"When facing scary times, people turn to horror movies. They need that release"
He was a slightly different kid, dubbed "the freak of the grade," but Eli Roth didn't let anything stop him on the way to fulfilling his dream. The horror director, one of the greatest supporters of Israel, arrives with his new film "Ice Cream Man," which already caused a stir before it even hit theaters. In an interview with mako, he tells why it took him 20 years to execute the film he always dreamed of, how the horror genre became one of the most successful in cinema - and who is his famous bestie?
In recent years, amidst calls for a cultural and political boycott of Israel, many international artists have stepped forward to express their support for the Jewish state. Among them, American director Eli Roth has been a consistent and vocal advocate.
He was among the first to condemn Hollywood's silence following the events of October 7, conveyed support to IDF soldiers alongside Noa Tishby, and famously mocked Greta Thunberg for her claims regarding Israeli actions. Despite facing constant antisemitic online attacks, Roth remains steadfast in his support for Israel and the Jewish people.
When asked by mako about a potential visit to Israel, Roth replied: "We'll see. I hope first of all that everything calms down and there will be peace. Then we can all travel and visit everywhere."
With Bestie Tarantino
Attempts to smear Roth's career have failed. His bond with Quentin Tarantino, his best friend, dates back to his early days. As a student at NYU in the 90s, Roth directed a tribute to "Reservoir Dogs," and after his debut "Cabin Fever," Tarantino took him under his wing.
Beyond directing hits like "Hostel," "The Green Inferno," and "Death Wish," Roth has a successful acting career. His most iconic role remains Sergeant Donowitz, the "Bear Jew," in "Inglourious Basterds." Roth shared that the role felt written for him, even though Adam Sandler was initially considered.
"Ice Cream Man": A Childhood Nightmare
Roth's new horror film, "Ice Cream Man," hits theaters this weekend. He serves as director, writer, producer, and actor. The plot follows a mysterious ice cream truck that turns children into murderous zombies. Due to extreme violence, the Film Review Board has restricted the film to audiences aged 18 and over.
"I wanted to capture the feeling of the 80s, my childhood," Roth explains. "The idea came 20 years ago. I heard the ice cream truck melody and thought: what if the seller poisons the children, making them kill the adults?" Roth notes that parenthood has added new layers to his fears: "You can prepare your children for the world, but you can't always protect them."
The Secret of Horror
On why horror remains so successful, Roth notes: "Fear is an adrenaline rush, like a roller coaster. In our 'anxious generation,' we need a space to scream. In reality, we suppress our emotions, but horror movies provide a necessary release. It's great therapy; you often feel euphoric after surviving a good horror film."
The School Freak
Growing up in Massachusetts, 54-year-old Roth was inspired by Spielberg and Carpenter. "I was the 'freak of the grade,' but by high school, everyone wanted to be in my short films," he recalls. "Accepting your weirdness is key. When you stop trying to fit in, you find your true friends."
Currently, Roth is developing a "Hostel" TV series starring Paul Giamatti and planning a sequel to "Thanksgiving." Reflecting on social media's impact, he concludes: "Today, reality is retouched by filters. I grew up as a weird kid in a 'Texas Chain Saw Massacre' shirt, but embracing my individuality was enough. That is a message kids today need to hear."
