Q&A With Michael J. Bassett (Silent Haven)

Date published: 2010.11.29
Source: Silent Haven

Michael J. Bassett, the Director for Silent Hill: Revelation has been very vocal with the fans and has answered some of their specific questions about the films direction that many of the fans have been wanting to know.

Q: Will you guys be getting in touch with Akira Yamaoka to use some of his previous music from the games or to possibly compose a new score/supply new tracks for the film?

Bassett: Yes, Hopefully… I think that Akira’s music – or more accurately, the entire sound-scape that he created – is part of the soul of SH. I’m not sure how you could go about making a SH movie without being influenced by that. As to if he will be involved, I simply can’t say at this early stage. I hope he has some part in the creative process… Clearly it’s integral and iconic and no, matter what happens, I’m going to try and stay true the central themes and ideas.

Q: Have you played any of the Silent Hill games? If so, which ones and which are your favourites?

Bassett: Yes, of course. I prefer the early ones.

Q: Do you own the Silent Hill 3 game?

Bassett: I actually have a copy of SH3 for the PC.

Q: Do you think your SH film will be mind bending/a thinking persons film, very straight forward, or one with some combination that includes twists and turns in the plot?

Bassett: I think good horror is about the mind as much, if not more, than about the pure viscera. Fear is a product of the conscious mind, revulsion is a baser emotion and an easier response to generate. It seems to have been the preserve of a lot of modern horror and I find that extremely disheartening. I love me some blood but without a mind at work, it means nothing. I’d like to make sure that both appetites are served. I don’t think it’s possible to make a SH story that is straightforward – that would take away the fun of psychological aspects. Having said that, I’m not going to be willfully abstruse because it’s very important to me that an audience enjoy the story and not be confused or frustrated.

Q: Are you going to try for a pulls-no punches approach of capturing SH (blood, gore, disturbing full on scenes)?

Bassett: I am going to try to pull no punches. I suspect that producers, distributors and censors may get in the way. But I’ve said this before; I don’t think SH is about gore and blood. If people simply want that, they should go watch the newest SAW movie instead.

Q: Will there be an alternative UFO ending?

Bassett: I’d love to do a UFO ending but I’m pretty sure there’s no way the production could afford the extra time and money to make something like this. Personally, I’d rather that value went into the main picture. Interesting take on how to get the Silent Hill 2 game story into the movie. Something I’d considered myself, not for this film but maybe the next one.

Q: Did you take inspiration from Silent Hill when directing Deathwatch?

Bassett: I didn’t consciously think about SH when making Deathwatch but I’d have played the game by then, so it was doubtless rattling around my subconscious. It just happens to be the kind of atmosphere and tone I like in my horror, so I guess we’re a good match

Q: Is your story very close to the plot of Silent Hill 3?

Bassett: By very close, if you mean a direct transcript of the game, no. Is it using SH3 as a template, yes.

Q: Will this movie try to move away from the first film and really focus on the game’s story?

Bassett: Movie 1 exists and this is going to try and bridge movie 1 and game 3 as well as work for a none SH audience.

Q: In your opinion, do you think that your screenplay of Silent Hill is darker and more horrific than the first film?

Basset: Yes. Much darker.

Q: Are you going to try to incorporate all of the characters from SH3?

Bassett: Not all. Some.

Q: Does the shooting begin still this year or early next year?

Bassett: I’ve got no specific dates yet. I’m hoping to get going quite soon though.

Q: Will you sneak in Robbie the Rabbit somewhere in the movie?

Bassett: How could I leave Robbie out? I’ve already storyboarded his cameo.

Q: Why use a cliche subtitle like “Revelation”?

Bassett: ‘Revelation’; it makes sense to me and I have my reasons but at this early stage I wouldn’t be surprised if things change down the line. You’re right, it is a little ubiquitous. So maybe something more singular arise. Finally though, titles and things like that tend to be decided by distributors. They’ll use what they think will get the widest possible audience interested.

Q: Do you have any fears that the producers and distributors might force you to alter your film like they did with Gans? (by making him add a male cast, creating the father scenes that we can all agree hurt the pacing of the film)

Bassett: Am I going to be influenced by producers, distributors etc? Almost certainly but maybe that won’t be for the worse. I mean, I could equally listen to all the clamoring fan voices out there too. And if I acted on those suggestions it wouldn’t necessarily make for a better film. My task is to protect what I think is right for my version of the film. I won’t win every argument but I’m not going into this to have a series of fights, with executive or fans, but to try and make something we all can find fulfilling.

Q: When will the film be released?

Bassett: I’ve no idea about release dates yet.

Q: Are you watching any movies to draw inspiration? if so, what?(Jacob’s ladder, nightmare on elm street, etc)

Bassett: I’m not watching anything specifically for inspiration right now though I love Jacob’s Ladder and that is a baseline influence for me no matter what I do. I understand that this was a film which inspired the original SH team, so I felt that means we’re coming from a similar place. I watch as many films as I have time for and sometimes you find inspiration in the strangest movies. I’m watching lots of online videos of SH gameplay to remind myself of certain moments and to try and keep that sense in my head as it’s been a while since I actually played the games.

Q: Have you given any thought to how the monsters will be used? Will the “Closers” be in the movie?

Bassett: I love the Closer design but haven’t decided on which creatures specifically will appear other than ones that have a direct story impact.

Q: Do you know when there will be a trailer for the movie?

Bassett: We’re months and months away from even shooting, so the trailer is nowhere in sight.

Q: Are you aware that each monster of the games (especially the early ones) has a special meaning linked to certain fears/feelings and characters?

Bassett: Of course I’m aware of the link between the monsters and the psychological needs and fears of the characters. That’s what gives the stories so much more depth than other horror franchises.

Q: How will 3-D be used in the film? Will it be in a gimmicky carnival way as mainstream horror films usually cater to?

Bassett: 3D will be used for drama and atmosphere, not gimmick.

Q: Will the second movie clear up some (or all) of the confusion created by the highly symbolic nature of the first?

Bassett: All I can say is that I’m going to try and make full sense of her story for everyone. No promises that I’ll succeed but that’s the intention…I think I have figured a way out that doesn’t undo anything from the first film but carries it on, reconnects with the game story and develops it’s own narrative too.