INTERVIEWS

Samuel Bayer is the director of the latest version of "A Nightmare on Elm Street," starring Jackie Earle Haley as Freddy Kruger. The film, which is also produced by Michael Bay, is being released April 30 by New Line Cinema.

"Real horror, when you think about it, relates to things on a very human level," notes Samuel Bayer, the acclaimed commercial and music video director who makes his feature film debut with "A Nightmare on Elm Street." "And we all dream; it's universal." 

Sleeping and Dreaming

Freddy's home turf–where he is in total control–is the world of sleep and dreams. Bayer offers, "Through the centuries, people have tried to figure out their own psyches and why they dream, and why some people fear sleep. At some time in life, we've all tried to stay awake for something. We know what it feels like when you get tired and your eyes just can't stay open. Usually it just means you fall asleep, but in this movie, you could actually die."

On Jackie Earle Haley

Bayer has nothing but praise for Haley's work. "This is definitely Jackie's take. He created a character that you're going to hate and be scared of, but, at the same time, you're going to have empathy for him–it's all what Jackie brought to it."

Rooney Mara as Nancy Holbrook

"Rooney has something that is absolutely special," Bayer states. "The camera loves her, and she has a really introspective quality. I think she's a great heroine; I really love her." 

FInal Words

Bayer reflects, "It's an urban fairytale. It's what scares you. As the kids in the movie fight so hard to stay awake, the switch between the real world and the dream world happens even more quickly, so it's a ride. But we wanted to create a situation in which this nightmare scenario is grounded in truth, to the point that you wonder, 'Can someone actually kill you in your sleep?'"