Interview: Talking Horror with Lost Dogs of Ultimo (Written)
Paul Field is a Melbourne-based composer/musician/producer/activist creating experimental avant-garde soundtracks under the name Lost Dogs of Ultimo. In this interview we talk all things horror with them.
1. What’s some of your earliest memories surrounding horror films and at what age do you think you experienced your first one?
My first memory was watching late night TV with my brother old Dracula movies from the 60s the grainy black and white film brought some authenticity to the tension.
2. What effect do you think it had on you, either positive or negative?
I think initially I was scared from the images but realising that film and storytelling were powerful tools. So I started to enjoy the stories, but I did have a few bad dreams.
3. Do you have a particular moment in horror, be it a specific film or even a scene, that defined your childhood?
Frankenstein and the idea of making a monster from body parts and using an electrical storm to bring life to Frankenstein was an incredible concept for such an early age.
4. What used to scare you?
The dark always scared me when I was younger. I think it was just the perception of possibility that monsters and ghosts might be real.
5. How did your early experiences blossom into a love of all things horror?
How images can shape our thought process and initiate a response is quite a powerful tool.
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 usually like a good story line, something where the imagination is stretched. I think CGI infused movies bring a different perspective to horror.
7. How about genres – are you a slasher fan, paranormal lover, gorefest enjoyer, etc, or is a little bit of everything ok with you?
I don’t mind a bit of everything. It’s just entertainment to tune out of our daily life and work schedules.
8. What’s the best horror film to watch alone and why?
Evil Dead is a classic and is still filled with so much tension and drama that carries the film.
9. Likewise, what’s the best horror film to watch with a group (beers and popcorn included) and why?
I’m not a fan of watching horror with too many people, specially guys, they always try to be clowns and ruin a build up before it hits. This takes away the joy of fear.
10. What is an overrated film or franchise? Please explain.
I just like the classics so I don’t tend to explore modern horror to comment but I’m sure there are bad movies out there.
11. What is a modern horror film (the last ten years) that you just loved and why?
The Midnight Club has a lot of jump scares in it which I just found out is the international measure for audience scares in a cinematic movie.
12. What scares you now?
People and politics scare me with the world leaders being a collection of hate filled multinational Oligarchs I believe the next horror is about to descend on us real soon.
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