Whether you love or hate his directorial choices in recent horror remakes, Rob Zombie is a major name in the horror community. His shock horror House of 1,000 Corpses (2003) introduced his signature affinity for over-the-top violence, gore, and splatter punk, as well as homages to horror greats of the past. Now, returning fourteen years later to the characters he introduced in House of 1,000 Corpses and continued to explore in The Devil’s Rejects (2005), Zombie promises more allusions to grind-house horror with the trailer. Everything from the minimal shots from the new film, to the recycled footage from the prior films, to the bold red lettering screams classic 70s horror. This is certainly promising for those who’ve eagerly awaited Zombie’s return from remakes of classic slasher films like Halloween (2009) to his own properties. With Sheri Moon Zombie (Baby Firefly), Bill Moseley (Otis Firelfy), and Sid Haig (Captain Spaulding) all returning, it promises to be a wild ride regardless of where Zombie takes the characters.
The trailer itself? Disturbing and looking something like a cross between a dark documentary and the gritty style Zombie employed in the previous two films. It’s shows just enough to whet the appetite without showing the whole film. I’ll admit, I’m ready for it.
While there’s no set date yet for the movie’s release, Rob Zombie does have a new album in the works for the film. He’s released three preview tracks that you can listen to now, and the album is set for release in August. Zombie himself has already nixed a Halloween release, so that implies sometime in September. The music so far is deliciously eerie, reflecting how much experience Zombie has acquired as a soundtrack writer and performer since his early days. Even if you haven’t see any of the films, if you like the Stranger Things soundtrack, you’ll enjoy this one.
Admittedly, I’ve followed Rob Zombie for most of his career. I loved his music early on, and in fact found him through the goth rock community when he was with White Zombie. If you haven’t watched his music videos, you really should. He directed a few from his Hellbilly Deluxe (1998) album, but the one for “Living Dead Girl” remains my favorite. The aesthetic and filming in the style of The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) show already his interest in and homages to great horror that came before. It’s been fascinating watching him grow as a musician and director of the macabre.
What do you think of Rob Zombie’s trilogy, or of his directing in general? Let me know in the comments below.
Morbid Smile 