Evil Dead Rise filmmaker Lee Cronin attributes the success of his latest film to the guidance and support of franchise creators Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell. Recognizing the need for a new direction in the franchise, Cronin took inspiration from Raimi’s fantastical third installment, Army of Darkness, and moved the story from a cabin in the woods to a condemned Los Angeles apartment building. Raimi and Campbell fully supported Cronin’s subversion of the franchise’s traditional setting, resulting in the highest-grossing Evil Dead film to date.
Cronin acknowledges the trust and freedom given to him by Raimi and Campbell, who understand the importance of supporting the filmmakers they hire. Having started out independently, they have learned that the best results come from backing the vision of the person in charge. Cronin never felt the need to constantly look over his shoulder, appreciating the confidence placed in him by the franchise architects.
Although Cronin is open to making a sequel to Evil Dead Rise, he expresses interest in exploring his own original ideas. After putting other projects on hold to make the film, he feels gratified to have the freedom to consider what’s next. He credits the success of Evil Dead Rise for allowing him this opportunity.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Cronin discusses some aspects of the film’s production. He reveals that over 1,700 gallons of fake blood were used for a particular sequence, showcasing the film’s commitment to delivering the gory and intense experience fans expect from the franchise. Additionally, Cronin shares his satisfaction with avoiding an NC-17 rating for the film, explaining that he struck a balance between violence and playfulness to maintain an energetic and entertaining tone.
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Cronin also delves into the thought process behind the film’s framing device. The opening scenes offer a taste of familiarity before taking a surprising turn, providing a fun and subversive experience for audiences. Cronin wanted to pay homage to the classic cabin-in-the-woods setting while telling a story in a different context. The drone gag at the beginning of the film was another way to play with the visual language of the franchise, offering fans a familiar visual while subverting their expectations.
Regarding the film’s rating, Cronin assures that an R-rating was never in doubt. While a couple of seconds were trimmed to meet the requirements, there was no threat of an NC-17 rating. Cronin attributes the film’s ability to maintain an R-rating to its energetic and playful approach to violence. By focusing on momentum and not lingering too long on gruesome scenes, the film strikes a balance between intensity and entertainment.
Cronin also discusses his use of split diopter shots, admitting his appreciation for a visually striking shot. As someone who initially struggled with framing shots, Cronin finds joy in incorporating cool shots into his films. He aims to improve the overall visual experience while maintaining the integrity of the story.
Overall, Lee Cronin’s collaboration with Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell on Evil Dead Rise has been a successful and fulfilling experience. Cronin is grateful for the trust and support given to him by the franchise’s brain trust and looks forward to future projects that allow him to explore his original ideas while staying true to the genre he loves.
