Interview: David Hess
Ryan digs deep into the life of "Last House on the Left" star David Hess.
'Krug Stillo'. To a fan of the exploitation film, this name should be pretty synanymous with a visceral experience known as 'Last House on the Left'.
On an even more international level, if you're familiar with the films of Rugero Deodato(Italian Sleaze-meister), you'll also recognize the simple, but effective name of 'Alex'--The bugged out psycho all decked out in retro-mechanics in 'House on the Edge of the Park'.
To a horror fan, David Hess will always be rememberd as 'Krug' and 'Alex', but there's alot more to the man than that. Not only is he a great actor, but he has also tried his hand at directing, and has had a marvelous music career over the years. While his greatest appreciation lies in Europe, the dude will always have admirers here in the States. From writing songs for Elvis Presley, to writing and singing the music featured in 'Last House..', the name of David Hess will not be forgotten anytime soon. Recently, David was nice enough to answer some of my questions, and proved that he's no 'Krug' in real life.
Living-Dead.com: I never knew that all the times I've hummed 'All Shook Up' by Elvis Presley, that I was humming a tune to a song you wrote.
David Hess: Let's get one thing straight. I didn't write the song, it was my IDEA, then Otis Blackwell wrote the song.
Living-Dead.com: What was it like having a number of your songs being performed by the King?
David Hess: He was my contemporary, and I idolized him for his originality. My one regret was that we were never able to meet.
Living-Dead.com: I just watched 'Last House...' again for the first time in ages. How many 'Krugs' did you 'put on' before finally sticking with the one we see on screen?
David Hess: My approach to acting has always been organic and visceral. So, I didn't have to reach for the character, the character came to me.
Living-Dead.com: I understand that your career in Europe has been a good one. When it comes to filmmaking, do the Europeans do things any differently, or is it all the same?
David Hess: They're totally different. The only comparison is that they're making films. I prefer working with Europeans personally, I'm usually allowed more freedom.
Living-Dead.com: During the release of 'Last House on the Left', I understand that it was a weird experience for you. People thought you were this crazed maniac in real life. Did this take some getting used to, or did you get your kicks from it?
David Hess: Both. I've always been able to laugh at myself, and to see little old ladies avoid me in the street because of the posters was a bit of a kick. The down side was that I had to move to Europe to continue working.
Living-Dead.com: I didn't know this until recently, but you directed an 80's Slasher film based around the Christmas Holiday called 'And to All a Good Night'. How did you manage to get the task of being the director? Which side of the camera had you rather be on and why?
David Hess: I've always wanted to direct, I just haven't had that many offers that I wanted to persue. Being a songwriter, then a producer, then running a record company, are all part and parcel of being a director, so directing has always been in my blood. As to which side of the camera? I like them both.
Living-Dead.com: I read that you are appearing in a film directed by Uli Lommel called 'Zodiac'. Can you tell us a little more about 'Zodiac', and what we should expect when it's finally released?
David Hess: Stay tuned, Zodiac is still in the production phase and should be released by Spring. He also has Boogeyman 4 in preproduction and I'll be doing one of the leads.
Living-Dead.com: What inspires you most when it comes to acting or songwriting?
David Hess: I've learned over the years that it's not really me anyway, I'm just a channel for the inspiration and as long as I have that deep respect for the creative process it seems to flow effortlessly.
Living-Dead.com: I did an interview with one of you co-stars from 'House on the Edge of the Park'. Giovanni Lombardo Radice is a helluva guy. What was it like working with him, and especially the infamous Rugero Deodato? Any anecdotes you would like to share?
David Hess: Giovanni was a gem, fun to work with...one of many highlights in my career. Rugero...we love each other and we hate each other and perhaps that's the best way to describe our relationship. I remember the end of the film when they killed me in the swimming pool, there was pockets of ice forming in the corners of the pool, it was that cold. So I had a wet suit on for protection and every time I got pushed into the pool, the wet suit would keep me floating and they couldn't get me to sink, so I started to get cold and Rugero ordered a bottle of Ramazzotti and kept filming. Well, I finished the bottle of Ramazzotti, was stone sober, and they never did get me to sink. It took over 4 hours and I think they're still there trying to get the perfect shot.
Living-Dead.com: As your character 'Krug' in 'Last House...', in some scenes, I detected a sense of remorse from him after certain brutal actions. did 'Krug' actually feel a litttle remorse for the things he had done?*
David Hess: I think so, that's what showed on my face. And that's why Krug, in spite of himself, is sometimes sypathetic. Perhaps this is what makes him a memorable character.
Living-Dead.com: Music or acting. Which is it, and why?
David Hess: Both, hopefully together, generally apart, but loved equally.
Living-Dead.com: and last but not least, in three words, describe what kind of experience it has been, doing what you do.
David Hess: The luckiest man alive...but that's four words...
Living-Dead.com: Again, I wanna express my thanks for you taking time to share your thoughts. It's people like you who take time out for the fans that remain Legends in the world of Cult cinema. Best of luck from Living-Dead.com!!
Be sure to visit David's website at http://www.davidhess.com/. All photos provided by and owned by DavidHess.com
