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Sam Raimi reveals that he isn’t a fan of horror movies

By Susan Leighton

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - JULY 31: Executive producer/director Sam Raimi speaks onstage during the 'Ash vs. Evil Dead' panel discussion at the STARZ portion of the 2015 Summer TCA Tour at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on July 31, 2015 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - JULY 31: Executive producer/director Sam Raimi speaks onstage during the 'Ash vs. Evil Dead' panel discussion at the STARZ portion of the 2015 Summer TCA Tour at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on July 31, 2015 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images) /
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Sam Raimi had some sage advice for budding filmmakers at Flashback Weekend Chicago Horror Con. It’s all about doing what you love…

Sam Raimi appeared at his second con of the year last weekend in Chicago. Needless to say, the Windy City was out in full force to get a rare glimpse of this directing legend. Better yet, he and his frequent muse, Bruce Campbell held a panel discussion.

There were many questions that were asked but one in particular stood out. A fan in the audience wanted to know, what Sam had learned throughout his career about making what you love versus what might have a lot of studio interference?

In Raimi’s words:

"“The only right thing to do is make something you love. But its hard to do that for a lot of reasons.”"

This is something that creatives struggle with on a daily basis. You might have a passion project but it isn’t what is currently en vogue so, in order to do what you want, you end up doing something that you aren’t entirely comfortable with.

Case in point, Sam was making Super-8 comedies throughout his high school years. Anyone that follows his work can certainly see the influence that The Three Stooges have had on his films.

However, when he was first starting out in the business and wanting to make a name for himself, he went with the drive-in favorite genre at the time in the late 70’s and early 80’s which was horror. Fact of the matter is his business partner and friend of many years; Rob Tapert was the one that suggested moving in that direction.

Interesting to note, the director is NOT a fan of the genre.

"“I don’t like horror movies. They suck. They scare me.”"

So, he had to do something he didn’t love in order to do something that he loved. It is an unwelcome compromise but that is what you need to do especially in the filmmaking business where you are only as good as your last picture. Unfortunately, in order to get someone to back your vision, you have to adjust your way of thinking because you can’t make art without money.

However, as they progressed with the Evil Dead trilogy, Raimi revealed that he became more comfortable with the genre and he could have more fun with it. He began to turn those horror movies into comedies with Bruce Campbell’s help which is what he wanted to do anyway. Fascinating how life works out.

Were you surprised that Sam Raimi wasn’t a fan or the horror genre? What is your favorite Raimi film? Let us know in the comments.  

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