Osgood Perkins: A New Generation of Horror

The horror genre has been graced with a new, devil-worshipping killer in the film “Longlegs”. This character, one of the most nuanced, intricate, and spine-chilling screen serial killers since the genre was pioneered by Norman Bates, ironically originates from the creative mind of the son of the actor who portrayed the infamous villain in Psycho. Osgood Perkins, the writer and director of Longlegs and the son of Anthony Perkins, appears to have no reservations about stepping into the realm of horror, a genre his father dominated. This is evident in his bold decision to make his onscreen debut as the 12-year-old version of Norman Bates in 1983’s Psycho II.

The Unsettling Success of Longlegs

In a market saturated with occult-themed killers, Longlegs, featuring a daring performance by Nicolas Cage, set an impressive standard this year. The film, released in July, raked in $100 million in global ticket sales, setting a new record for Neon, all on a budget of less than $10 million. Today, the film is making its PVOD debut.

Perkins’ Journey to Directing

Perkins embarked on his career in the film industry as an actor, featuring in films such as Six Degrees of Separation and Legally Blonde, and TV series like Alias. However, he discovered his true passion and talent lay in directing, specifically within the horror genre. His directorial credits include notable films like I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House and Gretel & Hansel.

Influences and Aspirations

In this article, Perkins discusses how seminal works like Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice and David Lynch’s Twin Peaks have shaped his creative vision. He also addresses the inevitable questions about following in his father’s illustrious footsteps, the potential for a prequel or sequel featuring Cage’s eerie, devil-worshipping character, and the future prospects of the film in the awards season.

Conclusion

Osgood Perkins has carved a unique place for himself in the horror genre, demonstrating a knack for creating complex, unsettling characters and narratives. His film Longlegs is a testament to his talent and vision, setting new records and raising the bar for future horror films. As he continues to navigate his career, it’s clear that Perkins is a force to be reckoned with, and horror fans can look forward to more chilling and thought-provoking work from this gifted director.

FAQs

Who is Osgood Perkins?

Osgood Perkins is a film director known for his work in the horror genre. He is the son of Anthony Perkins, who played the iconic character Norman Bates in Psycho.

What is Longlegs about?

Longlegs is a horror film featuring a devil-worshipping killer. The film has been praised for its complex character development and chilling narrative.

What other films has Perkins directed?

Perkins has directed several films, including I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House and Gretel & Hansel.

What are Perkins’ future plans?

While Perkins has not announced specific future projects, he has expressed interest in continuing his work in the horror genre.

Credit: deadline.com