Never Sleep Again: The Making of ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’

The film 'Never Sleep Again: The Making of 'A Nightmare on Elm Street'' delves into the intricate and often tumultuous background behind the creation of Robert Englund's iconic portrayal of Freddy Krueger in Wes Craven's 1984 horror classic, 'A Nightmare on Elm Street'. This documentary, directed by Daniel Farrands and Andrew Kasch, unravels the intricacies of the filming process and provides a behind-the-scenes look at the events, challenges, and creative decisions that shaped the movie into what it became. The documentary starts with the conception of the movie itself. Wes Craven, at the time relatively unknown, drew inspiration from his own nightmares and the idea of a killer who could manipulate and haunt his victims through their dreams. Robert Englund, a lesser-known actor at the time, auditioned for the role but ultimately had to fight for the part. His unorthodox approach to acting and willingness to experiment with the character caught Craven's attention, leading to a significant development in the role of Freddy Krueger. A pivotal moment in the film's production was the arrival of Heather Langenkamp, who played Nancy Thompson. Her involvement in the project not only brought a level of authenticity but also sparked controversy, as she eventually sued the producers after allegedly being subjected to on-set harassment. This incident raises interesting questions about the working conditions on sets, particularly during the 1980s. Throughout the documentary, a recurring theme is the tension between Wes Craven and the film's distributor, Robert Shaye of New Line Cinema. Shaye imposed changes to the original script, including the infamous dream within a dream sequence that became the film's pivotal plot device. Despite this, Craven's determination to stick to his vision paid off, transforming 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' into the box office success it became. Moreover, Robert Englund shares candid stories about his on-set experiences and interactions with his castmates, revealing that some cast members initially had significant reservations about the film's premise. Additionally, an intriguing aspect emerges: Robert Englund recounts a story about Wes Craven's decision to give him a specific, very distinctive glove – that infamous red and green striped glove that would go on to become the iconic look of Freddy Krueger. One of the most striking aspects of the documentary revolves around the casting process. The role of Tina, Nancy's friend and a character initially intended to receive a more substantial share of the narrative, was given to Amanda Wyss. She shares her perspective on her experiences with the film and how her presence inadvertently became one of several crucial components in making 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' a classic in the realm of horror movies. In addition to discussing creative elements and interpersonal dynamics, the documentary also explores the lasting impact of 'A Nightmare on Elm Street'. By detailing its box office success and the eventual franchise spawned from it, 'Never Sleep Again' paints a comprehensive picture of a pivotal moment within the film industry's evolution. A key element explored in the documentary is how the film challenged the conventional perception of the genre at the time. A poignant aspect discussed in the documentary revolves around Wes Craven's relationship with the film's cast. The way he bonded with his actors on-set created a deep respect between them. Robert Englund and Heather Langenkamp express their gratitude to Craven for instilling an appreciation for filmmaking and leaving a lasting impression on the actors. In conclusion, 'Never Sleep Again: The Making of "A Nightmare on Elm Street"' is meticulously crafted, taking viewers through an unforgettable behind-the-scenes account of the making of one of the most enduring horror franchises in cinematic history. The documentary's meticulous approach to storytelling and its willingness to delve into the complex web of relationships that shaped the movie make for an informative and compelling portrayal of the filmmaking process, offering an insight into the artistry that underpins 'A Nightmare on Elm Street'. By delving into the challenges faced during production and the lasting impact it had on its creators and the genre as a whole, the documentary provides a nuanced exploration of 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' and its place within the realm of horror movies.