Diederik Van Rooijen doesn’t usually watch his films along with the audience. However, the filmmaker broke that tradition for The Possession of Hannah Grace , which marks his foray into Hollywood. “A lot of kids sneaked in and they seemed to have liked the ride,” says Diederik, who’s quite satisfied with the film’s response in the US. A big fan of the horror genre, Diederik never had the chance to make a full-fledged horror film, since most of his works were either dramas or thrillers. “ The Shining and Jaws were my biggest influences. When this offer came up, I thought it was the right time to experiment with the genre.”
Every filmmaker has his own modus operandi when it comes to writing cinematic scares, which are vital for a horror film. “I must admit, it’s very hard,” laughs Diederik, adding, “It’s a genre film, and you have to try and reinvent techniques. I’m a fan myself, I like to be surprised at unexpected places. At the same time, the film should be smart enough for the audience.”
Diederik promises that the film will keep us hooked, “It starts on a high note and you immediately get this feeling that something bad is going to happen.” With The Possession of Hannah Grace , Diederik has gotten the golden ticket to Hollywood. But the filmmaker feels that he had more control while making films in Holland. “I think Hollywood is more studio-driven and that’s how they operate,” he adds.
Horror films, in general, have been criticised for employing the customary elements of loud music and jump scares. However, Diederik says that his approach was more subtle and organic. “Our film is almost free from music, although the sound design has come out well actually. It’s funny that people critique jump scares, but both my son and daughter enjoy it. Obviously not throughout the film, because it would then become a circus act.”
Diederik, apart from directing films, has created the popular TV series Black Widow , which became a runaway hit. So much so that the series was remade in America, Russia and Sweden. “They were actually planning an Indian version as well. I’m not sure of its current status,” he says. Diederik is curious to know how people in India will receive The Possession of Hannah Grace , which hits the screens this Friday.
