Hollywood Monster
A Walk Down Elm Street with the Man of Your Dreams
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4.8 • 28 Ratings
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- $16.99
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- $16.99
Publisher Description
Robert Englund, legendary star of A Nightmare on Elm Street, peels back the Freddy Krueger mask and reveals the stuff of every horror buff’s dreams.
ONE...TWO...FREDDY'S COMING FOR YOU...
You've seen him in the A Nightmare on Elm Street series—and in your darkest dreams. The sadistic killer with the flame-charred face. The knife-blade claws. The razor-sharp wit. Freddy...But you've never seen him like this. Unflinching. Uncensored. Unmasked.
Meet Robert Englund, the award-winning actor best known for his role as Freddy Krueger—the legendary horror icon featured on the American Film Institute's "100 Greatest Heroes and Villains" roster—a character as unforgettable and enduring as Bela Lugosi's Dracula and Boris Karloff's Frankenstein. Now, for the first time, the man behind the latex mask tells his story in this captivating new memoir, published to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the first A Nightmare on Elm Street film.
You see, Robert Englund is no monster at all, but a deeply funny, charming Hollywood veteran. Packed with Robert's hilarious stories, playful self-deprecation, and a generous helping of never-before-revealed A Nightmare on Elm Street trivia, Hollywood Monster offers an unparalleled look at the beloved film icon. With insider savvy and gallows humor, Robert recounts his audition for Wes Craven, the inspiration for Freddy's character, the grueling makeup sessions, his soon-to-be-famous costars, the often disastrous on-set blunders, and the wave of popularity that propelled this humble California surfer kid all the way to the top.
Of course, fame and fortune as Freddy came years after the young actor shared a trailer with screen legend Henry Fonda, was punched in the face by Richard Gere, took down Burt Reynolds, and muscled his way between Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sally Field, and Jeff Bridges.
But soon after his high-profile stint in the groundbreaking TV miniseries V, Robert Englund took on the most celebrated role of his career—the macabre and wisecracking killer who quickly became a household name. From the moment Freddy Krueger dragged his claws across a rusty pipe in the opening dream sequence, a legend had been unleashed—and a star was born. This is his story.
"Welcome to prime time, bitch." —Frederick Charles Krueger, bastard son of a hundred maniacs
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
The actor behind A Nightmare on Elm Street's Freddy Krueger recounts his early years in theater and Hollywood before hitting it big as the razor-fingered killer. Intent on pursuing a stage career, California native Englund went to Cal State and Michigan's Academy of Dramatic Arts, where he studied classical theater. After being inspired by Martin Scorsese's debut film, Boxcar Bertha, Englund headed to Hollywood and soon landed small roles alongside stars like Henry Fonda, Burt Reynolds and Sally Field. But it wasn't until Wes Craven offered the role of Freddy Krueger, a sadistic murderer who haunted victims' dreams, that Englund broke into cult stardom. He recalls in vivid detail the hundreds of hours spent in the makeup chair for the film and its six sequels, most recently 2004's hit Freddy vs. Jason, where Krueger is resurrected from hell and battles Jason Voorhees from the Friday the 13th franchise. Englund also appeared in the acclaimed 1984 miniseries V and 1995's The Mangler, from Tobe Hooper, director of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. While readers who didn't grow up with the Elm Street films may be a bit lost, Englund's memoir will appeal to those who still can't shake Freddy from their nightmares.
Customer Reviews
Great for Freddy fans!!
I thought it was a fantastic book for Freddy fans or Robert Englund fans in general. He did a great job of telling stories, was very quick to the point and was funny as hell. I'd recommend this book to anyone. Great book, great man.
Ok read
It wasn't a bad read. Felt as though his experiences (especially on the Nightmare sets) were blown through too quickly for my taste. All in all an interesting book
Must read if you're a Krueger fan!
I was very inspired by Robert by how much passion he put into his work. Robert was and is much more than Freddy Krueger. If you read this book you will understand what I am saying!!