Fear On Film (1982)

It’s always fascinating to hear filmmakers talk shop and genre with each other as their idiosyncrasies shine through to reveal their own personal tastes and influences. This 1982 TV special collects hot horror directors of the day John Landis, John Carpenter, and David Cronenberg to talk about their processes and approaches to the genre. Moderated by future Master Of Horror and accomplished filmmaker in his own right Mick Garris, it’s a breezy half hour that’s only somewhat marred by the inclusion of Landis. The best part is seeing these very different personalities on display, with goofy motormouth Landis bouncing off taciturn Carpenter (who never seems to really give a shit outside of making movies and music) and the personable but very precise composure of Cronenberg.

Landis had already made AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON and is probably only a couple of months away from killing people on the set of his segment in THE TWILIGHT ZONE: THE MOVIE. Meanwhile Carpenter’s THE THING was set to come out that year (and fail before becoming a genre classic) while Cronenberg was prepping on VIDEODROME. Which makes for a very fascinating time in the life and careers of all three.