The Shocking Evolution of Kevin Smith's Unforgettable Horror Films

Kevin Smith's horror movies, Red State and Tusk, may not receive as much recognition as his popular comedies, but they are equally captivating and leave a lasting impression. As both films offer a glimpse into Smith's creative mind, they are a must-watch for horror enthusiasts and fans of his work alike. These movies are distinct, riveting, and serve as a testament to Smith's ingenuity as a filmmaker.

Red State Was Ambitious But Collapsed Under A Strained Budget

Kevin Smith's 2011 horror film Red State boasts an impressive cast, including Stephen Root, Melissa Reo, Michael Angarano, John Goodman, and Michael Parks. The plot centers around three teenagers who encounter a charismatic older woman, only to be lured into a world of hate and intolerance by the fanatical preacher Abin Cooper (Michael Parks). Despite its daring storyline and unconventional distribution, Red State remains relatively unknown to many fans of Kevin Smith's work. With a budget of $4 million, Smith opted for a non-traditional marketing approach, citing the exorbitant costs of a typical ad campaign. Unfortunately, Red State failed to make a significant impact at the box office, grossing only $1.8 million according to Box Office Mojo.

Kevin Smith, in a Time interview, acknowledged the challenges of marketing his unique style of filmmaking in the current global economy. He recognized that while there is a dedicated audience for his work, there are also those who are indifferent or uninterested. Rather than wasting resources on an unresponsive audience, he questions the logic in pursuing them at all. On a separate note, horror films have also seen effective marketing strategies, such as The Black Phone's retro approach and Cloverfield's well-executed campaign.

Tusk Is A Bizarre But Entertaining Comedic Take On Body Horror

Kevin Smith took an unconventional approach in releasing Red State, opting for screenings instead of the traditional distribution method. However, these screenings were not cheap, with reports indicating that they cost significantly more than the average movie ticket. Despite the controversy surrounding the high costs, Red State still managed to make an impact and become a topic of discussion among horror fans.

While not as well-known as Red State, Tusk has gained a cult following among horror enthusiasts. Actor Justin Long has expressed interest in a possible sequel, and given Kevin Smith's track record for creating bizarre and unforgettable films, it would be exciting to see what he has in store for the next chapter.

The film follows the podcast host Wallace Bryton (Justin Long) and his friend Teddy Craft (Haley Joel Osment) as they encounter the disturbing Howard Howe (Michael Parks). As Howard speaks about his obsession with turning humans into walruses, the horror of Wallace's situation sets in. Despite the gruesome body horror scenes, Tusk showcases Kevin Smith's skill as a storyteller in the horror genre, with unique premises and characters that make the film just as captivating as his comedic works. While Red State and Tusk may not receive as much attention, they are a testament to Smith's versatility in filmmaking.

Justin Long's performance in Tusk is a standout in the horror genre. He has proven his talent in previous scary films, portraying characters with depth and nuance. In Tusk, he once again captures audiences with his commanding presence, bringing to life a spooky and offbeat story. Love or hate body horror, Tusk is a film that cannot be ignored.