Meet the 2015 Sundance Filmmakers #45: Bruce McDonald Wants ‘Hellions’ to Invoke Fear and Excitement
Though Bruce McDonald’s marital comedy “The Husband” premiered only months ago at the Toronto International Film Festival, the prolific Canadian director is already prepared to unveil his newest film at Sundance. “Hellions” takes a page from classic horror, as Dora (Chloe Rose) endures a treacherous and seemingly-endless Halloween night. To those relatively unfamiliar with McDonald’s work, “Hellions” might seem like a radical departure. Yet for this idiosyncratic filmmaker, shaking things up is practically mandatory.
What’s your film about in 140 characters or less?
On Halloween night, a
teenage girl gets terrorized by some demonic kids.
Now what’s it REALLY about?
Choices. Death. Life.
Madness. Beauty. Pumpkins.
Tell us briefly about yourself.
I am the Commander of the
Northern Tribes. My idol is Joe Strummer. My fortune and well-being are because
of the beautiful and talented women in my life.
Biggest challenge in completing this film?
Understanding supernatural
logic.
What do you want Sundance audience to take away from your film?
Admiration for Chloe Rose,
our leading lady. The adventurousness, chops and unity of our great production
team. Fear, excitement and a renewed fondness for Halloween weirdness.
Any films inspire you?
“2001: A Space Odyssey,” “Persona”
and “Days of Heaven.”
What’s next?
Romance. Action.
Pornography. Robots. Clowns. Cowboys. Jazz.
What cameras did you shoot on?
The Red Camera. And another
Red Camera shooting infrared. All handled by the remarkable eye of our Director
of Photography Norayr Kasper.
Indiewire invited Sundance Film Festival directors to tell us about their films, including what inspired them, the challenges they faced and what they’re doing next. We’ll be publishing their responses leading up to the 2015 festival. For profiles go HERE.
