Wes Craven - John Wooley

"Wooley tells the stuff that Screams are made of, richly exploring the deep intelligence, wit, edgy controversiality, and absolute terror that only Wes Craven brings to the screen." Ron Wolfe, coauthor of Old Fears and Death's Door

An absorbing portrait of horror's most terrifyingly imaginative writer–director

Wes Craven is one of the most successful and iconic horror movie directors in Hollywood, with a career that has spanned almost forty years. His examination of the nightmarish nexus of dreams and reality has enthralled millions around the world. This book goes beyond the screen to examine what really led to Wes Craven's nightmares and ours.

Why was Craven reluctant to direct Scream, which spawned the number one horror franchise of all time? What led him to begin his career as a film director by making one of the most controversial horror movies ever? What inspired him to create the horrifying Freddy Krueger of A Nightmare on Elm Street? In this fascinating and insightful biography filled with new revelations from the author's most recent interview with Craven, you'll discover the answers to these and many more questions about the man whose name has become synonymous with horror.

You'll find out:

• The source of the nightmares that haunted Craven's childhood and how he coped with them later in life




• Craven's surprising scholarly roots




• The real–life events that sparked the creation of the infernal Freddy Krueger




• Why the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise didn't make him rich




• The real story that inspired The Hills Have Eyes




• The background dish on the Scream movies