Trick 'r Treat U.S. Premiere

Writer/director Michael Dougherty (screenwriter: X2, Superman Returns - pictured, center) debuted his long-awaited genre horror movie, Trick 'r Treat to a packed house last night at the opening of the Annual L.A. ScreamFest. (Tickets for the rest of the event can be purchased online at the official website)

Horror.com did a set visit on the movie in early 2007, and I have been looking forward to seeing it ever since. The premise sounded too good to be true: A traditional horror film that's all themed around Halloween, exploiting all that's cool, creepy, funny and sexy about the holiday, without flinching from the suspense, lore, and gore.

It was supposed to come out nationwide around October 31 of that year, but then something happened. The movie didn't happen. It's been sitting the shelf ever since, leading to questions and speculation. Is it really that bad? Or is it just too original, and therefore unmarketable? Is the studio (Warner Brothers) just too flummoxed to know what to do with a such a cruel parable (at least 15 young children die in the film, and it's in the name of unapologetic, full-on, shock horror).

Whatever the reasons, the movie has been little-seen, but everyone I know who's watched it, loved it. Finally, I can add myself to its list of cheerleaders. I saw it last night, and my review will be posted soon. (Kudos to ScreamFest L.A. for this coup!)

Following the film, Dougherty and some of his cast (Quinn Lord, Lauren Lee Smith, Britt McKillip, Isabelle Deluce) and crew (DP Glen MacPherson, composer Douglas Pipes) were on hand for a Q&A, which was moderated by Brian Collins of Horror Movie A Day.

Fans dressed up, and one enterprising fellow brought along a homemade "Sam" doll (Sam is the little pumpkin-headed creature you see in all the ads, posters, and goodies — "This is probably the only movie that has so much licensed merchandise and Halloween costumes available at retail outlets… and no movie!" Dougherty joked.).

Sam is an enigmatic character, with no back-story. Dougherty said he likes that kind of mystique when it comes to evil, supernatural villains — "His mom was not a stripper!" he added, taking a playful swipe at Rob Zombie's Halloween prequel.

On that Halloween (movie) theme, Dougherty also revealed that actor Brian Cox modeled his Old Man Kreeg character after John Carpenter, and that the composer of the film, in homage to the 70s classics, wrote an actual theme and score to the movie rather than "sound design". Pipe said, "I took that sing-song 'trick-or-treat' phrase and blended it into the music in many different ways."

There is still no release date for the film, but it will be making its way around the festival circuit.

ScreamFest L.A. continues through the week, showcasing films such as The Burrowers, Feast 2: Sloppy Seconds, Madison, Train, and Parasomnia.

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