For fans that are expecting another documentary about Robert Englund as Freddy Krueger, “Hollywood Dreams & Nightmares” ends up being much more about Englund the actor. While the documentary, clocking in at two hours, does explore a lot about Robert Englund’s time as Freddy Krueger, Gary Smart and Christopher Griffiths’ film is so much more about the actor and thespian Robert Englund. I’m quite happy that that’s the angle that they aim for, as “Hollywood Dreams & Nightmares” is able to set itself apart from so many other horror documentaries. Robert Englund is a seasoned actor and thespian who was classically trained and spent his life trying to perfect his craft.
A classically trained actor and director, Robert Englund has become one of the most revolutionary horror icons of our generation. Throughout his career, Englund starred in many well-known movies, but shot to super-stardom with his portrayal of supernatural serial killer Freddy Krueger in the NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET franchise. This unique and intimate portrait captures the man behind the glove and features interviews with Englund and his wife Nancy, Lin Shaye, Eli Roth, Tony Todd, Heather Langenkamp and more.
While the documentary doesn’t delve too much in to Englund’s personal life (save for discussion about his late mother), “Hollywood Dreams & Nightmares” spotlights a lot of Robert Englund’s surprising career. There are so many interesting stories told through Englund’s eyes and his friends, many of whom were also struggling to make in the film business. Probably the best element of the documentary is learning about how many roles that Englund originally auditioned for, and how many nearly went over to him. He discusses auditioning for Travolta’s role, and nearly landing it, in “Carrie,” his auditioning for “Star Wars,” as well as “Kill Bill,” etc. Englund is a very humble man who never really saw a role that he didn’t find some potential in.
So it should serve as no surprise in the end as to why he’s so prolific in the horror genre. There are a ton of interesting interviews and stories about Englund with sit downs with folks like Lance Henriksen, William Katt, Nancy Englund, Lin Shaye, and Kane Hodder, respectively. As one would expect, a documentary about Englund is incomplete without discussing his work as Freddy Krueger, and we’re able to obtain some interesting new insight in to his work with the character. He discusses his initial resentment toward his co-stars, New Line’s failed attempt to replace him for “Freddy’s Revenge,” and his inevitable embracing of the character as a mainstay of his career.
“Hollywood Dreams & Nightmares: The Robert Englund Story” should really be watched not just by horror fanatics, but by actors aspiring and professional. Englund has a lot to teach and so much insight, and it amounts to a stellar biography.
Available on Screambox and Digital on June 6th.