Beyond Fear: Unveiling Wes Craven's Unconventional Source of Movie Motivation

Summary

Wes Craven's motivation to make movies came from a fear of going back to driving a cab, as represented by his hack license from the 1970s.

Craven's undeniable influence on the horror genre is evident, spanning from controversial films such as The Last House on the Left to iconic masterpieces like A Nightmare on Elm Street and Scream. However, amidst his triumphs, Craven's approach to motivation unveils a vulnerable aspect of this horror icon, illustrating that even renowned filmmakers experience uncertainties.

Wes Craven's ability to emotionally and intensely motivate himself to create movies left Scream star Jamie Kennedy feeling scared. Kennedy collaborated with Craven on both the 1996 slasher film Scream and its 1997 sequel, in which he played the film enthusiast character Randy Meeks. In addition to the Scream franchise, Craven is known for directing iconic horror films such as The Last House on the Left, The Hills Have Eyes, and A Nightmare on Elm Street.

During an interview with Michael Rosenbaum on his Inside of You podcast, Kennedy shared his experience working with Craven, including a moment when he discovered one of the methods the director used to motivate himself. Listen to Kennedy's complete recollection below.

His place was adorned with memorabilia from all his different movies. Among them, a small frame caught my attention. Curious, I asked him about it. He explained that it was his hack license, granting him the privilege to drive a cab in New York City. Engraved on the license were his name, Wes Craven, along with the details of his employment at LAC Cab from 1971 to 1972.

Puzzled, I inquired why he kept it next to his bed. His response intrigued me. He confessed, "Every morning, as I wake up and lay my eyes on it, I remind myself of something I never want to return to." The fear of reverting back to driving a cab was a powerful motivator for him to create movies. That license instilled such dread in him and, in turn, sent chills down our spines.

Wes Craven Both Laid The Groundwork For The Horror Genre & Reimagined It

Craven's early career involved working on adult films, but he quickly gained recognition for his influence on the horror genre. The release of The Last House on the Left caused controversy worldwide due to its explicit content, which could have potentially put an end to his career. However, his next film, The Hills Have Eyes (1977), received a much better response and firmly established Craven as a horror director, despite his initial reservations about being constrained by the genre. He solidified his status with A Nightmare On Elm Street, where he introduced audiences to the iconic villain Freddy Krueger (played by Robert Englund) and helped establish many tropes that would come to define the slasher genre.

Although Craven continued to direct horror films throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he also played a part in shaking up the genre with Scream. By cleverly acknowledging and satirizing the works of Craven and his fellow slasher filmmakers, Scream stood out as a film that celebrated the foundation Craven himself had built. Despite his initial hesitation to direct Scream, he ultimately contributed to revitalizing the genre and inspiring future filmmakers.

Craven's motivation technique has had an undeniable impact on the genre, which is quite surprising considering his unwavering confidence in his ability to keep making movies. His contributions to the horror genre have garnered critical acclaim, as well as ongoing examination and reevaluation, solidifying his enduring influence. Therefore, Kennedy's recollection provides a fascinating glimpse into the more vulnerable aspect of this iconic figure in horror.