The Clown Prince of the Box Office: Art the Clown's Reign Continues

In a surprising turn of events, the low-budget horror franchise Terrifier has emerged as a box office sensation, with the latest installment, Terrifier 3, toppling the highly anticipated Joker: Folie à deux at the domestic box office. At the center of this unexpected success is David Howard Thornton, the actor who brings the chilling and demented Art the Clown to life on the big screen.

Embracing the Darkness: Art the Clown's Reign of Terror

The Anti-Clown: Thornton's Unique Approach to Art the Clown

Thornton's portrayal of Art the Clown is a far cry from the traditional clown archetype. Rather than bringing joy and amusement, Art is a source of pure terror and misery for his victims. Thornton explains that the key to this character lies in the line from the first Terrifier film, where the cat lady describes Art as someone who "thinks what he's doing is funny because he's laughing." This mindset, where killing is a source of entertainment for Art, has been the driving force behind Thornton's interpretation of the character.Thornton's commitment to the role has not come without its challenges. During the filming of Terrifier 3, there was one particular scene that pushed him to the edge, where he almost broke character due to the disturbing nature of the on-screen gag. However, Thornton persevered, determined not to ruin the carefully crafted makeup that his dedicated artist had spent hours perfecting.

Pushing the Boundaries: Terrifier's Unique Appeal

The Terrifier franchise has found success by embracing the very elements that mainstream horror films often shy away from. In a landscape where global audiences and the need for broad appeal have led to a certain level of restraint and self-consciousness, Terrifier has tapped into a rare feeling of watching something that you're not supposed to be watching on the big screen.Thornton believes that this unapologetic approach to the genre is a large part of the films' appeal. He notes that while most slasher villains are driven by revenge or anger, Art the Clown is motivated solely by his own twisted sense of entertainment. This unique perspective on the classic slasher trope adds an extra layer of demented intrigue to the character.

Joker's Influence and Art's Origins

Interestingly, Thornton's portrayal of Art the Clown has been influenced by his own love for the Joker, one of the most iconic villains in popular culture. Prior to his breakout role in Terrifier, Thornton even played the Joker in a fan-produced YouTube series, hinting at the deep connection he feels with the character.As for Art's own origins, Thornton and the Terrifier team have been carefully unveiling the character's backstory in a way that maintains an air of mystery. Much like the Joker, the filmmakers have opted to slowly reveal snippets of Art's past, rather than providing a clear-cut origin story. This approach, Thornton believes, keeps the character more intriguing and allows the audience to speculate on the nature of his twisted psyche.

A Life-Changing Role: Thornton's Journey with Art the Clown

For Thornton, the role of Art the Clown has been a life-changing experience. Prior to landing the part, he was struggling to make ends meet as a waiter in New York City, auditioning for various Broadway tours without much success. The Terrifier franchise has not only provided him with his defining role but has also transformed his career trajectory.Thornton recalls the early days of the first Terrifier film, where he was still waiting tables and "barely scraping by" even during the filming and after its release. However, once the film gained a cult following and the subsequent crowdfunding campaign for Terrifier 2 proved to be a resounding success, Thornton's life took a dramatic turn. He is now eagerly anticipating the opportunity to reprise his role as Art the Clown in the upcoming Terrifier 4, eager to explore the character's new state of being after the cliffhanger ending of the third installment.

Maintaining Boundaries: Thornton's Ethical Stance as Art the Clown

Despite the extreme and disturbing nature of the Terrifier films, Thornton has made it clear that there are certain lines he will not cross as the performer of Art the Clown. One such line is the depiction of rape, which Thornton finds deeply disturbing and believes has no place in the franchise. He has had open discussions with director Damien Leone about this, ensuring that the character's actions remain within the bounds of Thornton's own ethical standards.Thornton's commitment to maintaining this boundary speaks to his dedication to the role and his understanding of the responsibility that comes with portraying such a complex and unsettling character. As Art the Clown continues to terrorize audiences on the big screen, Thornton's unwavering professionalism and moral compass serve as a testament to his craft and the respect he has for the character he has brought to life.