Hardened horror fans and admirers of 1980s Hollywood were delighted with the release of MaXXXine. The final instalment of this genre trilogy was presented to the audience in person by director Ti West.
Before the screen was flooded with neon lights and gallons of fake blood, West spoke about the beginnings of the trilogy, which includes X, Pearl and MaXXXine, and which aims to expose the craft of filmmaking. “Originally, I wanted to make just one film to shows this, but I ended up making three. I was tempted by the 1980s to show the richness of the images, to make the climax of the trilogy really colourful and varied,” the director told the audience at the Municipal Theatre.
Host Aleš Stuchlý reminded the audience that West almost grew up with the video library, while co-writer and actress Mia Goth, who played the lead role in the trilogy, also received much praise. “Her confidence is inspiring. To make three films with someone, you need them to work around the clock,” West told the audience. At the end of an impromptu debate before the screening, the horror guru was asked to name his favourite horror film. “It’s hard to pick one movie. There’s The Shining, Rosemary’s Baby, The Exorcist and others... I can’t choose just one,” said the director.
Although Ti West was in Karlovy Vary for less than twenty-four hours, he was grateful for the opportunity: “The great thing about making films is that you can take them to places you wouldn’t normally go. I feel really honoured to be here,” he said. Afterwards, the entire Karlovy Vary Municipal Theatre was immersed in a cocaine-fuelled, pornographic and slightly satanic tale of revenge.
