In part one of our interview with writer/director James Gunn, we touched on his early career and what challenges he faced in filming his latest project, the horror film SLiTHER. Now, more of our talk with the prolific talent...

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BellaOnline: In the theaters, SLiTHER received great reviews, but didn't do as well at the box office...which is the opposite of most horror films nowadays. Why do you think the box office didn't match the glowing reviews?

James Gunn: People didn't understand what the movie was from the advertising. They didn't know if it was a spoof or a serious horror film. The truth is it isn't either, it's a humorous horror film with truly scary moments, but it's not a spoof in the least.

BellaOnline: If hindsight is 20/20, is there anything you would have done differently with this film?

James Gunn: Nope. Not a thing.

BellaOnline: How did your wife, the talented actress Jenna Fischer ("The Office"), end up as one of the zombie-fied denizens of Wheelsy?

James Gunn: The guy who was supposed to play "Shelby", the police dispatcher, got a TV gig and dropped out of the movie the Friday before the Monday he was supposed to shoot. Luckily, Shelby is a unisex name (because I had already shot some scenes with Nathan talking to "him" on the walkie-talkie) and Jenna was visiting that weekend. So over the weekend I rewrote the role to be a woman, and Jenna stayed a few extra days and shot her scenes. Her stuff is actually much funnier than what was originally in the script, so I got lucky that the other guy dropped out. So many times in the film world something that originally seems like a bad break ends up being the best thing that could happen.

BellaOnline: Describe each of the main cast members in ten words or less...

James Gunn: I'll do better. I'll do one word a piece.

BellaOnline: Ok...Nathan Fillion?

James Gunn: Polite.

BellaOnline: Elizabeth Banks?

James Gunn: Spicy.

BellaOnline: Michael Rooker?

James Gunn: Insane.

BellaOnline: Gregg Henry?

James Gunn: Enrapturing.

BellaOnline: Tania Saulnier?

James Gunn: Unique.

BellaOnline: Jenna Fischer?

James Gunn: Lovely.

BellaOnline: the alien slugs?

James Gunn: Beautiful.

BellaOnline: Speaking of your wife, Jenna, you recently acted in Lollilove, which she directed. Did you find yourself offering tips to her for her debut as director on this film, or did you just step in when asked?

James Gunn: I was unbearable. She actually directed LolliLove before SLiTHER, but I had already done a fair amount of directing work on my own with Troma. So I can get bossy at times. It's my nature to be controlling and I've never not clashed with a director on any movie I've done. However, if the director is confident and competent, these clashes have helped the movie to get better.

BellaOnline: Not only are you and your wife in showbiz, but so are your brothers. Are you supportive of each other, or is there a sibling rivalry?

James Gunn: Very supportive. There's little to no sibling rivalry in my family. We all get very excited over each other's successes.

BellaOnline: What projects are you working on now?

James Gunn: I'm finishing writing a horror film which I may or may not direct. And then I'm doing a couple of other secret things.

BellaOnline: What is is about horror films that you think appeals to people? What is the appeal for you?

James Gunn: What interests me is probably different from other people. I like examining the role of the outsider in society, and I like exploring the dark side of fantasy. To me horror movies go back to Lovecraft -- they're first and foremost "weird tales." But other people really like being scared in a safe environment. I like that too, but I don't think that's my primary interest in horror films.

BellaOnline: You're exiled for a year with a dvd player and five films. Which five make the cut?

James Gunn: Only five films for a year? F**k. Off the top of my head: Kill Bill 2, Once Upon a Time in the West, The Godfather, The Matrix, and Oldboy.

BellaOnline: Ok, it's the closing moments -- time to pimp yourself. Why should people see SLiTHER on DVD?

James Gunn: You know what? I don't think anyone's going to take MY word for it. But, hey, I love the movie. It was done with the heart and soul of everyone involved. And I think that's a rare thing for a horror movie these days.

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I'd like to add to that...SLiTHER is one of the best horror movies I've seen. It's a serious horror film with a sense of humor and a healthy dose of grossness to satisfy any gore fan -- not to mention it is the 2006 Fangoria Chainsaw Award winner for Highest Body Count. How's that for badass? This film also pays homage to great horror films of the past while imprinting its own mark on the genre.

You can also read my review of SLiTHER from March. But don't just take my word for it, pick up a copy of the movie on DVD starting October 24.

A big thanks goes out to James Gunn for taking the time to talk with me. You can keep up-to-date on his latest projects and appearances at jamesgunn.com and at www.myspace.com/slithermovie.

If you have any questions or comments regarding this interview, please drop me a line or leave a message on the forum boards.

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