UPDATE with additional tributes: Tributes continue to roll in from industry figures on news of filmmaker Wes Craven‘s death. Here are just a sampling from some who worked with Craven and others who appreciated his work and expressed gratitude for his influence.
This is only a modestly representative sampling, starting with statements this morning from New Line founder Bob Shaye and Craven’s Nightmare On Elm Street star Robert Englund:
Wes had the demeanor of a straight back preacher with a kind of diabolical twinkle in his eye. He could be stern, single minded, taciturn and judgmental. And he had the cutting edge talent and appetite for offbeat passion. His story telling skills justified his confidence in his abilities, yet he was open to collaborate on good ideas. His remarkable sensitivity to “right” things was impressive, and appreciated. Wes’ work often hit the bullseye. It will continue to do so. Heartbroken about the loss of Wes Craven. He was an incredible inspiration as a director and, more so, a very kind man.” — Bob Shaye, founder of New Line Cinema
I am shocked and saddened to hear we have lost Wes, one of the great auteurs of our time, the man responsible for the billion dollar “A Nightmare On Elm Street” franchise and the now classic catch phrase, “Don’t Ever Fall Asleep.” Condolences to his family, friends, fans, and my co- stars. — Ronee Blakley, starred as Marge Thompson in A Nightmare On Elm Street.
Heartbroken about the loss of Wes Craven. He was an incredible inspiration as a director and, more so, a very kind man.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) August 31, 2015
Wes matched his success on the silver screen with the kindness of his heart, which he extended to animals many times, wishing to spare them the real-life horrors of laboratory experimentation and other forms of cruelty. He put fear into the hearts of those who experimented on dogs and cats condemned for a lifetime to endure pet-food tests, and his monthly column about how wonderful birds are gave every reader tips for how each of us can make the world a less scary place for our feathered friends. Wes was a friend to PETA and to animals, and we will miss him dearly. — PETA president Ingrid Newkirk
It gives us a way of thinking rationally about our fears. Horror films don’t create fear, they release it – Wes Craven pic.twitter.com/vrIY2bZmw6
— Scott Derrickson (@scottderrickson) August 31, 2015
Devastated to hear the news. Wes was a great friend, fine director and good man. Giant loss. Much too soon. http://t.co/3XnIn8UNIF
— John Carpenter (@TheHorrorMaster) August 31, 2015
Can’t believe the news. Heartfelt sadness and deepest condolences with the passing of Wes Craven. Truly one of my biggest inspirations. #rip
— James Wan (@creepypuppet) August 31, 2015
The Evil Dead flicks had several homages to Master Wes Craven (Freddie’s glove in this case). He showed us the way. pic.twitter.com/JqNK0WHOkv
— Bruce Campbell (@GroovyBruce) August 31, 2015
He directed me in Scream3 and I directed him in J&SB. Fare thee well horror-Gretzky WES CRAVEN. Talented, g ood guy. http://t.co/LZB0EGzxfV
— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) August 31, 2015
Wes Craven gave me my first break in the film scoring business with his movie Scream and really acted as a mentor in the early part of my career. His calm, quiet confidence inspired me to explore ideas that I probably wouldn’t have otherwise, and he taught me the psychological role that music plays in manipulating an audience. Wes was a master at understanding the emotional state of his audience, getting inside their minds and leading them down unexpected paths; teetering between the lines of fear and humor, outrageous and commonplace. I feel his influence on every film I work on, and when I’m in a bind I often say to myself, “What would Wes tell me at this point?” For me, Wes Craven’s presence is eternal. — Composer Marco Beltrami
Shedding tears now. A giant has left us. #wescraven #always #liveon pic.twitter.com/t3ituQLgV1
— rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) August 31, 2015
Screw the VMAs. @LydiaHearst & I are going to watch Wes Craven’s New Nightmare instead. #RIPWes
— Chris Hardwick (@nerdist) August 31, 2015
So sorry to hear of Wes Craven’s passing. We cast him years ago in Stark Raving Mad (yes, he acted) and he was a lovely guy. #WesCraven
— Steve Levitan (@SteveLevitan) August 31, 2015
Only met Wes Craven once, but he was engaged, smart and generous. His last advice was exactly right. https://t.co/gb84B19foh
— John August (@johnaugust) August 31, 2015
RIP Wes Craven. You were one of a kind. Thanks for all the years of scares and fun.
— Paul Feig (@paulfeig) August 31, 2015
You gave me nightmares as a child, then again as a grown up… and I loved every bloody minute of it. R.I.P. Wes Craven
— Dustin Lance Black (@DLanceBlack) August 31, 2015
RIP #WesCraven. Thank you for entrusting the knife to me in Scream 2. I got to play the Ghost faced… https://t.co/l1iYcbvYuD
— Adam Shankman (@adammshankman) August 31, 2015
I had the great privilege of working with #WesCraven one of the kindest most gentle souls, who made great scary films. #RIPWesCraven
— Sarah Michelle (@SarahMGellar) August 31, 2015
Wes Craven. There goes another outlier. RIP
— Joe Carnahan (@carnojoe) August 31, 2015
RIP Wes Craven! A pioneer in the genre!
— Joe Dante (@joe_dante) August 31, 2015
So sad to hear the news about Wes. An amazing man on set and off and I owe so much to his talents. He will be sorely missed by many…
— Skeet Ulrich (@SkeetMe1) August 31, 2015
So sad to hear of the death of Wes Craven. One of the greats of the genre. pic.twitter.com/4CzuS78Brv
— Paddy Considine (@PaddyConsidine) August 31, 2015
We lost a legend. Thank you @wescraven for your films and your friendship.
— scott foley (@scottkfoley) August 31, 2015
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