H13: Mike Schiff – The History of Metal and Horror
Written by Mike Schiff
Monday, 19 October 2015 02:00
What better way to open up Uber Rock’s 13 Days of Halloween than by getting the man behind the upcoming documentary, The History of Metal and Horror, to answer thirteen horrific questions? Filmmaker Mike Schiff has spent the better part of the last year interviewing some of the biggest icons in both the metal and horror worlds, including Alice Cooper, Tom Savini, Gunnar Hansen, Kirk Hammett, Jonathan Davis, Sid Haig, Corey Taylor, John Russo, Charlie Benante, Chris Jericho, Doug Bradley, Doyle, Twiggy Ramirez, John 5 and Wednesday 13, now he tackles the infamous H13…..
1.) What are your most vivid childhood memories of Halloween?
I remember these awful plastic costumes in the early ’80s. The corners in the mouth openings would always crack and scratch my face. I believe I was dressed as Calibos from Clash of the Titans in 1981.
2.) Why do you think that the worlds of horror and metal/punk have always been so closely linked?
I think it all comes down to a fascination with things that are dark, evil, and aggressive. Some people have a need for the adrenaline rush that comes with watching a scary movie or listening to some fast and loud music. Sometimes coming away from a really intense horror film is like stepping out of a mosh pit. You just take a moment and say to yourself, “Whoa… that was a rush.”
3.) Has there been a horror remake yet that has bettered the original movie?
The remakes that stand out are definitely films like The Thing, The Fly, and The Ring. Some I feel are at least as good as the originals like Let Me In, The Hills Have Eyes, Night of the Living Dead, and The Last House on the Left.
4.) What’s the greatest ever horror movie kill?
There are so many great ones. One that really stands out is the death of Kane in Alien, during the chest bursting scene. It was so well shot and the actors performed brilliantly. It also helped that they really had no idea what the effect would look like, so their reactions were legit.
5.) Who is the baddest ever horror movie villain…and why?
Damien, specifically in The Omen II always stood out for me. He had the dark forces of nature on his side working for him. That kid could end you without even trying. Doesn’t get badder than being the actual anti-Christ.
6.) Who is the greatest ever Scream Queen?
Marilyn Burns in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre brought things to a whole new level. Her escape scene at the end is legendary in the world of horror.
7.) Name your Top 5 favourite horror movies of all time…and tell us why!!
It would be easier for me to say what my top 20 would be, but I’ll try to narrow it down to five.
1.] The Exorcist: Kind of an obvious one, but it really is a perfect horror film from beginning to end. The filmmakers brilliantly created an atmosphere so uncomfortable that it stays with you long after seeing the film.
2.] Dawn of the Dead (1978): Few zombie films really presented such a great example of the chaos that ensues during such an apocalyptic event. The scene that always got me was the one in which a new broadcast is playing where the scientist is arguing with the reporter. As the argument peaks, Peter is forced to shoot Roger in the head after he rises from the bed as a zombie.
3.] A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984): I was a HUGE Freddy fan as a kid. I felt Wes Craven created such an original story and character. It wasn’t just a fun film, but it was very intelligent and creepy at times. What made Freddy so great in the original was the fact that he was purely evil and kept heavily in the shadows. What ensued in the later films was a travesty.
4.] Prince of Darkness: Lots of cool and creepy stuff going on there. The tachyons in the dream sequence were brilliant as they continued to extend throughout the film. There’s something about distorted video and audio signals that always fascinated me. The Twilight Zone episode, ‘Night Calls’ had the same affect.
5.] In the Mouth of Madness: While it’s kind of an obscure choice, I love films that distort reality the way this one did. I was fascinated by the fact that the characters really had no control over their fate as the world had been taken over by the infection of Sutter Cane’s books.
8.) What underrated horror movie would you recommend to our readers just in case they have never seen it?
The Serpent and the Rainbow. Another great one by Wes Craven which rarely gets mentioned. I always loved the quote from the film, “Don’t let them bury me. I’m not dead.”
9.) What is your guilty pleasure, the trashy horror flick that you hold dear but everyone else runs away from?
A Nightmare on Elm Street II. That film has been trashed for years, but I love it because Freddy was still evil as hell and kept shadowed.
10.) What is the greatest ever horror movie poster?
While there are many others I would have on my wall, the poster for Jaws has to be one of the most well known throughout film history. It’s effective enough to make anyone with a fear of sharks become uneasy.
11.) Have you ever had a ghostly supernatural experience?
Still waiting for one.
12.) What ‘star’ of the music world would you like to see slaughtered in gory horror movie style?
Miley Cyrus. I would love to see her in a Saw film in which she sticks her tongue out one too many times and violently has it removed with a way over-the-top torture device.
13.) What are your plans for Halloween this year?
Still weighing out options. Hopefully something excessively bloody.
Contribute or simply get more information on The History of Metal and Horror at:
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-history-of-metal-and-horror#/story