In the latest episode of the Dreadful Dialogue Podcast, actor James Pratt (Eyes of Salt) joined hosts Alyse and Kristen to dive into his role as Tepes in the recently released horror film Texas Nightmare. The film which is inspired by the style of David Lynch features a well-established cast including Sadie Katz (Clutch), Felissa Rose (Sleepaway Camp), Eva Hamilton (Ruin Me), Randy Charach (Vanished), and Lew Temple (The Walking Dead), with direction by Michael Merino (Acceleration).
Pratt opens up about the making of the film, sharing insights from filming in Topanga Canyon, his portrayal of Tepes, and what makes the horror community so unique.
Filming in Topanga Canyon
Filming in the secluded Topanga Canyon added a layer of authenticity to the film’s atmosphere. Pratt recalls an encounter with a local resident who mistook the dramatic sounds from the isolated set for a real emergency. Dressed in vintage 1930s clothing, the man wandered out of his house, blending seamlessly into the eerie landscape. He observed for several minutes before vanishing once he noticed the cameras. The main house filming just had a fire trail at the end of the street, and by nightfall, the area was enveloped in complete darkness – a fitting mood for the horror unfolding on screen.
Horror Fans are Loyal
Pratt highlights the loyalty of the horror community, which he sees as a driving force behind the success of the genre on streaming platforms and at the box office. He praises horror fans for their unwavering commitment and passion, noting that they stand out as some of the most devoted audiences in cinema.
The Sword Incident
In a lighter moment, Pratt shared the story involving the sword his character Tepes uses in the film. After the shoot, director Michael Merino gifted the sword to Pratt. However, the following year, Pratt attempted to bring it back to Australia on a holiday to show family and it was confiscated at the airport. “It wasn’t good, they started by saying this is a weapon, not a movie prop,” recalled Pratt.
Playing the Role of Tepes
One of the standout discussions centers around Pratt’s portrayal of Tepes, a sinister character with historical undertones and charm. While Pratt never confirmed whether the character’s name was meant as a direct nod to historical figures, he does reveal that Tepes’ manipulative nature added depth to his performance. Tepes starts as a seemingly charming figure but gradually reveals a much darker side, with Pratt skillfully portraying his descent into menace.
What’s Next for James Pratt?
Looking ahead, he has several exciting films coming out. He acts in the upcoming thriller-horror film, The Three Killer Pigs, which stars Brian Austin Green and Anson Williams, the comedy Wingman, directed by Harland Williams (Dumb and Dumber, Something About Mary) and starring Kayla Wallace (Landman) and Jamie Kennedy (Romeo & Juliet) and the drama Eyes of Salt, a film about a complex relationship set in a seaside town with a tone reminiscent of Lost in Translation, it stars Pratt alongside Hong Kong screen star Bernice Liu (Bad Blood, The King of Fighters).
Where to Watch this episode on the Dreadful Dialogue Podcast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2y9KTJv_iCs
https://dreadfuldialogue.com/blog/episode-305-interview-with-james-pratt/
Texas Nightmare is now streaming on Amazon, Apple TV, and Shudder among others.
