Brian De Palma Wants to Direct a Harvey Weinstein-Inspired Horror Movie…But Why?

This week in Things No One Wants: legendary director Brian De Palma wants to make a horror film inspired by the crimes of Harvey Weinstein. In an interview with Le Parisien, the Carrie director revealed that he’s writing the screenplay for an unnamed French producer and plans to direct the film. De Palma said, “My character won’t be named Harvey Weinstein, but it will be a horror film, with a sexual aggressor, and it will take place in the film industry.” I think I speak on behalf of all women when I say HARD PASS.

What is it with men trying to profit off of women’s suffering and trauma? Guess who I don’t want to see tackle a horror movie about sexual assault? The same guy behind the leering opening locker room shots in Carrie and the transphobic messaging of Dressed to Kill. This film is about as desirable as Charlie Rose’s failed pitch for a #MeToo talk show where he interviews other men accused of sexual harassment. We don’t want any part of this.

Also, horror films with violent sexual aggression aren’t new. There is literally an entire genre of rape revenge horror cinema out there, the most recent being Revenge, directed and written by Coralie Fargeat. The film received excellent reviews and was lauded as a feminist spin on the problematic genre, likely due to the presence of a female director.

De Palma also talked about the #MeToo Movement and female directors, saying “It will be interesting to see when women start controlling the aesthetic, what is going to happen,” he said. “It would be interesting to see if their gaze is so much different than ours. Because a lot of movies are about the male gaze, what the male sees.” No shit, Sherlock.

(via Deadline, image: John Lamparski/Getty Images)

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Chelsea Steiner

Chelsea was born and raised in New Orleans, which explains her affinity for cheesy grits and Britney Spears. An pop culture journalist since 2012, her work has appeared on Autostraddle, AfterEllen, and more. Her beats include queer popular culture, film, television, republican clownery, and the unwavering belief that 'The Long Kiss Goodnight' is the greatest movie ever made. She currently resides in sunny Los Angeles, with her husband, 2 sons, and one poorly behaved rescue dog. She is a former roller derby girl and a black belt in Judo, so she is not to be trifled with. She loves the word “Jewess” and wishes more people used it to describe her.

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