Dissecting Fear: An Interview with UNCLE TNUC

 It was almost two years ago that we launched TrueHorror.net and had the honor of being featured on a website that would soon become one of our favorites. That site was uncletnuc.com headed up by non other than the man himself, UNCLE TNUC. Since then we have gone on to become avid supporters of each others work and I count him as one of the good friends that I've made throughout this TrueHorror venture. His website, if you haven't been to it yet (and please change that immediately) is a paradise of nostalgic euphoria. A place where lost legends return, forgotten memories are jogged and amazing sounds echo throughout. A gifted writer, his posts are always thoroughly entertaining and full of heart. He has definitely been an inspiration for me when it comes to putting together new content for the site. He covers a wide variety of subjects, all of them awesome. Ever wonder what happened to American Gladiator's star Malibu? Tnuc has you covered! Want to read a tale about his recurring dream of being stranded on a tropical island, inhabited solely by brain eating zombie babes, complete with soundtrack selections? He has that too. His fantastic music mixes ranging from Thanksgiving themed to Horror inspired are in fact the direct inspiration for our Halloween mixes I we release every October. From analyzing the score's of classic yet under appreciated 80's films to naming a " Deadbeat of the Month", the quality reads and listens are endless, and I cannot recommend them to you in any better way, other than saying if you don't go check them out, you should reevaluate your own personal level of cool, because it is surely not what you think it is.  

I can't thank TNUC enough for the helpful input on projects he has given me over the years. With him being so well versed in nostalgia, I was excited to get him involved in this interview and hear what he would bring to the table. So lets get down to business.

1. As a child what horror film and/or horror character scared you the most and why do you feel they had this effect on you?

I have to agree with everyone else that has said Michael Myers. Halloween was the first 'slasher/killer' type film I had seen and watching this emotionless, robotic figure tear apart a perfectly nice community really shook me to my core. To me Michael Myers was just as effectively scary during the daytime scenes as he was at night, which was really unsettling to me. Another film that really got to me was Pet Sematary. The movie just gradually gets so devastating until there are really no happy endings for anyone. I have a real thing those Stephen King "Maine" films. I grew up in New England so they kind of hit home in a weird way.

Do you have an example telling of an instance where this fear really manifested itself and had an impact on you and your behavior?

Not particularly relating to those movies, but I remember the first time being truly terrified was after watching an episode of Rescue 911, the show hosted by William Shatner. The episode was about a burglar who breaks into a family's home during the night while they're sleeping. For some reason they really nailed it with the home invasion reenactment. They never showed the intruder's face but there was a bunch of eerie blue lighting and this family was just losing their shit while this manbeast barged through the bedroom door. I was probably 7 or 8 and the thought of some drooly guy breaking into my house was definitely my worst nightmare. I didn't sleep all night.

What VHS covers or movie posters scared you as a kid and why do you feel the poster or cover had this effect on you?

Roaming the VHS horror aisles was nothing but a treat except when I came across the box for Children Shouldn't Play With Dead Things (1973). Most artwork in the horror section was incredible looking and vivid, but this particular cover was super low budget and just had this dead girl ripping apart human flesh. It was grainy looking and for all I knew it was a polaroid taken in the video store parking lot during a recent slaying.

Do you have a specific example of a time you may remember that you have come across one of these and it had that effect on you when you were younger?

Not that I can remember. I just loved gazing at artwork for the Friday the 13th movies, weirdo European horror and all the the rubber puppet flicks like Ghoulies, Critters and Troll!

What is your definition of "scary"? When it comes to modern horror films these days so many people are quick to say a film isn't scary, but each person has a different definition of what scary is.

Tough question. I'd say a steady build of dread to the point where you're looking all over the screen in anticipation for what's going to happen. Movies that take their time to show you the killer, monster, beast...instead of throwing it at you every 5 minutes. Also anything that can pull off being scary at night AND during the day. These don't come around very often!

What modern horror film would you say actually scared you? 

The Strangers really got to me. The abandonment and silence in that movie made it feel like you were with that couple, in their neighborhood and home. It was super dark but not so dark that you can't make out what was going on (hate that). I went in knowing completely nothing about the film which I know played a heavy part in this as well.

What do you Not consider scary or dislike in your horror films?

Cell phone! I get why they show up in horror movies these days but when they're part of the potential "scare" part I can't help but roll my eyes. Text messages just aren't giving me the willies. Also anything too clean or hi-def. To me horror should be at least a bit grainy and uneasy looking, that includes the characters too! I have a hard time watching super clean-cut actors that look like Abercrombie models in these sorts of films.

What do you look for or to get out of horror films these days?

Something that I walk away from and can't stop thinking about for a few days.

What is your favorite recent horror film and why?

I know its been out for a few years but whenever anyone asks what "newish" horror movie they should watch I always recommend Adam Wingard's YOU'RE NEXT. It's  a top notch horror film and just great in general. I've watched it with fans of the genre but also with people completely uninterested in anything-horror. My mom probably hadn't watched a single horror movie since the 1970's but one time I brought it home and she watched it and was really into it. I also love what Ti West is doing these days and really hope he returns to horror.

Lastly, do you feel there is a certain way or mindset to have it be effectively frightening?

As much as I love watching movies at home, something about seeing horror on the big screen with a packed albeit respectful crowd really just elevates the overall experience. I've sat through certain films at home thinking they're dead boring but caught the same movie years later at the theater and have a blast. It's hard to be distracted in the dark with a massive screen in front of you.

Thanks as always for participating! 

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Remember to head over to uncletnuc.com

For a cornucopia of pleasurable sounds for your ears, be sure to do yourself a favor follow Uncle TNUC on Soundcloud, you will not be disappointed. Uncle Tnuc Soundcloud

Twitter

Dissecting Fear: An Interview with Queen of Screams Lisa Fremont

People can criticize social media all they want, but the fact remains when used a certain way, it is a fantastic tool to connect and network with new, cool people who are fun and interesting to talk to. When the majority of your close friends just aren't into the horror scene the way you are, you have to go elsewhere to find like minded folks to discuss your passions and opinions. This is how I met Lisa, I sadly don't recall the initial convo that had us cross paths, but I can say that she was one of the earliest horror related friendships I forged via Twitter. Lisa is not only a die hard horror fan but also a horror journalist who currently writes for the website HaddonfieldHorror.com where you can read a wonderful interview she conducted with her favorite final girl Marilyn Burns of Texas Chainsaw Massacre fame. You can and should check that out at the link provided at the end of this article. She also writes for the site TheHorrorHoneys.com where she covers TV horror in all its glory...or non glory depending on the show. We have had plenty of great conversations regarding all manner of things, plenty of which stem from our love for horror films such as You're Next and The Guest, as well as their respective synth laden soundtracks. So when it came time to prepare this ongoing interview series, I knew I had to include her as I always enjoy hearing her opinion on things. So thank you Lisa for taking time out of your busy schedule to participate, and here we go!

 As a child what horror film and/or horror character scared you the most and why do you feel they had this effect on you?

Freddy Krueger. As a child who suffered from nightmares on a regular basis, the idea of a boogie man that could actually get to me in my dreams seemed absolutely plausible.

Do you have an example telling of an instance or two where this fear really manifested itself and had an impact on you and your behavior?

There was a time period after first seeing "A Nightmare On Elm Street 3" where I was legitimately terrified to fall asleep and would try to keep myself awake.

What VHS covers or horror movie posters scared you as a kid and why do you feel the poster or cover had this effect on you?

"Return to Horror High" and "April Fool's Day" were the two VHS covers that I was aboslutely mesmerized by. It's so silly to look at now, but the skeleton in a cheer leading outfit really unnerved me. The idea that a full skeleton could walk around was terrifying. "April Fool's day" was chilling because it showed a well dressed woman with murderous intentions and I really gravitated to that as a child weaned on Hitchcock. I'm terrified and drawn in by a devious woman

Do you have a specific example of a time you may remember that you have come across one of these and it had that effect on you when you were younger? 

I actually refused to watch "April Fool's Day" until I was around 16 just because I was so terrified of what I was going to see.

What is your definitions of "scary" when it comes to modern horror films these days? So many people are quick to say a film isn't scary but each person has a different definition of "scary" and what that means.

For me, anything that could potentially happen in real life scares me. Home invasion and properly done paranormal films can really do me in. "The Strangers" really, really bothered me for days after seeing it. Sometimes, I still expect to see Dollface when I look out my windows at night.

What do you NOT consider scary or dislike in your horror films?

Rape has definitely become an overused vehicle for horror and I find it disgusting. Rape is a violent crime that I do not like to see used to freely. There are absolutely examples of well done rape revenge films, but they are few and far between.

What do you look for or want to get out of horror films these days?

I am always hoping to be legitimately scared. I want a film to get under my skin and make me think.

What is your favorite recent horror film and why?

I simply cannot say enough about 'The Canal". I believe in ghosts and the idea that bad spirits stick around and continue to cause harm, so this movie really worked for me on all levels. It only used clever lighting and simple, yet amazing, storytelling to properly scare me. Less is always more.

Lastly, do you feel these is a certain way or mindset to have to watch a horror film as far as it being effectively frightening?

I think the only thing necessary is an open mind. Too often, we go into something already assuming the worst and who knows how much that influences our experience. I also believe in knowing as little about a film as possible. I think seeing a million different trailers and reading all of the interviews before seeing a film really dilutes the "Christmas Morning" experience.

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Be sure to  give Lisa a follow on Twitter and Instagram @lcfremont 

Before reading her interview with Marilyn Burns, read what she wrote about what her character Sally Hardesty means to her here!

Read her fantastic in depth interview with the original The Texas Chainsaw Massacre star Marilyn Burns here !