HOLLYWOOD DREAMS & NIGHTMARES – The Robert Englund Story (2022)

4 Stars

Icon Film Channel – Available now. Blu Ray/Digital Download 6th November

Here an overview of a long lasting career that does what it says on the tin.

If you are a fan of actor Englund, and who isn’t, especially if you are horror fan, then you’ll enjoy this overview of the classically trained actor and his journey from jobbing secondary player to becoming one of the best known horror characters in the shape of Freddy Krueger in the Nightmare on Elm Street series of films.

I have to say my earliest memory of noticing him was his fun turn as Willie, one of the alien invaders in the fondly remembered sci-fi TV series V in the early 80s. This is just one of the productions touched on in this wide ranging overview.

Fundamentally a performer moving from job to job, he has appeared in a lot of movies and TV, many of which are covered in this engaging documentary which is directed by Chris Griffiths and Gary Smart (who co-wrote with Neil Morris).

Of course, inevitably the lion’s share of the coverage is his iconic role as the deadly , bladed glove wearing killer invading dreams.

A clips and talking heads production, the filmmakers have managed to interview lots of folks who have worked with and admired the thespian over the years including Heather Langenkamp, Tony Todd, Lance Henriksen, Lin Shaye, Kane Hodder, Jill Schoelen, Mick Garris, Adam Green, Kenneth Johnson and many others. More importantly there is plenty of time spent with the actor himself.

What emerges is a picture of a committed trouper, who is genuinely loved by all those who have worked with him but also someone who supports and cares about all those he has the pleasure of working with.

Steve Kirkham