If you weren’t sufficiently spooked by Terrifier 3 this Halloween, director Damien Leone has revealed what he considers to be the ultimate horror film of all time – and it’s a timeless classic.
Leone has emerged as one of the most thrilling directors in the horror genre, largely due to his introduction of a unique character we never knew we needed: Art the Clown.
With moments that range from Vicky’s terrifying glass shard incident to stylized sequences reminiscent of American Psycho, Terrifier 3 showcases Leone’s boundless creativity and has shattered box office records with its distinctively brutal style.
“I still believe it’s The Exorcist, I really do,” Leone revealed. “It truly is a masterpiece.”
He specifically highlighted the film’s fleeting image of the pale-faced demon and how it resonates with the Terrifier series.
“People often wonder, ‘What makes clowns frightening?’ I respond, ‘I’m not sure if clowns in general are scary, but I definitely find a clown with a white face far more unsettling than one without a white face.’
“I frequently compare this to Linda Blair’s character in The Exorcist or the demon that appears fleetingly in the film. It’s just a white, subliminal visage that you catch for an instant.
“A white face symbolizes death, and there’s an inherent understanding that a figure like that shouldn’t be grinning at me or approaching wielding a knife.”
Leone concluded, “I could elaborate endlessly on why The Exorcist is so profoundly unsettling.”
He isn’t alone in this conviction; many surveys and studies have consistently ranked The Exorcist as the most terrifying film ever produced, an impressive feat considering it has been over five decades since its release.
While the tones may contrast significantly, Terrifier 3 incorporates numerous religious elements.
“I chose to fully immerse myself in the struggle between good and evil,” Leone explained further. “This installment is rich with Biblical themes and imagery.”
If you’re seeking additional thrills this Halloween, don’t miss our Terror-Tober schedule to see what’s coming up! We’ve also curated a selection of the best horror anime and a list of the most frightening horror film villains, featuring Art, of course.
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