The 25th edition of the Bilbao Fantastic Film Festival-FANT witnessed a celebration of its silver anniversary, with notable personalities gracing the event.
Among the distinguished honorees like J. A. Bayona and Fred Dekker, the unexpected presence of Adrienne Barbeau added a touch of nostalgia to the occasion. Accompanying the world premiere of "The Chain" (2019), a psychological thriller directed by Salamanca-born David Martín Porras, Barbeau shared insights into her illustrious career and the iconic roles that made her a muse in the world of fantasy and horror cinema.
Barbeau's association with the fantasy and horror genre commenced with the television film "Someone's Watching Me!" (1978), directed by her future husband, John Carpenter. In an interview, she revealed that the combination of a compelling script and her instant connection with Carpenter played a pivotal role in her decision to take on the role, which also marked the first portrayal of a lesbian woman on the small screen.
The subsequent years saw Barbeau co-starring in two of Carpenter's cult films, "The Fog" (1980) and "Escape from New York" (1981), challenging the traditional portrayal of female roles in the genre. Barbeau attributes her casting to her previous roles as strong and independent women on stage and television, elements that resonated with Carpenter's preference for robust female characters. Notably, Carpenter wrote both films with Barbeau in mind.
Reflecting on her role in "The Fog," where her character is scenically isolated for most of the film, Barbeau shared an amusing anecdote about filming scenes in reverse to create the desired atmospheric effect. Despite the challenges, she downplayed the significance of being alone in the film, emphasizing the radio-centric nature of her character.
Discussing John Carpenter's shift from directing to focusing on his musical career in recent years, Barbeau highlighted that Carpenter's love for music existed long before, and it was a personal choice to transition. She also expressed joy at the fact that their son collaborates with Carpenter in his musical pursuits.
Barbeau's collaboration with other horror cinema legends includes working with Wes Craven in "The Swamp Thing" (1982) and George Romero in separate segments of "Creepshow" (1982) and "Two Evil Eyes" (1990). Despite budget constraints in "The Swamp Thing," Barbeau commended Wes Craven's resilience and craftsmanship. Regarding George Romero, she fondly described him as a sweetheart, emphasizing the positive experiences with all three directors.
As the public continues to identify Barbeau with her iconic roles in '80s fantasy and horror films, she embraces the unexpected resurgence in popularity. Her recent involvement in projects like the new "Creepshow" series and the "Swamp Thing" series attests to the enduring impact of these films. Barbeau expressed delight at the continued recognition and the opportunity to revisit these beloved genres that have become an integral part of her legacy.
