There is no denying that Robert Englund is a horror icon. Though his performance as Freddy Krueger in the A Nightmare on Elm Street series cemented his status, the actor had already starred in several horror titles before being cast in the Wes Craven classic. Similarly, since he last donned the fedora and glove, Englund has become a mainstay of modern genre cinema. The length and breadth of his career takes centre stage in new documentary Hollywood Dreams & Nightmares: The Robert Englund Story, from directors Christopher Griffiths and Gary Smart.
Told via anecdotes from Englund himself, as well as his wife, former co-stars, and acting friends, Hollywood Dreams & Nightmares is a thorough study of Englund’s career. The documentary charts Englund’s pre-Hollywood days, revealing how he caught the acting bug, before looking at all the projects that led him to Elm Street. Plenty of time is afforded with this early side of Englunds work, and it will be eye-opening for the casual fan. Many believe his work in horror began with Elm Street, but as this doc highlights, he was circling the genre far earlier.
Inevitably, the documentary arrives at the Elm Street era, but Griffiths and Smart keep the momentum going. Time is afforded to the series that made Englund a name, but the duo are careful to ensure that it never eclipses the rest of the actor’s resume. For every titbit about the make-up chair, or Freddy’s rise in pop culture popularity, time is spent digging into his roles in films such as Urban Legend and 2001 Maniacs. Robert Englund is more than a one trick pony, and Hollywood Dreams & Nightmares is perhaps the first documentary analysing his career that properly communicates this information.
There is a genuine warmth to all the interviews, and it is clear from everyone’s words that Englund has that X-factor that births all true stars. His passion for film also shines, making him all the more admirable, and will have fans yearning to have a chance to hang out with the actor. Above all though, Hollywood Dreams & Nightmares paints an in-depth portrait of a horror icon. Griffith and Smart fill in the light and shade that others have overlooked, providing a well-rounded depiction of a fascinating man.
Hollywood Dreams & Nightmares: The Robert Englund Story
Summary
A thoughtful and comprehensive portrait of one man’s captivating career.
Hollywood Dreams & Nightmares: The Robert Englund Story will be On Screambox and Digital on June 6, 2023. Hollywood Dreams & Nightmares: The Robert Englund Story will be available on the Icon Film Channel from 2nd October and then available on Blu-ray and Digital Download from 6th November.
