From its origins, the saga Terrifying tried to update the keys of the American slasher of the 70s and 80s to the 21st century, mixed with the tradition of the Italian giallo. Damiano Leonecreator of the saga and responsible for all the films to date, has made evident throughout the entire evolution of the Clown Art character, his references to titles such as The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Halloween night or the miniseries It. Of course, the cult of the murderous clown protagonist has meant that we are now faced with a new icon of horror, heir to Jason Voorhes or Freddy Krueger.
Compared to the references mentioned above, whose fame arrived in a dazzling way since the first film, even if the characters then refined their personalities in subsequent chapters, here we have a character and a saga that have been managed little by little. With short films and anthology films before making the leap to feature films, the saga Terrifying has gone from low-budget independent production to increasing money backing each film, which, coupled with a growing confidence in Lion and his skill behind the camera translates into better workmanship in cinematography, staging, makeup and prosthetics.
It was the box office success of the previous chapter in 2022 that truly launched the character’s fame and took him from a cult setting to elevate him to the top ranks. This gradual growth meant that some elements, now iconic of the character, were repeated in the different episodes, as introductions for new viewers who approached.
A horror movie phenomenon
In this sense we can say it Terrifier 3 becomes the chapter that definitively consecrates the franchise and that opens the doors of the saga to more fantastic lands, definitively dispelling doubts about the supernatural nature of El Payaso Art. It is true that in one of the first short films we saw him surrounded by demons, and that in in previous episodes we saw him die without this being an obstacle to his return in a new episode. However, here Leone better articulates the entire supernatural component and expands the mythology of not only the main character, but also Victoria Heyes (Samantha Scaffidi) and Final Girl Sienna herself, once again played by Lauren LaVera. The three characters here evolve and acquire a metaphysical role.
For fans of Terrifyingthis episode is much more bloody, macabre and sadistic than the previous ones. The scenes of violence are not only even more explicit than in previous films, but they are increasingly longer. Added to this is the excellent work of the entire makeup and prosthetics section, which not only achieves great realism, but also increases the level of truculence compared to what we have seen previously. Once again, this idea of perfecting and emphasizing aspects that had already defined the importance of offal in this franchise is repeated.
Damien Leone: «If I thought so Terrifying 2 was extreme, you didn’t see anything”
For those who don’t like explicit images of blood and gore, Terrifier 3 It’s not his movie. Furthermore, even if in terms of screenplay this third chapter represents an improvement compared to the previous ones, the screenplay remains the least relevant part of the film. There are sequences that take place without any other justification than the staging of a new blood orgy for El Payaso Art, stopping an otherwise minimal plot development full of inconsistencies. This makes the film only make sense when Art is on screen (which, fortunately, happens quite often), but where Lion It shows little interest in the characters and creates a dramatic narrative that enhances the feeling of threat and survival of the protagonists.
David Howard Thornton and his mime skills demonstrate once again that since he took on the character of El Payaso Art, he has not only acquired a greater dimension, but has made him more charismatic and attractive to the public.
Terrifier 3 It is a film that is justified only by its extreme badness and that contributes little beyond this. Of course, every time Art takes an item out of his bag, the violence on screen becomes mesmerizing. Can we expect more from the film? Yes of course. Does it exceed expectations of what it promises? Also.
Terrifying 3, by Damien Leone.
What are the key themes explored in the Terrifier franchise that set it apart from other horror films?
Interview Between Time.News Editor and Horror Film Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.News! Today, we’re diving into the eerie world of the Terrifier franchise with horror film expert and critic, Dr. Sarah Mitchell. Thanks for joining us, Sarah!
Dr. Mitchell: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss the evolution of such a fascinating horror saga.
Editor: The latest installment, Terrifier 3, has created quite a buzz. How does this film distinguish itself from its predecessors?
Dr. Mitchell: Absolutely! Terrifier 3 pushes boundaries even further than the previous films. While the first two focused on establishing the character of Art the Clown and his world of horror, this installment takes a bold leap into more fantastical and supernatural elements. Damien Leone really expands the mythology around Art and the other characters, like Victoria Heyes and Final Girl Sienna.
Editor: Interesting! It sounds like this film represents a significant evolution in the storyline. How would you say Terrifier 3 builds on the themes and elements established in earlier entries?
Dr. Mitchell: The progression is notable. In the earlier films, we saw Art portrayed as purely psychopathic; however, this latest chapter allows for a more complicated portrayal by combining supernatural themes. Leone weaves in those elements from the original short films and prior installments, reminding viewers of Art’s eerie resilience and iconic presence.
Editor: With that supernatural aspect, are there any notable references to earlier horror classics that Leone incorporates in this installment?
Dr. Mitchell: Absolutely! You can see nods to classic slasher films such as The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Halloween. Leone’s homage to these greats while updating them for the 21st century is part of what makes Terrifier a fresh addition to the genre.
Editor: And speaking of freshness, how has the production quality of the Terrifier series evolved over time?
Dr. Mitchell: It’s impressive! The franchise grew from its low-budget roots into something visually stunning. The cinematography, makeup, and prosthetics have all improved dramatically. Leone has demonstrated increasing confidence, and with more funding, the films have adopted a polish that enhances their horror elements, especially with the graphic violence.
Editor: That brings us to the level of gore and explicit imagery. How does this latest film compare in terms of its brutality?
Dr. Mitchell: Terrifier 3 definitely raises the stakes! Leone himself mentioned that if you thought Terrifier 2 was extreme, you really haven’t seen anything yet. The violence is more graphic, and the makeup effects are exceptional in their realism. This feeds into the film’s sadistic vibes, enticing die-hard horror fans but potentially alienating others.
Editor: Given the intensity, do you think this film targets a specific audience?
Dr. Mitchell: Yes, it’s aimed squarely at horror enthusiasts who relish the visceral experience. However, if you’re not a fan of explicit blood and gore, this might not be the film for you. The screenplay may not be its strongest suit, but it’s clear that the focus is on delivering a unique horror experience through Art’s antics.
Editor: As we wrap up, in your view, what does Terrifier 3 contribute to the horror genre overall?
Dr. Mitchell: It solidifies Art the Clown as a contemporary horror icon, joining the ranks of characters like Jason Voorhees and Freddy Krueger. The film’s exploration of supernatural themes alongside its graphic horror elements represents a new wave of horror storytelling that resonates with today’s audience.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Mitchell, for your insights! It looks like Terrifier 3 is set to cement its place in horror history.
Dr. Mitchell: Thank you! I can’t wait for audiences to experience it, whether they’re fans of the genre or just curious about where horror is headed next.
Editor: Be sure to check out Terrifier 3—but maybe not right before bed!