Brandon Slagle

By Derek in Actors and Actresses on Feb 12, 2009

"The Prince of Horror" shares what he would change about the film industry

Brandon Slagle has become a name in the "B" horror film industry. He has even been named as the "Prince of Horror" because he is the most sought-after actor in the Indie horror film industry. You can find more information about Brandon by visiting his Myspace page.

What would you consider to be the scariest film ever made and why?

It would be a tie between the original "Alien" and the Italian film "Suspiria" – and both for different reasons. "Alien" managed to be a science fiction film that was handled in a very mature way and a lot of the dialogue was improvised which gave the situations between the characters a very real and immediate feel. They also did right by not casting any flavor of the months and casting actual "good" actors – something more horror films should do. "Suspiria" is totally different in that it's very stylized, but in a way that evokes a real sense of fear. The amazing soundtrack by Goblin also helps it quite a bit and definitely sets it apart since most horror film music is either orchestrated or ambient noise.

How did you get involved in acting?

It's what I was put on this Earth for. I can do so many creative things well – art, music, photography, writing, etc. – but I honestly cannot remember a single moment in my life when I had thought of myself as anything but an actor. From my earliest memories to now, it's been the one single constant as far as a career or life immersion goes.

There are several classic horror films being remade. What horror film(s) would you like to see remade and why?

None of them. Let's come up with some new ideas, shall we?

What's the strangest fan encounter you've ever had?

It wasn't so much strange as it was inspiring. At a horror convention that I was a guest at, a few people wanted to take pictures of myself and Angela Bettis – who has also done a lot of horror and more mainstream than I have – together. It made me feel like some of that hard work paid off just a bit and made me want to push even harder.

What is one thing you would change about the film industry?

It's a tie. I would first rid the film industry of directors, producers, etc. who believe that if they give an actress a break then said the actress will be indebted to give him (or perhaps her) sexual favors. Then I would do what I can to ensure that people with actual talent get the roles and exposure that they deserve. The current surge of paparazzi and gossip magazines has shifted the public's attention to people who are famous for being famous, and not famous for doing something great.

What horror film director would you like to work with and why?

He isn't a horror director per se – but Ridley Scott. I love his visual style and how he works with actors.

In your opinion, what makes a great horror film?

Suspense, originality and good characters. People tend to forget to add those things to the mix. If you don't have things to keep people's attention, then the usual impending "gorefest" is pointless.

Do you think any horror films made today lack something? If so, what?

Ironically – suspense, originality and good characters. Not all of them…but I think a lot of people underestimate the audience and give them a series of clichés that they think are what people want and usually the mark is missed. The horror audience is smarter than most people give it credit for.

Would you ever consider directing/writing a horror film?

I've already done that to varying degrees. I wrote and directed a horror-themed film called "Subject 87" which looks at mental experimentation, though the film became more of an experimental work than a narrative work. I co-wrote the film "Methodic" which I star in, as well as did a revision of the film "Polycarp" which was strangely renamed "Kinky Killers" when Universal picked it up. After I was cast as the lead character in it, my version of the film was relatively scrapped sans 1-2 scenes and a line here and there. I can't lie about that one…I have extremely grudgingly mixed feelings on that one. "Methodic" I am happy with though.

Anything you would like to add?

A true artist should never limit himself or consider his/her pathway complete. It's all part of a journey and one should never stop learning.