Interview: Talking Horror with Anders L. Rasmussen (Written)
Who doesn’t love a bit of horror? In this interview we spoke to rock solo artist, Anders L. Rasmussen about all things horror.
1. What’s some of your earliest memories surrounding horror films and at what age do you think you experienced your first one?
One of my earliest memories of horror is watching A Nightmare on Elm Street when I was a kid. I don’t remember the exact age, but I was definitely too young. I ended up watching all of them, and they really stuck with me.
2. What effect do you think it had on you, either positive or negative?
Both, actually. On one hand, it terrified me and gave me nightmares, but on the other, it sparked this fascination with horror that has stayed with me.
3. Do you have a particular moment in horror, be it a specific film or even a scene, that defined your childhood?
Yes—what always got me was when characters would go outside into the dark to check on strange noises. I thought it was so stupid but also so frightening, because of course they’d get caught. That fear has followed me into adulthood, even in my dreams: going out into the dark and being chased.
4. What used to scare you?
The idea of being hunted in the dark. That sense of vulnerability when you leave the safety of your house.
5. How did your early experiences blossom into a love of all things horror?
I think being scared as a kid made me curious. Instead of turning away from horror, I kept going back. I guess I wanted to face those fears in a safe way, through films.
6. Do you have a particular era or style of horror that you deem the best? If so, which one, why, and what are some examples of the best of that era/style?
I think the 80s slashers hold a special place, simply because that’s what I grew up with—A Nightmare on Elm Street, Halloween, Friday the 13th. They may look a bit cheesy now, but the atmosphere and creativity were unforgettable.
7. How about genres – are you a slasher fan, paranormal lover, gorefest enjoyer, etc, or is a little bit of everything ok with you?
A little bit of everything. Slashers were my entry point, but paranormal films can be absolutely terrifying if done right.
8. What’s the best horror film to watch alone and why?
Something atmospheric like The Grudge. Watching it alone is pure dread—it’s creepy, unsettling, and you feel like something could crawl out of the shadows at any moment.
9. Likewise, what’s the best horror film to watch with a group (beers and popcorn included) and why?
Classic slashers like Friday the 13th or Scream. They’re fun, they’ve got the right mix of scares and camp, and you can laugh and yell at the characters together.
10. What is an overrated film or franchise? Please explain.
I’d probably say the Saw sequels. It’s all about shock value. I could not care less.
11. What is a modern horror film (the last ten years) that you just loved and why?
The Grudge was incredibly creepy, but more recently I’ve enjoyed how some films build dread with atmosphere rather than jump scares. It’s that slow-burn fear that really gets me.
12. What scares you now?
Still the same thing as when I was a kid: going out into the dark and being followed. That primal fear of being hunted hasn’t gone away.
