Director Renny Harlin is no stranger to the theme of home invasion in his movies, with titles like his 2007 film “Cleaner,” featuring a subplot of a murdered wife in a home invasion, to “The Resident” in 2011 which deals with the concept of stalking. Now, as he prepares to direct “The Strangers: Chapter 2” and “The Strangers: Chapter 3,” Harlin comes forward with his own harrowing encounter with home invasion which happened back in 2000. Harlin shared how dismantling the experience was and how it influenced his direction of the horror movie series “The Strangers.”
Discussing the personal impact with EW, Harlin reveals, “My experience made me realize we are completely at the mercy of just that one bad stroke of luck. […] There were moments at night when we were doing these [scenes] where I did step aside and I had tears in my eyes, but I think people thought I was just really tired or something. But I was reliving that situation.”
The incident left Harlin unscattered physically as the intruders were not violent, yet it struck him with an immense sense of vulnerability and invasion of privacy. Recounting the incident to People Magazine, Harlin detailed that he was alerted to the home invasion by the sound of his dog barking and the sight of the trespassers fleeing his residence and escaping in a pickup truck, leaving every light in his home turned on.
FAQs
What films has Renny Harlin directed that involve home invasion?
Harlin has directed various films with themes of home invasion, including “Cleaner” (2007), and “The Resident” (2011). He is also involved in the “The Strangers” series, which is centered around home invasions.
Did Renny Harlin’s home invasion experience influence his work?
Yes, Harlin’s encounter with a home invasion had a profound impact on his work, particularly in directing “The Strangers” movies. It brought back the fears he experienced during his own ordeal.
Were there any violent outcomes during Harlin’s home invasion experience?
No, Harlin was fortunate as the home invaders in his situation were not violent and he was not physically harmed.
Where did Harlin share details about his personal home invasion story?
Harlin opened up about his home invasion experience in interviews with EW (Entertainment Weekly) and People Magazine.
Conclusion
Renny Harlin’s personal narrative of a home invasion that occurred in his life is a sobering reminder of the unpredictability of such incidents and the emotional scars they can leave behind. Having infused his real-life experience into the films he directs adds a layer of authenticity that resonates with audiences who appreciate the psychological complexities of the horror genre. As Harlin continues to tap into his past for creative inspiration, his upcoming projects in “The Strangers” series are expected to encapsulate not just the thrill of the genre, but the deep-seated fears that come from our vulnerabilities when our safe havens are compromised.