Eli Roth Exposes the Most Controversial Horror Scene He Regrets Going Too Far With
In an interview with Us, acclaimed horror director Eli Roth reflects on his most audacious and boundary-pushing scenes from films like 'Hostel' and 'Cabin Fever' Discover which horrifying moments Roth is most proud of in this exclusive article
Eli Roth. Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
Eli Roth, the man behind the horror films Hostel, Hostel II: Part Two, and Cabin Fever, has become widely recognized for his work in the genre. However, even he admits that there was one scene that made him apprehensive. During an exclusive interview with Us to discuss his new animated series, Fright Krewe, the director reflected on a particular scene in Hostel: Part II from 2007. This scene involved actress Heather Matarazzo's character, Lorna, hanging naked from the ceiling before meeting a horrifying fate. Roth confesses that while filming, there were moments where they questioned if it was too intense. Yet, he attributes the effectiveness of the scene to Matarazzo's exceptional acting skills.
2005’s Hostel established the groundwork for what has become one of the bloodiest film franchises to date — and featured a scene that Roth believed would have a significant impact. "I was aware that the Achilles tendon scene would deeply affect viewers," he recalls, referring to the unforgettable moment when Josh, played by Derek Richardson, topples forward after his ankle is maliciously slashed.
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In 2002's Cabin Fever, there is a chilling scene that horror movie fans will recognize as one of the most terrifying in the history of the genre. It involves Marcy, played by Cerina Vincent, who is taking a bath before her skincare routine takes a horrifying turn. The actor from Inglorious Bastards recalls a personal experience that inspired this particular scene, where a girl unknowingly shaves off her own legs, resulting in a shocking and horrifying outcome.
Roth explains that when faced with such situations, one begins to think about how to create a story. It often involves unexpected elements. The 2002 film, which marked Roth's directorial debut, holds a special significance for him as the Visionary Award winner. He also acknowledges Cabin Fever for teaching him the art of improvisation when the prosthetics froze during transportation to North Carolina.
"We dedicated a whole month to crafting these exquisite leg strips with the intention of creating a peeling effect akin to a banana. However, due to unforeseen freezing issues, our efforts went in vain," he narrates, acknowledging that the team had to improvise with the use of sound effects instead. The outcome of this impromptu solution exceeded Roth's expectations as it evoked the desired reaction from the audience, with people fleeing the theater in sheer terror."
"It was a valuable lesson for me, teaching me that even without the availability of makeup effects and in times of complete disarray, sound effects can serve as a worthy substitute," he expresses.
Roth encountered other instances where he had to quickly come up with solutions. In the case of Green Inferno, they had to rush to the supermarket because Customs seized all the body parts, forcing them to improvise using meat.
With his new animated series, Fright Krewe, Roth aims to attract a younger audience. He believes that kids' scary shows offer valuable messages about teamwork and conquering fears. Monsters, in these shows, represent the darker sides of ourselves or certain aspects of our personalities. Thus, a well-crafted scary show or movie for kids can help them confront their own fears and anxieties about the world.
Fright Krewe is designed for kids who are interested in having an exciting and frightening experience, as they begin their journey towards becoming fans of horror. Moreover, older viewers need not fret, as the show is also enjoyable for parents to watch. You can catch Fright Krewe on Hulu and Peacock, as it is currently being aired.
