Embracing the Legacy of Friday the 13th
Ari Lehman, the original Jason Voorhees from Friday the 13th, continues to find joy and gratitude in the legacy of the film. Reflecting on his initial role, he shares, "Indeed, it's 44 years, and I'm just very gratified that people still enjoy and have so much fun with the very first Friday the 13th. I never take that for granted." This lasting enthusiasm from Lehman is a testament to how the classic horror movie has transcended time.
Lehman recalls the unique experiences on set, particularly the infamous scene where young Jason drags Alice Hardy from the boat. The scene was shot in October under cold conditions, yet Lehman fondly remembers the prank-like atmosphere orchestrated by director Sean Cunningham. "We were basically trying to scare the Adrienne King, the actress who was in the boat. So, you know, but the thing you point out which is correct, the first scenario where little Jason is drowning and Mama Voorhees is saying, ‘he was my only son. Today is his birthday,’ that was shot in August of 1979," Lehman recounts.
These behind-the-scenes anecdotes not only give fans a closer look at the making of the film but underscore the cultural influence that Friday the 13th holds in the horror genre. Lehman’s insights reveal how genuine experiences and authentic shock contribute to a film's enduring legacy.
Key Takeaways
The enduring legacy of Friday the 13th: Ari Lehman's role as the original Jason Voorhees continues to captivate horror fans 44 years later.
Blending horror with music and culture: Events like Silver Scream Con and collaborations with bands like Ice Nine Kills illustrate the seamless fusion of horror and metal.
An insider's perspective on horror history: Lehman offers deep insights into horror classics and their influence on modern storytelling.
The Fusion of Horror and Metal at Silver Scream Con
On September 13th, 14th and 15th in Worcester MA, Silver Scream Con, a convention that combines horror with metal music, emerges as an event that perfectly encapsulates how these two genres intersect. "This is one of the new conventions that has made the effort to bring together metal and horror, who have always been together forever," Lehman emphasizes. The convention, spearheaded by Spencer Charnas of Ice Nine Kills, highlights the synergy between horror and metal, showcasing how these genres complement each other.
Lehman’s band, First Jason, who will be performing during over that weekend at the convention during the RIP After Party, has collaborated with Ice Nine Kills and other horror-centric bands. He shares his excitement, particularly regarding his participation in the concert: "First Jason gets to open the concert, as they call it, and it's opening for TX2, Avatar, In This Moment, and Ice Nine Kills. And then Spencer has asked me to come out with my crazy electric key tar and join them for the finale when they're going to play ‘Thank God it's Friday’."
Events like Silver Scream Con not only celebrate horror films but also integrate elements of horror into live music experiences, making it a unique and immersive event for fans. This trend signifies a growing recognition of horror as a multifaceted cultural phenomenon that transcends traditional media boundaries, thus cementing its place in both musical and cinematic landscapes.
Insights into Horror Classics and Their Influences
Lehman’s depth of knowledge about horror extends beyond his music and own film career into the realm of classic horror literature and films. His recommendation of the film Magic featuring Anthony Hopkins is particularly telling. Lehman notes, "Anthony Hopkins plays a magician who has a puppet. And by the end of the movie, you can't tell, is the puppet real or is it in his mind? In the same way that we don't know, is little Jason real or is it in his mother's mind?"
By drawing parallels between these films, Lehman highlights how classic horror elements—those of psychological suspense and ambiguity—have influenced contemporary horror narratives. Moreover, his insights into Shakespeare's Hamlet present another layer of depth: "The way they portray Ophelia's suicide, the way they portray Polonius' death […] the whole thing is a horror movie from beginning to end."
These observations offer a nuanced understanding of how historical and literary references have shaped the horror genre, enriching the storytelling methods and character development seen in modern horror films. Lehman's reflections on literature like Edgar Allan Poe’s work further illustrate this lineage, providing fans with a deeper appreciation of the genre’s rich and varied roots.
Echoing the Artistic Spirit of Horror Icons
The personal anecdotes Lehman shares about legends like Betsy Palmer, who played his mother, Pamela Voorhees, in Friday the 13th, bring an intimate perspective to the horror community. Lehman recounts Palmer’s advice and her resilient spirit with affection: "She told me to be an independent artist. She saw my wheelhouse of capabilities and also my demeanor. […] She said to me, 'Fuck Hollywood. I like to do dinner theater,' and she did dinner theater into her eighties."
Palmer’s remarkable career and her impact on Lehman underscore the importance of mentorship and legacy within the horror community. These recollections also shine a light on the human side of the horror icons, revealing their passions and philosophies outside of their on-screen personas.
As a further nod to the horror legacy, Lehman’s mention of staying at the iconic Buffalo Bill’s house, now an Airbnb, connects fans to the tangible locations tied to their favorite films. "It is remarkable. It is a wonderful place. It’s absolutely stuffed top to bottom with memorabilia," Lehman describes, inviting fans to immerse themselves in the history of horror.
By bridging the gap between past and present, Lehman provides a holistic view of the genre, demonstrating how every facet of horror—from literature and classic films to modern conventions and personal anecdotes—contributes to its ongoing appeal and cultural significance. The enduring fascination with Friday the 13th and Lehman's role as Jason highlight how horror has evolved and will continue to captivate and inspire future generations of fans and creators.
You do not want to miss out on the opportunity to meet this a horror Icon at this years SILVER SCREAM CON, this weekend Friday September 13th-15th! Get you tickets now and we will see you there!
Коментарі