Robert Englund’s Top 10 Roles
Matt Molgaard
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Sampson (Hatchet): Hatchet is a bit like Urban Legend in the sense that it doesn’t afford Englund much to work with, and it should have. Sampson is a total douchebag who comes across as the sort of fellow who couldn’t be polite if his genitals were on the line. He can’t even extend a little decency to his pansy ass son. Given his connection to Victor Crowley – Hatchet’s focal villain – there’s potential for some wildly violent exchanges between the two. But those do not have the chance to be realized, as Sampson is a corpse in a matter of minutes. It’s another polarizing character that unfortunately we never really had the chance to know thoroughly.
Raymond Beaumont (Wishmaster): A smooth collector of fine artifacts, Raymond Beaumont was destined to cut his own lifespan short in Wishmaster. Those who share company with the mighty Djinn tend to fall, but the greedy… well, they flat out kamikaze. This is one of those rare moments in which Englund approaches a smaller supporting role, and it’s perfectly measured. Beaumont’s time in the story is perfectly played, gifting viewers just enough time to really get a feel for the fellow before the impulse to make a wish sets in.
The MC (“Dance of the Dead”): Showtime’s “Masters of Horror” can be argued as the finest contemporary anthology series in existence. Don’t get me wrong; there are some quality shows out there that utilize similar structuring, but few impress as consistently as “MOH”. A fine example of a scintillating installment is “Dance of the Dead,” a supremely twisted tale featuring Robert Englund as the axiomatic Master of Ceremonies. And he’s damn good with the microphone in his hand, overseeing one hellacious party. It’s a chance for Englund to be big and bold (he makes a damn fine leader) without being overtly hokey. It’s definitely a unique role for the man, but he doesn’t disappoint in the slightest. If you missed this “MOH” installment, go track it down!
Robert Englund (Wes Craven’s New Nightmare): Surprised to see this pick? You shouldn’t be. While a piece of the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise, Wes Craven’s New Nightmare is certainly a departure from the norm. If you’ve forgotten the film, Englund actually plays himself in a seriously meta movie before meta was, well, meta. It’s hard to say exactly how much of Englund is really in the role and how much is strictly manufactured script, but I’m inclined to believe Craven sought out sincere performances by taking a somewhat liberal approach to the script and improvisation. Regardless, whether this is an accurate portrayal of Englund himself is irrelevant. What is relevant is the fact that New Nightmare is an extremely refreshing franchise film that still stuns today, 20 years after creation.
