The Wizard of Gore

Q&A with Herschell Gordon Lewis from 2008


"I see filmmaking as a business and pity anyone who regards it as art form"-Herschell Gordon Lewis


Herschell Gordon Lewis is a pioneer of horror films. His low budget film "Blood Feast" (1963) was the first "gore" or "splatter" film to ever be made. It was also the first film to ever show people dying with their eyes open. He started a whole new genre of film and created a new approach to filmmaking with little budget. Herschell paved the way for films such as "Texas Chainsaw Massacre," "Dawn of the Dead," and "Evil Dead." Sure the effects may come across as cheap,funny, or unrealistic (especially the mannequin heads) but you have to remember that no one else was doing anything remotely close to this in the 1960's. It is unfortunate that he does not get the credit he deserves but he does have a very loyal fan base. His latest film "Grim Fairytale" is currently in post production and stars Lloyd Kaufman of Troma fame. If you are not familiar with his work then I recommend watching "Blood Feast," "2000 Maniacs," "Wizard of Gore," or "Something Weird."



DE: So have you ever had an Egyptian Feast?

HGL: That is a cute question! Not have I never had an Egyptian Feast, but although I have been to Egypt four times, I never have seen a restaurant advertising one.


DE: How was the idea approached for the 2007 "Wizard of Gore" remake? What are your feelings about the rendition?

HGL: Jeremy Kasden (who directed that remake)is a bright and and talented film-maker. I had no part whatever in the remake, which saddens me a bit; but certainly it's an honor to have a film regarded as worthy of a remake.(The 2007 version has little relationship with the original)


DE: Which film of yours are you most proud of?

HGL: My personal favorite was and is "Two Thousand Maniacs."


DE: Who are some of your favorite filmmakers? Do you have any current favorites?

HGL: That really is an unfair question. As an outsider I have no way of gauging how many clever touches and how many gaffes stem from the director. Some directors have made both brilliant films and ridiculous films. A comment from me is irrelevant though because I am privy to international negotiations. Example: "Transformers," which I regard as a stupendous waste.


DE: Can you recommend any films for the diehard Herschell Gordon Lewis fan?

HGL: Check back a few years for a film titled "Short Circuit." That one has charm and wit. On a more contemporary level, "The Last King of Scotland" had it all, although it wasn't a "splatter" film.


DE: What is your all time favorite movie?

HGL: You may regard this as silly: The original "King Solomon's Mines" which starred Stewart Granger.


DE: Do you plan on working with John Waters again?

HGL: John and I are good friends. He always can have a role in any film I make, if he is available.


DE: Who is your all time favorite actor/actress?

HGL: Helen Mirren is a powerful talent. The late Burt Lancaster, although difficult to work with, could handle any role.


DE: What do you like to do in your spare time?

HGL: I play tennis, scuba dive, read, travel and write magazine articles on the subject of marketing.