Anyone familiar with John Carpenter‘s 1996 film “Escape From L.A.” recognizes that his feelings towards Los Angeles have been ambivalent, to say the least. This is evident in a scene where Snake Plissken (played by Kurt Russell) finds a moment of calm amidst the earthquake-damaged city, following an encounter with the Surgeon General of Beverly Hills (Bruce Campbell), when his current companion (Valeria Golino) comments, “When you understand this place, it’s not so bad.” However, her statement is met with immediate retribution, as she is shot in the back. (“It was a child,” Carpenter adds, who co-wrote the script along with Russell and the late producer Debra Hill).
Carpenter has faced metaphorical injuries from the harsh criticisms of the city’s entertainment world, yet he’s persevered. As he prepares to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 3rd, he expresses great affection for his home of 57 years – a topic he enjoys discussing more than his films – and appears content with his enduring legacy.
Despite facing challenges in the entertainment industry, Carpenter has managed to thrive, especially as he gets ready to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He loves his city home dearly, enjoys talking about it more than his films, and seems happy with his lasting impact.
Despite Carpenter being renowned for his expertise in horror, sci-fi, and action movies, it’s important to note that his body of work isn’t exclusively focused on gore, frightening surprises, or massive explosions. In fact, within these genres, he has delved into various other themes such as romance (as seen in “Starman” from 1984, which garnered Jeff Bridges an Oscar nomination for Best Actor), humor (depicted in “Big Trouble in Little China” from 1986), and social critique (as demonstrated by “They Live” from 1988).
Generally speaking, John Carpenter’s legacy is often associated with his third major film direction, the 1978 horror movie “Halloween,” which initiated a series that has proven remarkably resilient, much like its central character, Michael Myers in his white mask. However, more dedicated followers usually lean towards his debut in the 1980 action-thriller “Escape From New York” or another film featuring Russell, “The Thing” (an adaptation of the same novella as the 1951 movie “The Thing From Another World”), which was met with criticism upon its 1982 release but is now universally acknowledged as a masterpiece.
Over the past few years, Carpenter has been deeply immersed in his love for music, a legacy he inherited from his deceased father, Dr. Howard Ralph Carpenter, who was the head of the music department at Western Kentucky University and collaborated with musicians like Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, and Brenda Lee as a founding member of The Nashville Strings. His musical journey began with his low-budget debut film “Dark Star” in 1974, and since then, he has written and performed electrifying, synthesizer-driven scores for many of his films, echoed by the theme song for Netflix’s “Stranger Things”. Starting from the mid-2010s, Carpenter has been venturing into a new phase in his career, acting as a recording artist and live performer. He has been working alongside his son Cody Carpenter and Daniel Davies (son of Dave Davies, the guitarist for The Kinks) on four “Lost Themes” albums. This autumn, they will be hosting a four-night residency at Los Angeles’ Belasco Theatre, which will culminate in a performance – you guessed it – on Halloween night.
As this conversation with EbMaster demonstrates, Carpenter appears to have figured it out.
Will having a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame make you an integral part of the city’s famous skyline? Does this hold any special meaning for you symbolically?
Indeed, it carries great meaning as my name will be featured along the hallowed avenue. This wasn’t something I ever fathomed when I was a child traveling from Bowling Green, Kentucky to Los Angeles. Back then, I had no idea any of this would transpire, making it utterly astonishing.
As a movie-obsessed kid growing up in the South, what did you imagine Hollywood to be?
Back in 1968, I found myself standing clueless in Los Angeles, bound for USC’s film school. I was utterly unaware of the city, the university, or its layout. All I had were my suitcase, a guitar, and long hair – quite the minimalist traveler, really. The moment I looked down upon LA from the plane, I was taken aback by its vastness, thinking to myself, “Goodness gracious! This sprawls on forever?
As a passionate film enthusiast in the ’60s, when the internet was still unheard of, I had to find alternative paths to nurture my cinematic passion. So, how did I discover USC (University of Southern California) and make the momentous decision to enroll there? Well, it was through a combination of word-of-mouth, extensive research, and an unyielding desire to learn from the best in the film industry that led me to this esteemed institution.
After researching various film schools, I found several options available. Among them were UCLA and USC in Los Angeles, as well as one at Bob Jones University located in Greenville, South Carolina. However, the religious focus of Bob Jones University wasn’t suitable for me, so I applied to both the University of Southern California (USC) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). I received a prompt response from USC, which made it seem like my ideal choice. At that point, I didn’t know much about it beyond that initial impression.
Has your perspective on the relationship between the city, Los Angeles, and businesses changed throughout the years? Given that the business world can sometimes be harsh, how have your sentiments developed?
My affection for this city has grown profoundly and become more refined, yet it retains the same exuberance as when I first arrived. I’ve traversed numerous corners of the globe, yet no comparisons can be made. In terms of my profession, I acknowledge its inherent piracy, but it is also teeming with exceptional individuals – people who are passionate about cinema, people who revel in the art of filmmaking. These are the individuals I associate with. I cannot express enough, and I am not being compensated for these feelings. This is simply how I experience it.
The studios have lost their former glory; they’re like fossilized remains of dinosaurs, a bit melancholic now. It’s no longer the industry I initially joined. However, the allure, the mystique, and the legend of it remain unchanged. Visitors roam around, gazing at the Hollywood sign, passing by the Chinese Theatre, noticing the imprints on the ground and the stars on the Walk of Fame, and they exclaim, “This is the place!
How did the fires in January affect you? I imagine you know people who lost their homes.
Indeed, we experienced it. Residing here comes with its challenges, like the recurring fires. My spouse Sandy King and I operate an office in the heart of Hollywood, in a more exposed area. Thankfully, we didn’t have to evacuate from our home, but we were threatened. We’ve been fortunate, yet many others weren’t or had narrow escapes. The destruction was widespread.
On a brighter side, what’s it like to have a solo career in music at this stage of your existence? It seems as if you’re reaping the benefits without much of the burden.
There’s no stress here; it’s all about enjoying the music. Nobody is dictating what songs to perform or how to perform them. We’re simply having a fantastic time. I have an incredible band, and I get to play alongside my child. Honestly, could anything be better?
Do you have plans to direct anytime soon?
As for plans, I’m undecided at the moment. However, if the right opportunity arises, I would be thrilled to direct a film again. Yet, I’m no longer the youngster who would take on any project for any price. I can’t compromise my vision by working within a tight budget anymore. Age and experience have made the task more challenging. But my passion for directing remains unchanged; it’s a love that will never fade.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Information Sheet
Topic: John Carpenter to be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Date: April 3, at 11:30 AM
Location: 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
Website for More Details: http://www.walkoffame.com
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