By: Robert Englund
and Alan Goldsher
Genre: Film,
Autobiography
“One … two … Freddy’s Coming for You…”
Who doesn’t recognize the catchy jump rope song that haunted
the nightmares of the Elm Street children? The tune signaled the danger lurking
in their unconscious, clawing its way up to wreak its revenge in the form of
Freddy Krueger. Now, the man behind the makeup tells his story.
Robert Englund begins his story in junior high, where he
admits he got into acting hoping to impress a girl, and ended up finding his
passion. He tells of his growth as an actor, from kiddy productions, to a
theatrical academy, to Hollywood and a few events in his personal life along
the way. There are several humorous anecdotes from many of the films he was in,
including all of the Nightmare on Elm
Street films. How he took a pool stick to the groin, the day he killed Burt
Reynolds, and getting punched in the face by a young Richard Gere are just a
few of the stories he shares, all of which are equally entertaining.
As a long time fan of Robert, not just as Freddy, but as an
actor in general, I was eager to get my hands on his book. Coming in at 259
pages (excluding the multiple appendixes), it was a quick read finished within
about three days. It feels as though the he is talking directly to you as you
take in each and every word. If you have seen him in interviews or listened to
him on audio commentaries for the films he’s been in, you can’t help but read the
words in his voice. He writes as he speaks, which offers a casual,
conversational setting for the reader. His energetic sense of humor is far from
absent in his writing style either, which is great because that man never fails
to make me laugh.
Also included in this book are lists from both Robert and
Freddy’s perspectives – including playlists, favorite films, best quotes and
kills. These were a nice touch – and provided me with a list of films and songs
to check out. He also provides a summary of one of his own nightmares at the
beginning of each chapter – giving fans insight into what scares the man who
had many of us terrified not so long ago.
The only flaws I found with this were that it was over too
soon and there could have been more Nightmare
on Elm Street. He seemed to gloss over a few of the later films in the
series entirely, providing one anecdote and moving on. The Nightmare films did take up a majority of the book, but that still
may not be enough for some fans as much of this information can be found in
interviews. I’m sure he has enough stories from the set of all seven original
films and Freddy Vs Jason that he
could fill another book.
Overall, this is a fun read that gives fans insight into the
man behind Freddy Krueger – someone with a great sense of humor that stumbled
upon acting and ended up falling in love with it. Above all else, Robert
Englund is nothing if not down to earth and open to his fans. If only it hadn’t
ended so quickly…
7/10
