Timon C. West, better known as Ti West, is a multifaceted American filmmaker celebrated for his contributions to the horror genre. Born on October 5, 1980, in Wilmington, Delaware, West has carved a niche for himself as a director, producer, screenwriter, editor, cinematographer, and occasional actor. His journey in the film industry began in 2001 and continues to thrive, with a portfolio that includes notable horror films such as “The Roost” (2005), “Trigger Man” (2007), “The House of the Devil” (2009), “The Innkeepers” (2011), “The Sacrament” (2013), and the more recent “X” and its prequel “Pearl” (both 2022). He also ventured into the Western genre with “In a Valley of Violence” (2016).
West’s early life in Wilmington was marked by a suburban middle-class upbringing. He attended Tatnall School and later the School of Visual Arts, where he was mentored by screenwriter and director Kelly Reichardt. This mentorship led to an introduction to Larry Fessenden, who funded West’s first two films, “The Roost” and “Trigger Man.” West’s passion for filmmaking was ignited by watching Peter Jackson’s “Bad Taste” and Sam Raimi’s “Evil Dead,” which inspired him to pursue a career in horror cinema.
West’s directorial debut came with the 2001 short film “The Wicked,” followed by his first feature film, “The Roost,” in 2005. He continued to build his reputation with “Trigger Man” in 2007 and “The House of the Devil” in 2009, the latter of which he also wrote, produced, and edited. In 2009, he created the web series “Dead & Lonely” for IFC Films, further showcasing his versatility in the horror genre.
Despite his successes, West faced challenges in his career. He disowned the 2009 horror film “Cabin Fever 2: Spring Fever” due to significant interference and re-editing, which led him to request that his name be removed from the project—a request that was denied. He was also set to direct “The Haunting in Georgia,” the sequel to “The Haunting in Connecticut,” but left the project in 2010.
In 2012, West collaborated with other horror filmmakers on the anthology film “V/H/S,” directing the segment “Second Honeymoon.” His work continued to gain recognition, and in 2015, he directed an episode of MTV’s “Scream” television series and an episode of the horror series “South of Hell.” West’s foray into the Western genre came with “In a Valley of Violence,” starring Ethan Hawke, Taissa Farmiga, and John Travolta, which premiered at South by Southwest in 2016.
In late 2020, it was announced that A24 would produce a horror film titled “X,” directed by West and starring Mia Goth, Scott Mescudi, Jenna Ortega, and Brittany Snow. The film was released on March 18, 2022, to critical acclaim. During the production of “X,” filming in New Zealand was temporarily halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading West to write a screenplay for a prequel, “Pearl.” The prequel was filmed back-to-back with “X” and released in September 2022, also receiving critical acclaim. West has since confirmed that he is working on a third installment in the series, a sequel to “X” titled “MaXXXine.”
In addition to his work in film, West directed the music video for Justin Timberlake’s single “No Angels,” released on March 15, 2024, as part of Timberlake’s sixth studio album “Everything I Thought It Was.”
On a personal note, West is engaged to Australian DJ Alison Wonderland, and the couple welcomed their first child, a son named Max, on June 13, 2023.
West’s filmography is extensive, with notable works including “The Roost,” “Trigger Man,” “The House of the Devil,” “The Innkeepers,” “The Sacrament,” “In a Valley of Violence,” “X,” and “Pearl.” He has also directed several short films, web series, and television episodes, showcasing his versatility and dedication to the craft of filmmaking.
Throughout his career, West has received numerous awards and nominations, including the NYIIFVF Short Film Award for Best Director – Student Film for “The Wicked” in 2001, the Fangoria Chainsaw Award for Best with Less for “The Roost” in 2005, and the Toronto After Dark Film Festival Fan’s Choice Award for Scariest Film for “The Innkeepers” in 2011. His work on “Pearl” earned him the Sitges Film Festival Award for Best Director in 2022.
Ti West’s journey in the film industry is a testament to his passion for storytelling and his ability to navigate the challenges of filmmaking. His dedication to the horror genre and his willingness to explore new territories, such as the Western genre, have solidified his reputation as a talented and versatile filmmaker. As he continues to create and innovate, audiences can look forward to more thrilling and thought-provoking films from this visionary director.
Source: Wikipedia, Rotten Tomatoes, The New York Times, Dread Central, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Filmmaker, Legacy.com, Maxim, Filmmaker, Dread Central, MovieWeb, /Film, Deadline Hollywood, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, YouTube, People, Locus Online
