I really like The Exorcist. And I love Se7en, actually. Though it's not a classic horror film, it's a horror film that mixes drama really well. In Cold Blood... especially that second-half... it really captures something. At the same time, I think A Woman Under the Influence had just as much to do with how I shot The Strangers as those other movies. -- on what horror films inspire him. Show less «

As a writer, I tend to write smaller movies. I think of them as mini-epics. You take all of those emotions, and it is a huge story - just in a small space. That way, you can really examine all the little details of their life. Sometimes, in these bigger movies, and especially in the horror genre... it's too many words. I'd rather have my language limited because I do think at times, the bigger the movie, the less personal - and the greater the chance of audiences not being able to feel like they're in that space with the characters. But as a director, I think I certainly benefited from my first film being something that allowed me to feel like I knew where I was going everyday. I don't know if I'm capable of jumping into Peter Jackson's shoes anytime soon; I can't imagine the idea of having thirty, fifty or 100 locations to deal with. It's just a difficult thing to pull off. -- on what was important working on "The Strangers". Show less «

I tend to write about pretty dark subject matter in general. And when I start writing dramas, they're dark dramas. I don't know what it is; I guess it's part of my nature. As far as wanting to make sure the characters stand out, and that I have a strong story to tell, and that there's an inherent drama that makes me care about what's going on... that matters more than anything. But I do love scary stories. I always have. I think a lot of people don't love the genre, but I have a lot of respect for it - even to the point where I don't want to watch certain horror films because I don't feel they were made with that love. So I can see myself writing horror for a long time. -- on if he will continue working within the horror genre. Show less «