MovieChat Forums > Nightmare Man (2006) Discussion > Director Statement

Director Statement

posted 16 years ago by Rolfe30
45 replies | jump to latest

I will never object to someones' opinion about a movie. A film should stand alone on its own merits. It takes hundreds of people to take a film from concept to distribution but the director receives the majority of the credit or blame. That's how the system works and one has to accept that.

My only objection is when reviews of films become personal attacks on people. Of course, if you hate the person, you will hate everything they make if you've seen it or not. However, if you hate the filmmaker then it seems pointless to keep watching his/her films and throwing your money away. I'm sure everyone has a filmmaker who they think is terrible and at some point, just stop bothering to see their films. It's only natural.

There are many of my own films that I am not pleased with. I am proud of NIGHTMARE MAN and will stand behind it. There are many supporters of this film (and no, they are not all friends and family) and there are also people who didn't care for it as you can see from some of these posts. I'm sorry you didn't like it. But we all know that you can't please everyone. Horror/comedy is a delicate balancing act. People like Rob Zombie hate movies like SCREAM. And some people hate Rob Zombie movies and love SCREAM. Nobody is right and nobody is wrong. It is all personal opinions.

I have seen plenty of movies that I have walked out hating but I don't find it necessary to jump on the internet and bad-mouth them and their films to "warn others away". People should make up their own minds. Nowadays everybody is a film critic. A few get paid for this service and hundreds of thousands do not. Do critics serve a purpose? Well, I suggest watching "Ratatouille" for a wonderful speech about the job of a critic.

It's fun to write nasty and sarcastic things about a work or art or whatever term you wish to call the horrible things you've been subjected to. Filmmakers like Michael Moore try to sway people's opinions in stronger ways. Some agree with him. Some don't. That's fine.

If NIGHTMARE MAN is the worst movie you have ever seen, I have no argument with you and I won't hold a grudge. If you like my next movie more, then great. If you never want to see another one of my films then please don't.

I make movies because I love making movies. I always have and I always will. Nobody goes out to make a bad movie. It's hard to believe sometimes but it's true. My goal is always to entertain and what some people find entertaining, others find to be a torture worse than hell. There's nothing I can do about that. If you search the internet for my movies and reviews you will find many, many positive glowing responses. Now, I know if you hate a particular film, you will be baffled by this. How can someone like this piece of *beep* Are they insane?! Do they have no taste at all?!! Did the filmmaker pay them to write this?!! The answer is no. They have a difference of opinion. That's life.

Opinions and facts can be hard to separate at times but the fact is, I am a professional filmmaker (meaning I make my living writing and directing films that do get released in theaters, video stores, cable, television, etc...) I've had to work hard to get to where I am and will continue to do so.

I have seen comments comparing me to Ed Wood. Well, Tim Burton made a wonderful film about Ed Wood because despite his talent or lack thereof, he was also a driven filmmaker and tried his best. I do not have a problem with that. I object to when a filmmaker has the money to make something and just phones in the work. I have never done that (even with films that I am not so proud of). I always try.

Also, there are some very talented filmmakers on youtube. So, I do not object to that comment either.

And for the record, some of the posts come from a person who heard that I did not like someone else's movies. Well, I have always tried to be honest. I think it's worse to lie to someone and tell them that they liked the film when they did not. I've had many friends and family tell me that they didn't care for some of my work. I do not hate them for this. I do not put them on my enemy list for this. I get slightly annoyed if I disagree and then I put it behind me. Revenge is a pointless action that doesn't help anyone or anything. It doesn't get you anywhere. Hate letters are not productive.

You will find even the most famous and greatest movies ever made have their detractors. People that don't understand why certain films are so great. We always have lists of the best of the year and the worst of the year. It's fun to read about the worst and some of the biggest actors in Hollywood and biggest filmmakers have been awarded "worst films of the year" and guess what? They're still making movies and many of the films they go on to make are great!

So, to wrap it up. For all those who continue to leave comments and letters, I want to thank you for all the positive feedback and for all of those who have hated my previous films, in the words of Ed Wood in Tim Burton's Ed Wood; "Well, I hope you'll like my next film better."

[–] 16 years ago

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[–] SuperDevilDoctor 16 years ago

Probably won't be catching this at the theater (I'm a middle-aged fart who's gone to the multiplex maybe twice a year since the invention of the cellphone), but I'll definitely be seeing this on DVD.

Brian Lindsey
Head Writer/Editor/Webmaster
http://www.eccentric-cinema.com

[–] 16 years ago

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[–] Rolfe30 16 years ago

Okay. I understand Howiebaby's problem much clearer now. I do not know what was happening at the time that he came up to me at Fangoria. I am usually not stand-offish and have tried to help give fellow filmmakers advice. I get many e-mails a day and try to respond to all of them. I have no idea what the actress said about a certain starship captain and was not involved in that conversation so I can not respond for her. Personally, I have no problems with any starship captains.

I couldn't agree more about being kind to people at conventions and if I wasn't (and from Howiebaby's perspective I wasn't) I will absolutely apologize here and now. I do not mean to hurt people's feelings and am sorry that I hurt his.

Once again, this is obviously a personal issue. Like I said, if you hate my movies regardless that is totally acceptable in my book. I actually am willing to read other people's scripts and give feedback when I have the time. Send me an e-mail. My contact info is easily accessible on my website www.rolfekanefsky.com.

And please remember, hundreds of people come up to you at those conventions. Sometimes you're distracted. Sometimes you're hungry. Like I said, I don't remember what was going on at the time but I am always willing to give people my card and am happy when they call and/or contact me with questions about this business.

Networking is one of the key elements in succeeding in Hollywood. Before I was making movies, I too was going around to conventions and trying to talk to John Landis, Joe Dante, Sam Raimi, and Bruce Campbell. Some were nice. Others were busy but I did not take it as a personal slight. In the movie business if every rejection got to me, I'd have a hate list to wrap around a house. It's just not worth it in my opinion.

But if Howiebaby wants to contact me like the hundreds of fans and struggling writer/directors have in the past, I would be happy to listen and advise. And I would not hold any grudges towards him from his previous posts.

Thank you for finally explaining what happened at that Fangoria convention, Howie. If you accept my apology and want to carrying on in a more productive way, then let me know. Perhaps I can help in your filmmaking endeavors. If you don't desire my opinion or help anymore, then I wish you luck and hope you are successful. It's a tough town and nobody needs more negativity in their lives.

I hope this clears up where I stand on this matter and if anyone has any questions, contact me at [email protected]. Of course I'd prefer people not to send hate mail.

[–] seraseahorse-1 16 years ago

First off, Rolfe thank you for being a gentleman and posting a mature response to HowieBaby's posts. It was quite refreshing as well as very interesting to read things from your POV.

Second, HowieBaby, Rolfe has already made his peace with you so please stop posting negative comments about him on this board. It's a waste of time and energy in my opinion. If you don't like his movies, then don't watch them but please find something better to do with your time.

Thanks again, Rolfe :-)

Sera

[–] Pimptaddyone 16 years ago

Want a tissue? This is some hardcore whining. This movie sucks!

[–] slimpictures 16 years ago

Gotta love the constructive criticism from 'Pimptaddy.' I can personally vouch for Rolfe's character. As someone who doesn't know me all that well, we've talked on a phone a couple of times and one of those times was actually when he was in the middle of finalizing the "After Dark Horrorfest" stuff so I know he was crazy busy. Still talked with me for a half an hour or more about (of all things) film financing (the same thing Howie was curious about).

Now, speaking as a filmmaker who wishes to one day be in the position Rolfe is in (surviving on my writing and directing skills), I can tell you it is tough to annoy or sadden a creator by bashing one of their projects. Simply saying "This movie sucks!" (as Pimptaddy did) quickly becomes white noise. There's nothing specific or insightful, therefore, easy to forget. A more specific criticism is actually welcome and falls into the "things I might be able to improve upon in the future" bin. We're talking the entertainment industry here - a life of re-writes and rough cuts. All of the industry, but writers and directors in particular, are told constantly that their work should be better. After time, the swords don't get duller, the armor gets thicker.

So, for people like Pimptaddy....move along unless you actually have something to SAY.

Also, TIffany Shepis is outstanding. In my humble opinion, she came off as the most polished actor in the cast.

[–] 16 years ago

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[–] slimpictures 16 years ago

"It showed class and was better written and intended than his films." Okay, it got a chuckle out of me, but, still, ya just had to get another shot in, huh? I've had a fun night, trailing your tirades across the IMDB pages.

Just a question though: Have you ever seen "Tomorrow by Midnight" (aka "The Midnight 5"). Some people have issues with Kevin Smith's writing styles, but if you happen to be one who likes Kevin Smith, I think you'll really like this movie. It's not horror, but rather a suspense comedy that, by the end, actually does get pretty tense. The best thing about the movie - the writing. From story to dialogue I think it's damned solid.

With a bigger budget they would've probably first gotten an upgrade in the form of actors, who aren't tops (though they did have Jorge Garcia from "Lost"). Despite this Rolfe really did it - captured real comedy (honest laugh out loud dialogue) through most of the movie with suspense mixed in, and finished off strong.

[–] Randeman2 16 years ago

I haven't seen the film. Frankly, it doesn't strike me as my cup of tea. It isn't that I don't like horror films, I see horror films fairly often and I think they run the scale from very good to really bad...although itseems most of them are closer to the really bad side of the scale. As for professional critics, Ebert is really the only one that I most often agree with. I looked, and it doesn't appear that he reviewed this one. However, when it comes down to critics, professional or amateur, it's all just opinion, and frankly, opinions are like *beep* has one.

I don't recall ever seeing any of your films, Mr. K., so I don't know if I consider your art "good" or "bad." But I absolutely agree that someone who personally attacks anyone consistently for their own reasons unrelated to a person's art has no credibility. Everyone can make a "bad" movie. Wolfgang Petersen creates "Das Boot" and "The Perfect Storm" both excellent films, and then puts out a clunker like "Poseidon." I chalk it up to "everyone has a bad day now and then." As long as you continue to get work in an industry where there are vastly more disappointed people than not, you should certainly keep doing what you're doing.

You don't seem to be losing sleep over the opinions of a few people. Your movie is currently playing at the AMC 25 on 42nd Street in Manhattan and that itself certainly seems to be quite an achievement. I wish you the best and hope you keep striving for excellence.

"I never look back, darling. It distracts from the now." Edna "E" Mode

[–] rjl023 16 years ago

I'm not sure I know what a 'good' movie is but I was entertained and that is my personal rating system. I thought the 'twist' at the end was interesting.

I admire people who get out there and make an effort. getting a movie in a theatre is an amazing accomplishment.

It's easy to critisize someone else, especially if you don't play the game yourself ...

[–] only1soe 16 years ago

I have always said a critic is a legless man who teaches running. How many of these posters are wanna be film makers and wish they had the release Nightmare Man did. The fact is its a fun movie. If you want worst move ever go watch a Ulli Lommi movie. This is a enjoyable show that got its due exposure and lots of haters cant stand it.

[–] kaiju0 16 years ago

Fine points all, Rolfe.

I enjoyed Nightmare Man very much. I would like to congratulate you for creating I film that I found very engaging and fun. I will definately be picking it up once it hits DVD. I have also begun searching out some of your other films. I have made the statement on some other posts, but would like to reiterate this in a place I think you may be more likely to see it: I was INCREDIBLY impressed with the segment at the side of the road in the woods. That was tremendously well done. I have rarely seen a segment in a horror film that worked better. You did a great job of having those shots framed in a manner in which I could FEEL where the trees were in relation to the car, where the Nightmare Man was, where Ellen was and it all added to creating a real sense of tension. I had the same feelings during the segements in the house, and was also impressed with the performances from most of the cast.

Overall, Nightmare Man was my favorite of the Horrofest '07 films. Thank you for a film that was truly entertaining.

[–] Xyzzy 16 years ago

Hey, Rolfe,

Saw you at The Plant with Esther on the first night of the HorrorFest but didn't put you together with your movies. I posted my review here, for what it's worth.

http://bitmaelstrom.blogspot.com/2007/11/after-dark-2007-nightmare-man .html

Anyway, we had fun and this was the seventh film we had sat through in three days, so that's saying something.

-------
http://bitmaelstrom.blogspot.com/
Get loaded.

[–] Wu_Tang_Clam 16 years ago

Well, I just grabbed the torrent and I want my bandwidth back! I went in with low expectations and still left disappointed. I would go into detail as to why, but since I don't get paid as a film critic I won't voice my opinion. It is crazy though how everyone thinks they're a film critic and leaves opinions on a movie review board eh?

[–] 16 years ago

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[–] seraseahorse-1 16 years ago

"What you've seen is easily one of the worst movies ever made. Even video pirates have rejected it."

This reminds me of an old saying that I'm applying to all of Howiebaby's posts regarding Rolfe and "Nightmare Man":
"Those who can't, teach".

You figure it out.

[–] 16 years ago

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[–] only1soe 16 years ago

Yeah this howie baby guy is sad. It must of really burned him to see all the ads on the net and on TV for this movie.

[–] once_upon_a_midnight 16 years ago

> What you've seen is easily one of the worst movies ever made. Even video pirates have rejected it.

HowieBaby - having looked through your post history I have to ask do you ever post anything positive?

BTW: I found Nightmare man to be entertaining, but not great. Still I'd watch other films by the director, which is more than I'd say for several of the other horror fest films.

[–] wirrrn 16 years ago

Hey,

Literally just finished watching NIGHTMARE MAN, and liked it lots. Liked how it started off more or less serious (the bit with Helen stuck in the car with Maskface outside was very tense) and got more amusing as it went along. When there's a nutter with a crossbow lurking outside? Stay away from the f@#$%*g windows, people!! Tiffany *rocked* as Mia, and I liked the guy playing Jack as well. I would have liked somemale nudity to balance out the female (not all us guys are into girls!) but on the whole, I had a great time with this one. Plus the mask was very creepy in and of itself...

[–] 16 years ago

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