Mr. Torkel saw his first horror movie when he was only six or seven. It was an edited for TV version of A Nightmare On Elm Street: Part 3. The experience had a lasting impact on him. Mr. Torkel is FDR’s resident horror movie expert, and he advises FDR’s Fright Club! The New Dealer was very luck to get a chance to ask Mr. Torkel some questions about his love for horror and the club.
Why did you start the Fright Club ?
I started Fright Club first and foremost because I love horror movies and have since I was about 6 – 7 years old. I love the idea of sharing that passion with the next generations of horror fans. A walk through the hallways at FDR will see our students wearing horror movie t-shirts in droves. But as a History teacher, there is a ton of crossover between horror and U.S. and world history. Horror movies often reflect the times and struggles of marginalized peoples and regions. It is also the genre that historically is the most open to diversity and accepting of, “the other,” from James Whale and the Frankenstein films, all the way to current classics from Get Out and The Substance.
How do you determine which movies and topics to focus on for the meetings?
Typically, I try to pair up horror movies with the season/time of year, or social issues currently being discussed in the zeitgeist. For example, we just finished Misery which hits three separate points: it pays tribute to the late Rob Reiner, is a film set in a snowy winter, and also showcases a pre-internet version of toxic fandom. Sometimes it’s as easy as Halloween for Halloween or Black Christmas in December; but then sometimes, I’ll show Get Out for Black History Month or a film with a strong female lead in March (Ready or Not/Happy Death Day, etc)
What are your top 5 honor movies? Any favorite directors?
Boy it is hard to narrow down a Top 5 for me; but off the top of my head, in no particular order, I’d say: JAWS, A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 3: Dream Warriors, The Thing, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and Evil Dead 2. As for directors, the Mount Rushmore for me is John Carpenter, Wes Craven, Dario Argento, and Mike Flanagan
If a student is interested in joining, where and when are meetings?
All are welcomed! We meet Thursdays after 10th period in room 451. Snacks and drinks are provided! You can check the whiteboard outside 451 or listen for the daily announcements about meetings. See you there!
A special thanks to Mr. Torkel for all he does here at FDR with our Fright Club! Stay scary Torkel!