Women Empowerment in Horror Films interview with Lisa Wilcox - Part 1

Hello readers!  Annie Minervini here, and I'm bringing you another interview with an AMAZING woman who has kicked some  serious ass on Elm Street!  My second installment in my ongoing Women Empowerment in Horror Films series is with blonde bombshell Lisa Wilcox.  Many of you know Lisa as Alice Johnson in 'Elm Street 4: The Dream Master' and 'Elm Street 5: The Dream Child.'  She also teamed up with Robert Englund again in the 2009 series 'Fear Clinic' on FearNet.  If you haven't seen that series yet, FIND IT!

Lisa is a personal favorite of mine, so I may have gotten a bit carried away in my questions.  But hey, she gives some fantastic and insightful answers, and I don't want to deprive my readers of a single word!  We are also covering 2 movies in this interview, so it is a bit lengthy and will therefore be divided up into 2 installments.  Here is part 1 of my 2 part interview.

I just want to begin by saying I adore the character of Alice.  She is smart, physically and mentally strong, compassionate, and responsible.  Since she has the benefit of having her storyline continue on throughout a second movie you really see her come into her own, as well as find the strength she needs to survive and defend those she loves. 

Horror News Network: What was your first impression of Alice when you read over the screenplay for A Nightmare on Elm Street 4?

Lisa Wilcox: Reading the screenplay was like 'Hello, I so know you, Alice!' Overcoming shyness, timidness and having the courage, with the help of her friends, to face reality rather than stay content in daydreams. She fought Freddy, yes. She also fought against the things that were holding her back from having what she and everyone deserves, happiness and love.

Horror News Network: At the time did you see any of yourself in the character?

Lisa Wilcox: Yup. I was much like Alice, she was a mirror image of me growing up from grade school through late teens years. I was very shy, didn't care about make up or clothes, I was always buried in books, mainly mysteries, suspense, and horror. I day dreamed all day long. In the summer with no school I would read 2 books in one day, instead of one book during school days.
There was this super cute boy next door, Alan. We were the same age and had met briefly. I remember peeking out my bedroom window on summer days, wistfully watching him play soccer in his backyard. How I wished he knew I existed.

Horror News Network: Were you ever hesitant to sign onto A Nightmare on Elm Street 5 and continue your role as Alice Johnson?

Lisa Wilcox: Nope, not even for a minute. Alice had more to say.

Horror News Network: What were your favorite defining Alice moments throughout the two screenplays?

Lisa Wilcox: In NOES4, there are a few favorites.... the "drinking your life away" scene with Dad when I am day dreaming and slam/shatter the bowl down in front of his face. To me this illustrates that Alice does have it in her to get rightfully angry and express herself. Certainly, the gearing up for battle scene and "Fuck 'n' A." Lastly, I'd say the church scene when it looks like it is all over as Alice lays crumpled on the ground. The little girls are singing and the rhyme is remembered...."and evil will see itself and it shall DIE!" Love the literal mirror and analogy.

In NOES5 I'd say the scene where Dan's parents come over to talk about taking my baby. Ummm, I don't think so! Then the scene with Dad in the kitchen, I'm crying and he has sobered up and is a caring, thoughtful Dad. People do change. I love that. There's the scene too when I at last embrace Jacob as my son. 

Horror News Network: How do you feel Alice has changed as a person between Elm Street 4 and Elm Street 5?

Lisa Wilcox: Alice in NOES4 struggled to define herself, to change and fight the fight that had to happen, and to retaliate and protect. Alice's friends gave her their powers. In real life, our true friends give us powers within ourselves that we did not know we had. Despite themselves, our friends set examples, they share wisdom, they are supportive and they help us to be better people. Freddy rightfully underestimated Alice. In the end, she finally found her power. Sorry evil Freddy!

In NOES5 Alice takes on the role as the protector rather than being protected. She now she has the wisdom and strength to plan and attack anyone who attacks her or those she loves. Alice has learned to live in reality, which can be both harsh and joyful. Daydreams have been left behind, but not forgotten.

Nightmare 5 is head on with Teen and Adult issues. Game on. We fought to win!

Horror News Network: As far as you know, was Alice always going to be a survivor by the time the credits rolled in each film?

Lisa Wilcox: Yup. Alice was always going to be a survivor in each film, in both NOES 4&5.

Horror News Network: Alice was physically strong, and she portrayed a great sense of mental intellect.  Do you feel this is why she stayed off of Krueger's body count list, or do you think there are other aspects that contributed to her survival?

Lisa Wilcox: I feel that Alice was not on his body count list because she had no passion, and was no threat what so ever, therefore she wasn't a challenge. Freddy likes a challenge, to fight those that fight back, that have a spark, a passion for something and then it's the thrill of the chase for him. He loves the fun, the game of it and beating those at their own game. Alice had no game. Alice would have just rolled over. So, no fun for Freddy! Why bother. However, he wasn't paying attention and just used Alice's ability given by Kristen to bring people into dreams. He didn't notice that she was gaining passion, a passion for love and life.

Horror News Network: The horror genre is filled with gratuitous nudity and explicit sex scenes.  However, unlike so many sex scenes in previous movies yours was very tasteful.  Not only was the scene shot without objectifying you, it actually pushed plot forward by leading to the conception of Alice's son (whom, for those who don't know is the key to Krueger's return.)  Was the scene always written to be portrayed in this manner, or was there a more graphic version that became tamed down?

Lisa Wilcox: Yes, I agree with you. They are mostly, if not all, gratuitous sex scenes in horror. This scene in NOES5 is refreshing... sensual and pure. I feel that the lighting and pace of the visual setting are wonderful. When I watch this scene, my eyes are transfixed yet don't know exactly what portion I'm looking at, yet I know it's intimate, not cheap.

It was truly a making "love" scene, not a "SEX" scene and therefore filmed as such.

Nope, there are no raunchy versions sitting around to be blasted on the Internet one day! The scene was meant to convey beautiful and tender love. And as you mentioned, a love child! Jacob was conceived.

Horror News Network: Thanks for your time. Have a comment on this interview? Post it here.