Prior to delving into Terrifier 3, there’s an essential film to check out: All Hallows’ Eve, marking Damien Leone’s inaugural full-length feature, featuring none other than Art the Clown.
Leone set out on a mission to craft a modern slasher icon for horror enthusiasts. While characters like Freddy, Jason, Ghostface, Leatherface, and even Pennywise have left a significant mark throughout the 20th century, newer figures have faced challenges gaining similar recognition in contemporary cinema.
With the introduction of Art the Clown, he’s successfully carved out his own niche in the horror genre. Notably, Terrifier 3 is anticipated to surpass the box office performance of the entire franchise this weekend, potentially even surpassing Joker 2 in the United States.
Despite Art’s origins remaining intentionally ambiguous, his influence extends beyond the Terrifier series, which is where All Hallows’ Eve plays a crucial role.
The Importance of Watching All Hallows’ Eve Ahead of Terrifier 3
Leone initially introduced Art the Clown through two short films: the 2008 short The 9th Circle, where he made a fleeting appearance, and 2011’s Terrifier, showcasing him pursuing a young woman who encounters one of his horrific acts.
The later short faced rejection from several film festivals, leading Leone to upload it on YouTube for free, which quickly garnered hundreds of thousands of views, attracting producer Jesse Baget’s eye.
“The producer was in search of Halloween-themed shorts on YouTube and aimed to create an anthology based on them. I was eager to transition from the Terrifier short to a full feature, but this was the opportunity that arose at that moment,” Leone told SlashFilm.
“It was incredibly thrilling to hear: ‘Hey, this is going to be available in stores and on DVD!’ At that point, it was the most thrilling news I could have imagined.”
Released in 2013, All Hallows’ Eve follows a babysitter who discovers an unknown VHS tape inside a trick-or-treat bag.
There are three compelling reasons to watch this film. Firstly, while the position of All Hallows’ Eve in the Terrifier lore is not clearly defined, it marks the first full appearance of Art in a feature film—and importantly, emphasizes his potential supernatural nature.
Secondly, it’s genuinely entertaining! Although it may not reach the heights of the first two films in the main series, the final segment is truly chilling (and notably gruesome).
Lastly, it’s important to note that a different actor portrays Art the Clown.
A New Take on Art the Clown in All Hallows’ Eve
No matter your feelings about the Terrifier films, David Howard Thornton’s animated and menacing portrayal of Art the Clown has received widespread acclaim. However, in All Hallows’ Eve, the menacing role is occupied by Mike Giannelli.
Thornton didn’t take on the role of Art until the 2016 film Terrifier, whereas Giannelli donned the signature black-and-white ensemble in Leone’s earlier shorts, leading to his performance in All Hallows’ Eve.
While Thornton is undoubtedly impressive, Giannelli arguably offers an even more terrifying interpretation of Art. The Terrifier series adds a layer of dark humor to him, yet Giannelli’s portrayal captures a deeper sense of mystery and unease.
Leone elaborated on the casting shift in an interview with the Austin Chronicle, stating, “Mike seemed like just a guy in a clown costume, while David embodies the essence of a clown,” as he explained.
“In real life, he’s a living cartoon. He resembles Roger Rabbit, making it hard to believe he transforms into Art the Clown, but he can easily flip that switch to reveal the darker side.”
Conversely, Giannelli disclosed to The Square Round Table that he had been offered the chance to step into the role for Terrifier. “[Leone] always aspired to be a renowned horror director, while I desired a family,” he noted.
“In the end, both of us achieved our goals. I had the opportunity to be in Terrifier, but I opted out. Filming isn’t really my preference; the hours are demanding, and the makeup application is time-consuming. It simply wasn’t my thing.”
Where to Stream All Hallows’ Eve
All Hallows’ Eve can be streamed with a Shudder subscription, or you can catch it for free on Tubi.
It is also available on AMC+, and you can choose to buy or rent it online or get a physical copy on DVD or Blu-ray.
Make sure you’re of age to view Terrifier 3 and check out our interview with its star who plays Santa.
For additional movie recommendations, we have compiled a list of all horror films available for streaming in October along with a ranking of the greatest horror films of all time.
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