Ever wonder why actors take measly roles in horror movies?
Why not ask Kevin Bacon, Johnny Depp or Jennifer Aniston?
All three found some of their first gigs in slasher movies. One of Bacon’s earliest screen roles was playing a doomed camp counselor in 1980’s “Friday the 13th,” which gets a snazzy DVD re-release this week. Expect 10 extra seconds of gore not seen in theaters (the WWTW review is coming soon).
Depp got his first film role with 1984’s “A Nightmare on Elm Street.” Aniston’s movie debut came alongside the twisted “Leprechaun” in that character’s first film back in 1993.
Exposure is exposure, and there’s always the chance some hotshot producer is watching … and taking notes … during even a genre film like “Leprechaun.”
So the next time you see an actor getting slashed to ribbons by a serial killer, just realize it could be the start of something big.
(Photo: Before Kevin Bacon could earn accolades in films like “The Woodsman” he paid his dues by appearing in the slasher film “Friday the 13th.”)
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I’d like to point out that Kevin Bacon was in “Animal House” before he was in “Friday the 13th”.
-Yeff
True, but for young actors they often toil away in minor roles or genre pics before they hit it big. Renee Zellweger co-starred in a Texas Chainsaw flick early in her career, but she had a few credits before then. But she still wasn’t a ’star’ yet.
I should have been more precise in my original post, though. Will amend … and thanks for keeping me on my toes.
The first (and only) time I ever watched “Friday the 13th” was the first time it ever came on HBO. Was Kevin Bacon really in a starring role or was he one of the designated victims? I honestly don’t remember, especially since I was biased as “Phantasm” was obviously the better horror movie…
He was one of the camp counselors … it was more of an ensemble cast but he got plenty of screen time. No major dance sequences, tho
i agree with yeff i always thought Coscarelli’s ‘Phantasm’ was often overlooked and is a great horror film. I have always liked F13 though. i remember seeing it as a kid and my dad and i would always rent the sequel when it came out which as everyone knows went on for years and years.
I’m actually anxious to see the uncut version of the original. i ordered it on blu-ray and though it was was low budget and nearly 30 years old i have heard that it looks amazing in HD.
I have the standard DVD version fo F13 — and it looks pretty darn good.
Note: The studio behind the remake IS screening it for critics. Lately, most horror films get released w/o critics screenings. So maybe this new one has potential…