Why ‘Smile’ Director Parker Finn Didn’t Want to Bog the Horror Film Down in Mythology
thewrap.com“Smile” is here.The new horror film from Paramount Pictures concerns a young doctor (Sosie Bacon) who, after a patient kills themselves in front of her, uncovers a vast and bizarre mystery involving a demonic curse that causes some very unsettling smiles.
It’s a terrific little horror movie, full of genuinely scary moments and indelible images. If you head to a theater this weekend to watch, you will undoubtedly be surrounded by screaming viewers (yourself probably included).“Smile” had its world premiere at Fantastic Fest, an international film festival in Austin, Texas, known for its commitment to cutting-edge genre cinema.
TheWrap spoke with writer/director Parker Finn the morning after the premiere. “I can’t think of a better audience to debut for than for Fantastic Fest,” Parker said. “Just feeling everybody clenching all at the same time, squirming in their seats, screaming, laughing because they’re so nervous.
Just the molecules in the air, it was amazing. It was the first time I got to see the finished film with an audience and it was incredible.”TheWrap spoke to Finn about the process of adapting his own short film for the big screen, his inspiration for the story and what makes smiles so creepy.I’m always so fascinated by the transition from short film to feature and I was wondering if you could talk about what your experience was.Certainly.
Read more on thewrap.com