Art the Clown Speaks: Their Upcoming Silver Scream Con appearance, The Mystique Behind the Silence and the Gory Legacy of the Terrifier Franchise.
Ahead of his in person appearance at the upcoming Silver Scream horror Convention in Massachusetts, David Howard Thornton, known for his role as Art the Clown in Terrifier, sat with Klep Napier from Wearecritix.com to discuss his horror legacy and the upcoming film, Stream. Thornton shares his evolution from voiceover artist to horror icon, the camaraderie in horror conventions, and insights into the silent yet expressive nature of Art. Expect discussions on the gritty details of Terrifier 3, a surprise cameo in Pete Davidson's Bupkis, and the potential impact of Stream on horror filmmaking. Plus, a sneak peek into his next role in Screamboat.
Thornton will be appearing in person at the Silver Scream Convention in Worcester, MA on September 13th through the 15th. Keep reading for more details and tickets below.
Key Takeaways
David Howard Thornton's portrayal of Art the Clown has solidified the character as an iconic figure in horror, comparable to legends like Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees.
The practical effects and creativity in kill scenes are essential components that elevate the Terrifier franchise, maintaining its status as a favorite among horror fans.
David Howard Thornton will be attending 'Silver Scream Con' on September 13th thought the 15th, and he talks about the Interactions with fans and industry involvement, such as attending conventions and making unexpected cameos, highlight the pop culture impact of Art the Clown and the franchise.
The Iconic Silence of Art the Clown: A Horror Legend is Born
David Howard Thornton's portrayal of Art the Clown has arguably crafted one of the most terrifying figures in modern horror. The character's unique combination of silence and grisly violence has set him apart from traditional horror icons like Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees. According to Thornton, "I look at him as like the ultimate horror slasher fanboy," embodying elements of Michael Myers, Jason, Freddy, and more.
Throughout the transcript, Thornton emphasizes how the makeup and costume allow him to truly "solidify" into the character. He states, "When I get in the costume and makeup, that's when he really solidifies for me." The transformation helps him maintain a clear distinction between his everyday self and the haunting persona of Art the Clown. Notably, Thornton shows a deep understanding of his character, something that is crucial in translating terror on screen. "I know where Art lives in my head," he mentions, crediting his stage background for his meticulous approach to character preparation.
Moreover, the actor underscores the importance of maintaining Art's silence, believing that any voice would potentially disappoint fans due to the deeply ingrained mystery that surrounds him. According to Thornton, "He is never going to talk. I think that would totally ruin the character."
The Evolution of Practical Effects: Elevating Terror to New Heights
One of the cornerstones of the Terrifier franchise's success is its dedication to intricate practical effects. Thornton reveals that the increased budget for the third installment allowed them to hire Christian Tinsley's studio, a renowned name in practical effects. This development significantly impacted the quality and intensity of the kill scenes, crucial for maintaining the franchise's reputation for unparalleled gore.
As Thornton recounts, "Some of the things they've designed, I am like, holy shit." This collaboration has enabled the franchise to reach new levels of visual horror, a key draw for fans. The actor also hints at highly creative and gruesome kills that even made him feel physically ill during shooting, a testament to their horrifying realism.
The conversation highlights that the gory kill scenes are not just for shock value but are meticulously crafted for maximum impact. Discussing the ever-present challenge of topping previous films, Thornton remarks, "We had a bigger budget this time around... I think they really helped us up our game."
The goal? To push boundaries and redefine horror kills. Thornton acknowledges the industry's friendly competition, celebrating other films' creative kills while relishing the challenge they present. His enthusiasm for this aspect of filmmaking is palpable, as he shares, "I have no problem with having more competition because that helps us as well."
Connecting with Fans: From Conventions to Pop Culture Cameos
Another significant theme in the transcript is Thornton's interaction with fans and his involvement in the broader pop culture landscape. Thornton along with Director and friend Damien Leone, will be appearing at this year's Silver Scream Horror convention in Worcester, MA on September 13th thorough the 15th. He speaks fondly of horror conventions, sharing how rewarding it is to meet fans face-to-face. "I always wanted to be on that side of the table one day, signing autographs or doing panels," Thornton confesses, underscoring the importance of these events in creating a sense of community among horror enthusiasts.
Thornton's recent cameo in Pete Davidson's series "Bupkis" showcases his character's deep-rooted impact on pop culture. The spontaneous opportunity to appear on the show was not just a thrilling experience but an affirmation of Art's cultural significance. As he recounts, "They just gave me a bunch of props. They're like, just play, and we'll just film playing with different things."
The actor's genuine excitement and humility shine through his interactions, whether he's discussing his direct engagement with fans or recalling the surreal experience on the "Bupkis" set amid a multitude of celebrities and NBC executives. This mutual appreciation between actor and audience forms a critical feedback loop that sustains the franchise's popularity, ensuring continuous fan support and driving the franchise's cultural relevance.
Thornton’s discussion reveals broader insights into the making of a horror icon and the meticulous efforts behind sustaining a franchise. From embodying Art the Clown’s silent menace to elevating practical effects and cherishing fan interactions, each element contributes decisively to the character’s mystique and lasting appeal. These layers of understanding transform Art The Clown from merely a figure of horror into a cultural artifact worth dissecting and celebrating, ensuring his legacy within the horror genre for years to come.
If you are in the New England area and would love to meet The Terrifier himself and other iconic horror figures, make sure to check out Silver Scream Con on September 13th through the 15th. Tickets are available now at Silverscreamcon.com
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