Famed Horror Director John Carpenter Discusses College Exit, the ‘Barbie’ Phenomenon, and True Crime Storytelling

John Carpenter, a name inextricably linked with the realm of fictional horror, is at the age of 75 venturing into the sphere of real-life horror through his upcoming show, “John Carpenter’s Suburban Screams.” The renowned filmmaker, celebrated for seminal works such as “Halloween” and “The Thing,” engaged in a comprehensive interview with The Big Big News prior to the debut of this non-scripted anthology series. The interview is set to air on the Peacock network on the fitting date of Friday, October 13, and has been edited for coherence and conciseness.

AP: The advent of the internet has greatly expanded access to educational resources. This is particularly interesting given your previous comments on how film school played a role in your understanding of movie-making.

Carpenter: Indeed, the landscape has evolved dramatically. From the technology to the business model, everything has undergone significant change. Had I been embarking on my career today, I would be starting from scratch. The techniques and tools I learned, everything from camera work to sound editing, have been replaced or modernized. For instance, analog sound systems have given way to digital technologies.

AP: Did you have any hesitations when you decided to leave film school?

Carpenter: I was resolute in my decision to exit academic life and initiate my professional journey.

AP: There seems to be growing academic interest in the horror genre, transcending even film studies. It appears that the genre is undergoing a renaissance, spearheaded by directors like Jordan Peele.

Carpenter: Peele’s films are indeed commendable. Each generation reinterprets the horror genre to align with its own zeitgeist. It is an ever-evolving medium. While it has often been stigmatized, the genre continues to hold cultural relevance.

AP: Have you explored any video games lately?

Carpenter: I’ve been engaged with the “Fallout” series for quite some time and am anticipating the release of the new “Assassin’s Creed” installment.

AP: Video games seem to be experiencing a similar kind of reevaluation as an art form.

Carpenter: I concur. Contrary to Roger Ebert’s assertion that video games can never be art, I view them as an artistic medium in their own right.

AP: Your new project involves real-life horror narratives. Could you elucidate on the factors that influenced this transition?

Carpenter: I’ve chosen to focus on the experiences of survivors rather than perpetrators in this series, a perspective I have not previously explored. The series is remotely directed, a process I found extremely rewarding and intend to pursue again.

AP: How do you select the stories to be featured?

Carpenter: Our research team scours available narratives, and we opt for the ones that captivate us the most. For instance, the tale of a woman being stalked for six years without resolution struck me as utterly bewildering.

AP: With recent upheavals in Hollywood, particularly the strikes, how do you perceive the current state of the industry?

Carpenter: The industry is a mixed bag—while some facets are flourishing, others face challenges. Films like “Barbie,” which grossed $1 billion globally, indicate progress, although its appeal eludes me. Despite the shifting dynamics, my passion for cinema remains steadfast. Regardless of where the industry is headed, my devotion to the art form is unchanging.

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More about John Carpenter Interview

• John Carpenter’s Filmography
• Advancements in Filmmaking Technology
• Academic Study of Horror Genre
• Roger Ebert on Video Games
• Current State of Hollywood
• Barbie Movie Box Office
• Remote Directing in Film