Over the course of his impressive 40-year career, Chuck Russell has consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to transform emerging talent into stars. He played a pivotal role in Patricia Arquette’s first film role in 1987’s “A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors.” He also helped catapult Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz to fame with the 1994 hit “The Mask,” recognizing Diaz’s potential despite it being her debut film. Additionally, Russell facilitated Dwayne Johnson’s transition from wrestling to acting by casting him in the 2002 film “The Scorpion King.”
Russell’s passion for showcasing raw talent transcends genres, budgets, and scopes. His fascination with the potential of performers began in the theater, where he learned the importance of humanizing characters. “We have to humanize these things, whether it’s action or comedy or drama,” he explains. “You gotta get into your performers’ heads. You gotta get their actual personality into their performances.”
Currently, Russell is promoting his latest project, “Witchboard,” a remake of the 1986 cult classic, which premiered at the Fantasia Festival in Montreal. This indie horror film marks a return to the genre that first established his career, following his work on “Dream Warriors” and the 1988 remake of “The Blob.” Both films have remained beloved by fans of ’80s horror.
“Witchboard” follows a young woman named Emily, played by Madison Iseman, who discovers a haunted spirit board in the woods. As she uses it for personal gain, dark events begin to unfold around her. What sets this film apart from typical horror offerings is its rich sense of place and character development. Emily and her fiancé, Christian, portrayed by Aaron Dominguez, are surrounded by a lively group of friends in the vibrant French Quarter of New Orleans, where much of the film was shot. Christian’s endeavor to open a fine-dining restaurant adds depth to the narrative, providing opportunities for engaging scenes filled with food and camaraderie. Russell emphasizes the importance of creating multi-dimensional characters, ensuring they have lives beyond the supernatural elements of the story.
The setting of New Orleans plays a significant role in shaping the film’s atmosphere. Russell notes, “My impression of classic witchcraft and sorcery is associated with the mystique of New Orleans.” He draws connections between the witch trials in France and the French influence in New Orleans, aiming to create a narrative that links the present-day characters with those from the 1700s who inspired the original Witchboard. The vibrant culture and music of New Orleans serve as a colorful backdrop for the film.
Russell’s desire to incorporate food into the story reflects his personal interests. “I’ve been wanting to do a foodie film, so a number of my interests came to play here,” he shares. He sees a connection between food and horror, likening his approach to “food horror.” He recalls a time in his life after college when he and his friends aspired to open a boutique restaurant, which inspired the film’s premise. Russell aims to break away from formulaic horror tropes, focusing on character-driven storytelling rather than simply timing character deaths.
The film’s tension builds gradually, aided by Jamie Campbell Bower’s captivating performance as a sinister college professor who seeks the Witchboard for his own nefarious purposes. Russell faced the challenge of executing elaborate set pieces, including a chaotic dinner party scene, while working with a limited budget. He creatively utilized a real restaurant setting, allowing for intricate staging and planning to achieve the desired effects.
Russell believes that audiences deserve compelling narratives. “I just think the audiences deserve a great tale,” he asserts. He relishes the opportunity to work with new talent, finding joy in discovering their limits and potential. “Honestly, the opportunity in independent film to work with new talents or to help bring up young actors — these are wonderful, young new talents, and it’s a real pleasure to find their limits.”
As he reflects on his career, Russell expresses a desire to surpass his previous achievements. “It’s my personal horror trilogy: ‘Elm Street,’ ‘The Blob’ and this,” he states. “I wanted to outdo myself. That was the challenge to myself: To outdo what I’ve done before.”
In an exclusive interview, Russell shares his excitement about the world premiere of “Witchboard.” Although the film is set in New Orleans, much of it was filmed in Montreal, where the Fantasia Festival is taking place. This return to the horror genre feels like a homecoming for Russell, who first gained recognition in the late ’80s with “A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors” and his gory reimagining of “The Blob.”
“Witchboard” stars Madison Iseman as Emily, a recovering drug addict who, along with her fiancé Christian and their friends, is preparing to open an organic café in New Orleans. While foraging for mushrooms, Emily stumbles upon an ancient pendulum board from 17th-century France, which she initially views as a quirky decoration. However, it soon becomes evident that the board is a dangerous portal to supernatural forces.
Despite stepping away from horror in the ’90s to explore other genres, Russell is thrilled to return to his roots. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining the film’s shocking moments without revealing too much. While “Witchboard” may seem old-fashioned compared to more self-aware contemporary horror films, it possesses a refreshing simplicity that resonates with audiences.
Russell recalls the positive feedback from horror enthusiasts who appreciated the film’s narrative depth. “We had some guys we call The Horror Bros come in, that were all tatted up and were horror film experts, and they were impressed that there was a story,” he recounts. “They said too many horror films don’t really have a story to follow; they’re all about the set pieces.”
When asked about his return to horror, Russell explains that he sought a project that would allow him to unleash his imagination and create something genuinely scary. He found inspiration in the original “Witchboard,” viewing it as an opportunity to reimagine the concept and explore the visual possibilities of pendulum boards, which he believes have been underrepresented in film.
Russell’s approach to character development is rooted in the idea of capturing the bonds formed during a pivotal time in life, particularly after college. He wanted to portray a group of friends facing challenges together while also weaving in a love story. The film’s characters are flawed yet relatable, embodying the everyman who confronts darkness.
The film’s antagonist, Naga, played by Antonia Desplat, is not a one-dimensional villain. Russell delves into her backstory, exploring the motivations that led her to embrace darkness. He aims to create a nuanced portrayal of evil, emphasizing that the church historically persecuted herbalists and those practicing white magic.
In crafting the film’s world, Russell relied on his instincts rather than drawing heavily from other movies. He sought to create well-rounded characters while maintaining a sense of suspense and unpredictability. He acknowledges the influence of films like “The Witch” but prefers to let the script guide him.
When it comes to gore, Russell favors practical effects over CGI, believing they evoke a more visceral response. He emphasizes the importance of character investment in horror, stating that the audience’s connection to the characters heightens the impact of violent moments. He likens the mechanics of horror to comedy, where suspense builds before delivering a surprising payoff.
Reflecting on his early career, Russell fondly recalls his time at New Line Cinema, where he had the freedom to explore creative ideas. He highlights the collaborative spirit of the era, where filmmakers were supported in their vision. Russell’s experience with emerging talent during that time parallels his current work on “Witchboard,” where he is excited to nurture new actors.
As he looks ahead, Russell remains committed to pushing boundaries and exploring new creative avenues. “Witchboard” represents not only a return to horror but also a chance to innovate within the genre, showcasing the potential of fresh talent and compelling storytelling.
Source: Variety, Deadline
