Interview: Talking Horror with The Haptics (Written)

The Haptics are an alternative melodic post-punk band from Vancouver, B.C., and 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 dad let me rent whatever I wanted to, so I remember well selecting a lot of horror movies to watch. I loved horror movies and these really stuck out: The Tommyknockers, Pet Sematary, and Cujo. I couldn’t have been much older than six.

2. What effect do you think it had on you, either positive or negative?

I’m still a huge horror fan and it’s my go-to genre to watch at home. I find horror so interesting and riveting and can’t imagine my life without it. I do get a lot of nightmares though.

3. Do you have a particular moment in horror, be it a specific film or even a scene, that defined your childhood?

I remember seeing Arachnophobia when I was seven or so. There’s a scene where spiders crawl out of a victim’s nose and I was shocked and so, so horrified. It started a lifelong fear of creepy crawly things.

4. What used to scare you?

I was pretty sure there was a monster under my bed so I would jump from a foot away so my ankles never got too close.

5. How did your early experiences blossom into a love of all things horror?

I was a voracious reader and loved Stephen King. My favourite childhood book was Firestarter. I read it so many times! I then got into horror movies.

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 love everything Tartan Asia Extreme has released: Oldboy, Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, Lady Vengeance, Cello, etc. I think I’ve seen all of their releases. I especially enjoy Korean and Japanese 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 like psychological horror like Silence of the Lambs but I also love stuff like the Exorcist, paranormal stuff.

8. What’s the best horror film to watch alone and why?

I really like the Feast trilogy. It’s campy and scary and funny. Winning combo!

9. Likewise, what’s the best horror film to watch with a group (beers and popcorn included) and why?

I think watching serial killer movies in a group is fun, because you can comment on each victim’s actions. Stuff like Halloween. Or Friday the 13th.

10. What is an overrated film or franchise? Please explain.

I’m not a fan of Paranormal Activity or most found-footage films. I just don’t enjoy watching them.

11. What is a modern horror film (the last ten years) that you just loved and why?

Like everyone else, I loved The Substance. I’m a big Cronenberg fan so I like body horror. I thought it was beautiful, dark, and relevant.

12. What scares you now?

I listen to a lot of Dateline and that stuff gives me nightmares. Real-life stuff is the scariest!

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