13 Days of Halloween Horror Interview: Richard Cornelius Mallatratt (Pemphigoid)
As part of 2019’s 13 Days of Halloween, we here at Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life thought it would be fun to see if some of the bands and artists we love had any interest in horror. It turns out quite a lot do so we turned it into an interview.
1. First things first…introduce yourself please!
Hello there! The name’s Richard, I play drums, do some vocals and write the Lyrics for Pemphigoid. My love of Horror movies and my background in Healthcare are at the core of everything I do with Pemphigoid, those two things inspire my lyrics and inform our whole aesthetic.
2. What are your top 3 favourite horror movies and why?
Dawn of the Dead (1979)
The Beyond (1981)
Prince of Darkness (1987)
These three films are what my dreams look like!
Dawn of the Dead fascinates me, I love the practical way the characters think, what a great idea to fortify a Shopping Mall. That practical thinking really adds to the realism of the story, it was a giant leap for the Zombie genre. Director George A. Romero rightly earned his legendary status here.
The Beyond is just a great mixture of Zombies and the Supernatural, a good story with very memorable cinematography. Masterful Directing by Lucio Fulci. This film along with Suspiria, Zombie Flesh Eaters and Demons introduced me to Italian Horror Cinema, of which I remain a huge fan.
Prince of Darkness could be John Carpenter’s finest Horror film. Sure I love Halloween and The Fog, but this one really resonated with me, such a creepy atmosphere, and an original idea too. A bold mixture of science, religion, gore and peril.
3. Do you remember your first experience with horror? Was it at a young age?
Yes indeed, I’m old enough to remember the days before the ‘Video Nasties’ scandal, when all video tapes were unrated. My Auntie had a Betamax VCR and a stack of tapes, she was babysitting me one day and she was busy in the garden. So, at the tender age of 8 I sat and watched Jaws and Last House on the Left! I was terrified, but also intrigued, I don’t know why, but I wanted more, morbid curiosity I guess!
4. What era of horror is your favourite & why?
Definitely the 70’s and 80’s because that is where I’m from!
5. What frightens or creeps you out in horror?
Tension, you know when you can actually see something coming and you don’t want it to happen. You seen Hellraiser? The bit where he is struggling with that mattress on the stairs and you can see that nail sticking out? And you know what’s coming! I hate that part ha ha!
6. Who is your horror inspiration? Be it a director/actor/author etc.
Wow, I can’t pick just one! Directors are the visionaries for me: John Carpenter, George A. Romero, Lucio Fulci, Dario Argento and David Cronenberg.
7. Do you enjoy modern horror or do you look to the past for your fix?
Just like my Metal, I prefer my Horror old school!
8. What horror movie is universally beloved that you just don’t like?
That’s a tough one because I’m quite easily pleased! However I must say I didn’t like The Devils Rejects very much.
9. If you could shoot one horror cliché/trope into the sun to never be used again. What would it be?
Jump scares, hate them ha ha!
10. Same question but about type/style. What type or style of horror would you happily never watch again?
I’ve never liked Cannibal movies, I can live without them! (I’m not talking about Hannibal Lecter here, but that whole Jungle Cannibal sub-genre.)
11. What gets you excited when watching horror?
Zombies! Real stunts, practical effects and squibs!
12. Have you had any real life scary experiences? We’re talking supernatural or something that can’t be reasonably explained.
I’ve been on several Paranormal investigations, proper organised all-nighters, in renowned haunted locations… and never seen anything supernatural sorry!
Quickfire Questions
1. Favourite overall franchise (3 or more movies)?
I have a soft spot for Jason Voorhees!
2. Most memorable character death?
Definitely Captain Rhodes in Day of the Dead (1985) “Choke on ‘em!!!!!”
3. Best horror twist?
Deep Red AKA Profondo Rosso (1975) Directed by Dario Argento has a great twist, which is actually revealed to you in an early scene, after the end you can’t resist rewinding and looking for it, and there it was all along, you just weren’t looking for it then!
4. Favourite Stephen King book?
I’ve never managed to finish one sorry! I’ve always felt that his stories are better told through the eyes of a great Director, my personal favourites being:
Christine (John Carpenter, 1983)
The Shining (Stanley Kubrick, 1980)
The Dead Zone (David Cronenberg, 1983)
5. Best remake of a horror movie?
Generally I don’t enjoy remakes but one I did really like was the 2010 version of The Crazies.
6. Worst remake of a horror movie?
In my opinion, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. The original was perfect.
7. Favourite horror villain?
Tough to choose, for me either Jason Voorhees, Michael Myers or Norman Bates.
8. It’s Halloween night…you settle down with some popcorn to watch…what?
Halloween (1978) what else?
We’d like to thank Richard of Pemphigoid for taking the time to speak with us. You can find our more about the band by checking out their Facebook Page here.
