Originally released as a quick turnaround sequel to match the surprise success of the 1984 horror classic A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET, A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 2: FREDDY’S REVENGE became a much-vilified sequel at the time of its’ original release, with many people claiming it didn’t live up to or match the shocks and surprise of the original film, which gave people more than enough nightmares for a lifetime, as well as reviving creator and director Wes Craven’s career, which had hit big business with THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT (1972) and the original version of THE HILLS HAVE EYESÂ (1977).
Now, a brand-new documentary, which debuts exclusively at the start of June 2020 on Shudder USA (currently only available to US and Canadian audiences) focuses on a re-evaluation of the film, both as a horror classic and bringing up a reputation it had as ‘the gayest horror film of all time’ – and more intently on its’ lead actor, Mark Patten, whose career was made and then subsequently broken because of the subtext that the film increasingly represented to many.
SCREAM, QUEEN! MY NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET, co-directed by Roman Chimienti and Tyler Jenson, reveals much of Patton’s own challenges, not only during the initial production of the film but also during his return to the public eye on the horror convention circuit, where he is reunited with fellow cast members Kim Myers and JoAnn Willette, but also with director Jack Sholder and writer of the film David Chaskin.
The film chronicles much of the seemingly peculiar social media reflections that have impacted, both during a period of reflection back historically when the idea of actors coming out of the closet was frowned on, as well as the AIDS epidemic which hit its’ heights during the 1980s with the very public death of Rock Hudson and the effect it had on film and television production at the time.
The film is in turns fascinating because of the misconception and misinterpretation that certain perspectives have had over the years, as well as the use of specific language and slang that became the norm on a lot of film and TV product which was seemingly acceptable to audiences in the mainstream – and for that, it is to be applauded for its’ forthright honesty and assessment, particularly in terms of what FREDDY’S REVENGE symbolised to audiences who have picked up on the subtext in the three decades since its’ initial release.
Please be advised, ELM STREET fans, that this is not another retrospective-cum-sycophantic assessment of Freddy Krueger, although Robert Englund does appear in the documentary. Here he is a little more serious and intuitive, not to mention very appreciative and respectful of Patton’s own problems and revelations that do come to the fore at one point during the film and it reminds us all that there is depth and intelligence to the people who are responsible for bringing nightmares – or A NIGHTMARE – to the screen.
A key element of the film that drives the documentary is Patton’s own personal desire to try and get an apology out of Chaskin for the way he wrote the script at the time of conception – and this does make for some uncomfortable moments which are an attempt to gain closure.
SCREAM, QUEEN! MY NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET is a balanced and very insightful documentary that has great crossover appeal and is the sort of film that should generate a brand-new dialogue for everyone, regardless of whether you are a horror fan or not. A must-watch.
SCREAM, QUEEN! MY NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET screens exclusively on Shudder USA and Canada on Thursday June 4th, 2020.
