his spine-tingling carnival of horrors, 31, arriving October 26 on Blu-ray + Digital Steelbook from Lionsgate, exclusively at Target.
From beloved cult director Rob Zombie comes the new re-release of his spine-tingling carnival of horrors, 31, arriving October 26 on Blu-ray + Digital Steelbook from Lionsgate, exclusively at Target. Written, directed, and produced by Zombie,31is a fiendish Halloween horror-gore romp set in 1976, in which five happy-go-lucky carnies on a cross-country road trip are kidnapped and hunted by murderous clowns in an escape room-style hideaway in the middle of nowhere. With an ensemble cast that includes Sheri Moon Zombie, Jeff Daniel Phillips, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, Richard Brake, Jane Carr, and Malcolm McDowell, 31is tailor-made for diehard horror fans and Rob Zombie acolytes. Featuring brand-new reconceived artwork from award-winning graphic artist Vance Kelly,31 will be available on Blu-ray + Digital Steelbook at Target for the suggested retail price of $21.99.
On Halloween, five carnival employees are kidnapped and held hostage in an isolated compound known as “Murderworld.” They are thrown into a sadistic game called “31” where they must survive 12 hours against a gang of maniacs dressed like clowns. However, the clowns aren’t the only ones they need to worry about — a grand scheme of satanic rituals and a much more sadistic plot awakens.
BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES
“In Hell Everybody Loves Popcorn: The Making of 31” (A Comprehensive 2-Hour Documentary on the Making of the Film)
Audio Commentary with Writer-Director Rob Zombie
CAST Sheri Moon Zombie The Lords of Salem, The Devil’s Rejects, Rob Zombie’s Halloween Jeff Daniel Phillips The Lords of Salem, 3 From Hell, The Devil’s Rejects Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs Cooley High, Claudine, TV’s “Welcome Back, Kotter,” TV’s “Roots” Malcolm McDowell Bombshell, Rob Zombie’s Halloween, ” A Clockwork Orange
Saban Films celebrated the Los Angeles Special Screening of 3 FROM HELL on Monday, September 16, 2019 at The Vista Theatre. The After Party was held at Tenants of the Trees in Silverlake.
In attendance from the film:Writer/ Director Rob Zombie (Halloween, Lords of Salem), Sheri Moon Zombie (Halloween, The Devil’s Rejects), Bill Moseley (Repo! The Genetic Opera, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2), Richard Brake (Kingsman: The Secret Service, 31), Jeff Daniel Phillips (“The Gifted,” The Lords of Salem), Danny Trejo (Dora and the Lost City of Gold, Machete, Spy Kids trilogy), Dee Wallace (E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Critters), Pancho Moler (Candy Corn, 31), Rob Welsh (Unfriended: Dark Web).
Special guests included:Duff McKagan (Guns N’ Roses), Steven Adler (Guns N’ Roses), Tommy Lee (Mötley Crüe), Nikki Sixx (Mötley Crüe), Kat Von D (“LA Ink”), Patton Oswalt (“The King of Queens”), Chris Hardwick (“Talking Dead”), Seth Green (“Robot Chicken”), Eli Roth(Cabin Fever, Hostel), Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein (Misfits), Glenn Danzig (Misfits, Danzig), Linda Ramone (Widow of Johnny Ramone), Josh Hasty(Director of Rob Zombie’s 31 documentary, In Hell Everybody Loves Popcorn, Writer/Director of Candy Corn), Producer Maria Gabriela Cardenas (A Dark Foe).
Tickets for the September 16th/17th/18th nationwide release of 3 FROM HELL are available at FathomEvents.com/3FromHell
Bill Moseley is a film actor and musician who has starred in a number of cult classic horror films, including HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES (2003), REPO! THE GENETIC OPERA (2008) and as Otis Driftwood in THE DEVIL’S REJECTS (2005). His first big role was in THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE 2 (1986) as Chop Top. On the HBO TV series Carnivàle (2003), Moseley had a recurring role as camp cook Possum. He’s also released records with guitarist Buckethead in the band Cornbugs, as well as featuring on the guitarist’s solo work.
Bill Moseley took the time to talk to We Are Movie Geeks about his newest film 3 FROM HELL, director Rob Zombie’s long-awaited sequel to THE DEVIL’S REJECTS
Interview conducted by Tom Stockman September 5th, 2019
Tom Stockman: Hi Bill
Bill Moseley: Hello Tom
TS: I’m calling from St. Louis. I met you hear about a decade ago when you attended a screening hear of REPO: THE GENETIC OPERA
BM: Oh right, I remember that.
TS: And I’ve met you several times, the first time being close to 30 years ago at a Fangoria Convention do you like doing those type of conventions?
BM: Oh I love them. In fact I’m here right now in Louisville Kentucky for a convention called Days of the Dead
TS: Are you surprised at how many Otis and Chop Top tattoos you see?
BM: I’m not really. When you get the idea that people get a tattoo like that to memorialize or commemorate their love for a certain character that they saw at a certain time in their lives, It’s humbling. It keeps me from being more of a dick! If someone is committed to having a tattoo of you on their arm or whatever, you don’t want to be a jerk and make them think they’ve done something they’ll regret. I get really excited when I see those and I wanna make sure that they are happy with those
TS: Let’s talk about 3 FROM HELL, I’ve seen it and I think it’s a worthy sequel to THE DEVIL’S REJECTS. Have you seen it yet?
BM: I have. First I saw a rough cut, and then finally I ended up talking to a lot of people in the press, and realized that they had seen the final cut, and I hadn’t! So I finally got a link and watched the final film
TS: You said you saw a rough cut. It’s only showing here in St. Louis for three nights. Did they have to cut some of the violence out of it for this version that will be showing at theaters soon?
BM: No. The rough cut was missing a lot of it’s soundtrack and wasn’t color-corrected. So the final film was a lot different than the rough-cut, especially with all the music which gives the film much of its atmosphere, but nothing was missing between the rough-cut and the final film in terms of violence.
TS: Are you excited about going out and promoting this character Otis Firefly again, and why did it take 12 years to get a sequel?
BM: That’s more of a question for Rob Zombie. I really have no idea If had been up to me, I would have done a sequel right away. I was very happy with the way that he decided to do it. I’ve been going to conventions now for years with Sid Haig and when horror fans would walk up to us and ask if there was going to be a sequel, I would turn to Sid and ask “Hey Sid! Is there going to be a sequel!?“ And Sid would say “No“, then we’d say in unison “Because we’re fucking dead!“
TS: Rob Zombie performs with his band a lot so perhaps that had something to do with the delay.
BM: Well there’s that but I think it really has to do with the poor marksmanship of the Ruggsville Sheriffs Department I mean here we are hurtling towards them in the Cadillac and they’re shooting their hearts out, but they couldn’t quite bring us down. Really because they were shitty shots! That to me was the most logical way to keep us alive and well. Or if not well, at least alive Also, consider the alternatives. Did somebody awaken for the dream? The cheesiest of all Hollywood devices?! Another alternative could be that we did die, then went to hell and the Devil rejected us, hence the title. But then we’d be supernatural! I think it’s best to just blame the Ruggsville sheriff department and their lousy marksmanship
TS: Yeah, Baby Firefly doesn’t seem to be hurt at all, dancing around and such.
BM: Well, you figure we’ve been in prison for 10 or 12 years when this new film starts, so that gave us time to heal. And I will say about the Driftwood and the Fireflys, we have regenerative power!
TS: Were you involved in the script for 3 FROM HELL? Was there much improv involved in the film?
BM: Not really. The script was pretty tight There wasn’t really any need for improve. There were a couple of things that I improvised in THE DEVIL’S REJECTS. Not that much though. If you compare that to my role in THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE 2, in which I think about 50% of my lines were improvised. But in this Rob zombie trilogy, we pretty much stuck to the script.
TS: Yes there is some really good writing in this new film, especially in some of those scenes where you and Richard Brake are having some conversations that are so dark and funny.
BM: Richard Brake did improvise some of those lines. When he started going off about Salami Man, That to me was so funny! That was Richard just coming up with stuff! Everybody in front of and behind the camera was cracking up during that stuff. I hope when the film comes out on DVD, there will be some sort of behind the scenes so we can show some of that footage of that. I’m sure there were some time constraints on how long the scene could be, but he was so funny. He was awesome. And a great addition to the family I might add.
TS: Between Chop Top and Otis, you have had so many great lines. Do you have a favorite line that you have said on screen?
BM: Well with Chop Top, I would definitely say it was in character “Lick my plate you dog dick!“, Which I did make up on the spot back in Austin Texas in 1986. My family made us eat all of our food and I had to be part of the’ clean plate’ club. That kind of inspired that line With Otis I would have to say “I am the devil. I am here to do the devils work“
TS: Well, I am honored that I am hearing these lines from you over the phone. That Devil was line was used recently in ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD.
BM: Yes but Quentin used what was Tex Watson’s actual line which was “I’m here to do the devils business“. Rob simply changed it from a two syllable to a one syllable word with “The devils work“, which I like better actually
TS: I do too. Good luck with 3 FROM HELL.
BM: Thanks and let’s hope there are more films in the series.
Fathom Events to Present the Unrated Version of Rob Zombie’s 3 FROM HELL with Unique Bonus Content Each Night
Global content leader Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) and Saban Films are unleashing horror icon and heavy metal mastermind Rob Zombie’s3 From Hell, the follow-up to House of 1,000 Corpses and The Devil’s Rejects, as the next chapter in the blood-soaked crime saga. The film will be released in nearly 900 select movie theaters on September 16, 17 and 18, 2019 through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network (DBN). Fathom Events will broadcast the unrated version to theaters with each night featuring unique bonus content.
On September 16th, moviegoers will see a special video introduction from Rob Zombie with the first 50 attendees at each theater receiving an exclusive poster (while supplies last). On the 17th, audiences will be treated to a nearly 30-minute behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film. On the 18th, moviegoers will experience the ultimate double feature including 3 From Hell and The Devil’s Rejects.
“This event is a long time coming,” says Zombie. “The journey of these characters has always been special to me and I am thrilled to finally let the fans experience the next episode of the Firefly madness. This project was a true labor of love for everyone involved and we know we have created something amazing for the loyal followers of these films. Let the insanity begin!”
“We are excited to collaborate again with Rob Zombie,” said Lionsgate President of Worldwide Home Entertainment Ron Schwartz. “With House of 1,000 Corpses and The Devil’s Rejects, Rob Zombiedelivered thrills and high doses of gore to genre fans. We look forward to bringing this next chapter to screens with Saban Films and Fathom.”
“In 2003 a bold new cinematic voice emerged with House of 1,000 Corpses,” said Jonathan Saba, Saban Films’ Senior Vice President of Distribution, Sales and Marketing. “And with the sequel, The Devil’s Rejects, Rob Zombie cemented his legacy as one of the most influential and important modern-day genre filmmakers. Now nearly 15 years later, Rob returns to the Firefly family in an audacious and wholly singular new chapter in this gory saga. I can’t wait for audiences to see this film on the big screen thanks to our partners at Lionsgate and Fathom.”
“Scary movies are best experienced in a dark movie theater alongside fellow fans,” said Fathom Events CEO Ray Nutt. “This is why we continue to partner with Rob Zombie, Lionsgate and Saban Films to premiere the very best horror films on our platform.”
3 From Hell was written and directed by Rob Zombie, who also produced alongside CC Capital Arts Entertainment’s Mike Elliot. Greg Holstein and Saban Films’ Jonathan Saba are executive producers.
Tickets for 3 From Hell can be purchased beginning Friday, July 19 at www.FathomEvents.com and participating theater box offices. A complete list of theater locations will be available July 19 at the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).
Saban Films and Rob Zombie previously partnered with Fathom Events in a successful theatrical event for Rob Zombie’s 31.
FilmmakersCody Jarrett and Siouxzan Perry are raising funds through Kickstarter to complete their documentary TURA!,the Incredible True Life Story of Tura Satana, the Russ Meyer & Burlesque Superstar, Asian American Cinema Pioneer and Ultimate Self-Empowered Female. Read the We Are Movie Geeks tribute to Tura HERE
“TURA!” is the true life story of cult movie icon & burlesque dancer TURA SATANA, chopped straight from the pages of her handwritten memoir. Best known as the star of Russ Meyer’s classic film Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!, Tura stunned 1960’s movie audiences as the sexy, dominant, fast-driving, karate-wielding lesbian gang leader Varla. Her groundbreaking look, attitude, and performance were all years ahead of their time and continue to influence everyone from Quentin Tarantino and Rob Zombie to John Waters and Dita Von Teese.
Still, Tura’s screen life was nothing compared to her real life. As a child, Tura was imprisoned at Japanese American WWII internment camp Manzanar. As a pre-teen, she was the victim of a brutal, racially-motivated gang rape. But instead of letting those early tragedies destroy her, Tura flipped it around, reinventing herself into a world famous burlesque dancer, Asian American cinema hero, and most importantly, the living definition of female self-empowerment.
Featuring incredible new interviews with John Waters, Dita Von Teese & more, and narrated by Margaret Cho, TURA! will be a fascinating, thrilling white-knuckle ride through the life and career of one of the most infamous “bad girls” in cinema history. TURA! also serves to finally place Tura Satana alongside Bruce Lee in the pantheon of the most influential Asian American performers the world has ever known.
The production of this film was Tura Satana’s deathbed wish. Help her, and the filmmakers, make it a reality. TURA! — Just do it!
(This film is the AUTHORIZED DOCUMENTARY Tura Satana personally initiated prior to her death, being produced by her estate and closest friends).
Despite her underground popularity and huge internet presence, Tura’s accomplishments and vast influence remain largely unrecognized. Tura fought long and hard for gains that others have since reaped the benefits from. It’s time to set the story straight! Tura didn’t just ‘open the door’ for modern Hollywood’s dominant leading ladies, she literally kicked that hole through the wall, blazing the path for others to follow. She deserves acknowledgement for that, and this film – created by those who knew and worked with her – gives her the respect and recognition she is long overdue. Tura’s “If I can do this, anyone can” attitude has inspired countless people in the past, and can now go on to inspire even more!
Once the film is completed (the filmmakers estimate a year or less), they will use all of the means at their disposal to find the best possible release and distribution for the film. That includes screening at key festivals, distributor screenings, and inclusion at international film markets. The filmmakers are very confident that the film will find wide release platforms, so all of their work will be shared with the world.
TURA! The Tura Satana Documentary
Starring: TURA SATANA Narrated by MARGARET CHO
Featuring Interviews with:
JOHN WATERS – Writer/Director, Hairspray, Pink Flamingos DITA VON TEESE – Burlesque Star, Fashion Designer MARGARET CHO – Actor, Comedian KITTEN NATIVIDAD – Beneath The Valley of the Ultra-Vixens SHANNON LEE – Producer, Daughter of Bruce Lee DAVID HENRY HWANG – Playwright, M. Butterfly ALLISON ANDERS – Director, Mi Vida Loca, Four Rooms . TED V. MIKELS – Director, Astro-Zombies, Doll Squad, Corpse GrindersLORI WILLIAMS – Actor, Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!DENNIS BUSCH – Actor, Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! PAMELA DES BARRES – Author SELENE LUNA – The Cho Show ERIC CHARMELO – Writer/Producer, Supernatural, Ringer Plus more all the time!
Meet the filmmakers!:
Cody Jarrett – Producer/Director
Cody Jarrett is a Los Angeles-based director, writer and producer. Initially a musician and actor whose Hollywood film career began with a role in 20th Century Fox’s The Adventures of Ford Fairlane, Cody’s feature directing credits include SUGAR BOXX (Showtime Networks, Entertainment One) and FROG-G-G! (Koch Distribution). SUGAR BOXX was also Tura Satana’s last film as an actress prior to her death.
Siouxzan Perry – Producer
Siouxzan was Tura’s long-time personal manager and confidant, as well as manager of numerous other “Russ Meyer” women. Siouxzan was granted all rights to Tura’s entertainment estate, likeness, and image upon Tura’s passing. She also possesses literally thousands of Tura’s belongings, including pictures, personal items, home movies, and more. Siouxzan is committed to Tura’s final wish of seeing this documentary produced.
“You know what they say, kemosabe, in Hell, everybody loves popcorn!”
From the macabre mind of Rob Zombie (House of 1000 Corpses, The Lords of Salem, The Devil’s Rejects), comes his newest nightmare, 31, arriving on Blu-ray and DVD December 20 from Lionsgate. Clowns have never been as terrifying as they are in the course of this one shocking evening in the middle of nowhere. Currently available on Digital HD and On Demand, 31 stars Sheri Moon Zombie (House of 1000 Corpses), Jeff Daniel Phillips (HBO’s “Westworld”) Elizabeth Daily (Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure), Meg Foster (The Lords of Salem), Kevin Jackson (Conspiracy Theory), Richard Blake (Batman Begins), Judy Geeson (TV’s “Gilmore Girls”) and Malcolm McDowell (Halloween).
From the visionary mind of Rob Zombie comes the horrific story of five carnival workers who are kidnapped on Halloween and held hostage in a large compound. At the mercy of their captors, they are forced to play a twisted game or life or death called 31. For the next 12 hours they must fight for their lives against an endless parade of homicidal maniacs.
The 31 Blu-ray and DVD release special features include a two-hour behind-the-scenes documentary and audio commentary with Rob Zombie. The 31 digital HD release will include a four-hour behind-the-scenes documentary with two exclusive hours of footage not included on the Blu-ray release. For those who have previously purchased the digital release, the documentary will be available to watch beginning on December 20. 31 will be available on Blu-ray and DVD for the suggested retail price of $24.99 and $19.98, respectively.
BLU-RAY/ DVD/DIGITAL HD SPECIAL FEATURES
“In Hell Everybody Loves Popcorn: The Making of 31” Documentary
Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Rob Zombie
Now You can win the ROB ZOMBIE’S 31 Blu-ray. We Are Movie Geeks has one copy to give away. All you have to do is leave a comment below and answer this question: What is your favorite Rob Zombie movie? (Mine is THE DEVIL’S REJECTS!) It’s so easy! Good Luck!
OFFICIAL RULES:
1. YOU MUST BE A US RESIDENT. PRIZE WILL ONLY BE SHIPPED TO US ADDRESSES. NO P.O. BOXES. NO DUPLICATE ADDRESSES.
2. WINNERS WILL BE CHOSEN FROM ALL QUALIFYING ENTRIES.
From Rob Zombie, the visionary mind of the man who brought us HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES, THE DEVIL’S REJECTS, and HALLOWEEN comes 31, the horrific story of five carnival workers who are kidnapped the night before Halloween and held hostage in a large compound. At the mercy of their captors, they are forced to play a twisted game or life or death called 31. For the next 12 hours they must fight for their lives against an endless parade of homicidal maniacs.
31 stars Sheri Moon Zombie, Malcom McDowell, Meg Foster, Elizabeth Daily, Sandra Rosko, and Richard Brake
Now, thanks to Fathoms Events, you’ll have one opportunity to see Rob Zombie’s 31 on the big screen. It’s Thursday, September 1st at 7pm (CT). There will also be a Rob Zombie music video and a live video Q&A. Tickets to The Fathom Events screening of Rob Zombie’s 31 can be purchased online from www.FathomEvents.com
From Rob Zombie, the visionary mind of the man who brought us HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES, THE DEVIL’S REJECTS, and HALLOWEEN comes 31, the horrific story of five carnival workers who are kidnapped the night before Halloween and held hostage in a large compound. At the mercy of their captors, they are forced to play a twisted game or life or death called 31. For the next 12 hours they must fight for their lives against an endless parade of homicidal maniacs.
This new trailer for 31 looks absolutely terrifying:
Look for Rob Zombie’s 31 in Theaters October 21st.
31 stars Sheri Moon Zombie, Malcom McDowell, Meg Foster, Elizabeth Daily, Sandra Rosko, and Richard Brake
From the visionary mind of Rob Zombie comes 31, the horrific story of five carnival workers who are kidnapped the night before Halloween and held hostage in a large compound. At the mercy of their captors, they are forced to play a twisted game or life or death called 31. For the next 12 hours they must fight for their lives against an endless parade of homicidal maniacs.
Now check out this terrifying new poster:
Rob Zombie’s 31 In Theaters October 21st from Saban Films and Lionsgate
Rob Zombie’s 31 stars Sheri Moon Zombie, Malcom McDowell, Meg Foster, Elizabeth Daily, Sandra Rosko, and Richard Brake.
From the singular mind of horror maestro Rob Zombie comes a chilling plunge into a nightmare world where evil runs in the blood. The Lords of Salem tells the tale of Heidi (Sheri Moon Zombie), a radio station DJ living in Salem, Massachusetts, who receives a strange wooden box containing a record, a “gift from the Lords.” Heidi listens, and the bizarre sounds within the grooves immediately trigger flashbacks of the town’s violent past. Is Heidi going mad, or are the “Lords of Salem” returning for revenge on modern-day Salem?
Recently, I sat down with writer/director Rob Zombie to talk with him about the film. I cannot say enough good things about him. He is one of the nicest people that I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing. Check it out below.
Not only is THE LORDS OF SALEM coming out this month, but you’ve also released a book by the same name, and are releasing a new album ‘Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor’. Was it always the plan – for all three to be released around the same time?
RZ: Yes. It was always the plan, because what I’ve been doing in the past – for the past 10 years, is, I would make a movie, which would usually take me away from music for about two years, and then I would come back to music, and I would lose the vibe because I’d been gone for so long. Then, I would do music for a couple of years, and when I would come back to movies I would feel rusty, in a way. My plan was to, sort of, keep both going at the same time. So, what I did – why I think it’s taken THE LORDS OF SALEM so long to come out is that I would work on the film for a little while, then I would go do a tour. I would come back, shoot the movie, then work on a record, and then edit the movie. I just kept bouncing back and forth between the projects, which dragged out the process, but it kept both alive at all times. For me, I never felt like I went away from either in a creative sense, so it was very helpful.
This film seems more psychological than your past films. Did you purposely deviate from “murder” horror?
RZ: Yeah. I wanted to do something different What I had done in the past – each film had a sequel, so they were similar – and they were both physically violent, in your face, films. There was no psychological aspect. There’s one person that is physically brutalizing another person, and I didn’t want to do that again. I wanted to do something that’s a little more of a “mind fuck” type of movie where you’re not even sure if what’s happening is happening, or if it’s in her head… if she’s just a junkie that’s having delusions, or if it’s really happening. I just wanted to do something that’s more of a weird, “mind fuck” drama than more of a brutal, attack-type movie.
Not to spoil anything, but one of the images I found clever was the “baby licking” scene because, not only do you never see imagery like that in film, but it sets a tone for the film. When you use such shocking, strong imagery, how do you balance it out in your film? Or, do you even worry much about that balance?
RZ: I don’t usually worry about it. Strangely enough, what I usually feel when I’m done is that I didn’t push anything far enough. I never think “Oh, that’s too much to do that.” For me, a movie like this was shot so quickly, we shot the film in 22 days, that you really have to get it right the first time. You’re never really thinking. You just hope that it’s making sense because you are moving so quickly that there’s never time to think “How it’s going to balance with this?”, “Will that work?”. Every decision is made with your gut. Even with the actors. With this movie two takes was a luxury, and then we had to move on just because we were shooting so fast. You just kind of hope that you’re spontaneously making the right decisions. (laughs)
You mention making spontaneous decisions. Since you wear the hat of both writer and director, did you stick to your own script, or, especially with your short shooting schedule, did you edit as you went along?
RZ: It changes constantly. The book is basically the original script, and the book is so different from the movie, because, what happens once I start shooting is – being the writer/director is the only way to solve this problem – is that the time just slips away. There was no way we were ever going to make this movie in 22 days. That was just a stupid thing that any of us thought could happen, including myself. So, once you start working you go “Oh my god. Everything we have planned for today is not going to work, so we’re not doing anything that’s in the script” and I would make up, at lunch, a completely new thing that we were going to do. Basically, no one ever knew what was going on… ever… except for me. I would just go “Here. We’re doing this now.” Even a simple scene – like after Bruce Davison is dead… he’s lying on the floor and the three witches are standing there around him. We had no time, or anything, so I quickly wrote a new page for them and we had one chance. They ran into the other room, rehearsed, and then came in, we shot it and moved on. Every second of every day was like that. It becomes a domino effect. It’s just madness. This movie should have been about two characters in one little room, because we had no time and no money. Then I had the idea of making this grand extravaganza, so it was my fault.
I was surprised to see Dee Wallace in an evil role. She actually made me cringe when she held up that frying pan.
RZ: Yeah. She was very happy. She hates playing the nice mom characters. She despises it. I know she’s frustrated, always being someones mom in a movie.
Let’s go back to budget and editing. You just said that it should have been two people in one room… What were some of the biggest cuts, or changes that you had to make to accommodate your schedule?
RZ: One of the biggest things that went away was the back story on Salem, which took place in 1697. There’s a tiny bit of it that’s used in flashbacks throughout the movie, and it starts the movie, but that was a lot. There are certain people, like Sid Haig, MIchael Berryman – different people that are in the movie, but they’re in there for two seconds. They were actual characters with scenes, and a whole story, but we just didn’t have time. So, they almost became cool background people. Then, when that changed, that affects another thing. A lot of the stuff with Heidi and the apartment, and the things that happened to her… it all just went away. I was literally just making new stuff up constantly that I thought we could accomplish. Most movies will shoot half a page a day, or one page a day. We were plowing through 12 pages of script a day. At that rate it’s just madness at all times.
You worked with John 5 for most of the scoring of the film. As a musician, is it difficult to let go of the reins, or do you feel that it’s easier to communicate what you want out of the soundtrack?
RZ: It depends on who you’re working with. With John it was super easy because we collaborate so much, and we’ve been working together for 8 years. Some composers have an agenda. You meet with them and go “I need something like this”, and they will literally give you the exact opposite of what you want because they think “it needs this”. They don’t know the big picture. They’re not in the editing room working, so you get into this battle. I knew working with John – John’s thing is that he wanted to give me exactly what I wanted. He really wanted to make me happy. I had a shorthand with him. I could give him a really rough idea and he would come back with the perfect thing the first time. So, it was easy. It’s easy to give up the reins if you trust who you’re working with. It’s when you don’t trust them that things get weird.
You shot a lot of the film in Salem. How deep did you delve into the town’s history for this, and how was their reception to you filming there?
RZ: When I first went to Salem to location scout and stuff, they were great – because the movie was much more factual at that point. As the movie progressed, and I kept rewriting it, and changing it, the reality of the Salem witch trials in the movie varied wildly. Everyone was super cool, and it was great being there. You shoot in California, and everyone’s so jaded. Nobody wants anyone shooting on their street. In Salem everyone is excited like “Woah. There’s a film being made here!” so, it was great. The reception was – well, they haven’t seen the movie yet, so I don’t know what they’ll actually think about what we did with their town, but at the time it was good.
THE LORDS OF SALEM is written and directed by Rob Zombie, and stars Sheri Moon Zombie, Bruce Davison, Jeff Daniel Phillips, Ken Foree, Patricia Quinn, Dee Wallace, Maria Conchita Alonso, Judy Geeson, Meg Foster, and Richard Fancy.
