“Mr. Sandman, bring me a dream. Make him the cutest that I’ve ever seen…”

Renowned Italian horror director Dario Argento has teamed up with punk rock icon Iggy Pop to create a new icon of horror in the form of The Sandman! The film tells the tale of serial killer The Sandman and is set in the 21st century with deep and twisted primal roots stemming from the dark forests of Germany.

The film is being crowdfunded through Indiegogo, with multiple perk levels that go up to and including being the center of attention in a filmed scene with Iggy Pop himself!

Speaking of the film, Argento states:

I was thrilled to read the script, because I recognized right away, this one was written for me. I’m so excited that for the first time in my career, I will be able to involve my fans so early in the process and have them play an integral role in my next film. Also, working with Iggy Pop is amazing! Such an interesting and intense personality! I would not even simply say “actor” that does not cover it. I would rather say ‘a unique presence’! Welcome to the unique world of THE SANDMAN!

Iggy Pop adds:

I have long been thrilled and fascinated by the amazing films of Mr. Argento. All of which are master works. Yes, and also compellingly strange, beautiful, and full of relentless terror. If I could play the Sandman for him it would make my life complete. I hope I have not just written my own epitaph.

Claudio Simonetti, Argento’s longtime musical collaborator (Deep Red, Suspiria), has been tapped to compose the haunting score. Scott Weiland (ex-Stone Temple Pilots) has crafted the song “Way She Moves”, which will be the title song for the film. The song was recorded by Scott Weiland and the Wildabouts and will also appear on their new record coming in February next year.

We’ve got an exclusive interview with the master of Italian horror below! Head on down to check it out as well as see the Indiegogo video explaining the project.

BD: Please tell me how you and Iggy Pop got together to discuss ‘The Sandman’.

I have always been fascinated by the expressive power of Iggy Pop in many fields so different from each other, such as musical artist, as an actor and performer, but I had never had the pleasure of meeting him professionally. The producers of Sandman were aware of the fact that Iggy had a strong admiration for my work and always dreamt of working with me. The idea came from them. I immediately accepted with great enthusiasm, and so did Iggy.

BD: What do you think Iggy Pop will bring to this film and to his role?

I always thought that fear has many nuances: it is subtle, inscrutable, sometimes ironic. The real monsters are evil, mocking, and the extraordinary talents of Iggy can really make a memorable villain.

BD: You obviously have a great many renowned films that fall under the “serial killer” genre. What makes ‘The Sandman’ different?

I would say that Sandman is much more than a story of a serial killer. It’s also the story of a nightmare that comes to life through the features of the Sandman.

BD: One of the many aspects of your films that is constantly lauded is the music. What plans do you have musically for ‘The Sandman’?

I always liked my films to be innovative and unusual. This also applies to the musical part, which is very important. I’ve always loved mixing genres and create contrasts able to underline the contrasts of the plot. For example Phenomena is a real horror fairy tale, and the soundtrack reflects this dual personality. Along with the wonderful original music by Claudio Simonetti, so sweet and dreamy, is the metal hard rock by Iron Maiden and Motorhead. In some ways I think that the presence of Scott Weiland next to the music of Claudio Simonetti can give Sandman this dual nature.

BD: Another aspect of your films that stands out is just how beautifully they are shot and arranged. Many times I’ve paused one of your films and the frame that stays on my screen could be a painting. What visuals do you have in mind for ‘The Sandman’?

It is hard to fully respond to a question like that because part of the visual inspiration of my film comes from direct confrontation with the environments in which I’ll shoot the film. For Sandman I know for certain that a part will be shot in a big city like New York or Chicago, while an important part will have a more rarefied setting, suspended in a mountain landscape, perhaps similar to that of Phenomena. I would like it to be in white snowy mountains. On the snow, white, pure and un-defiled, the red blood will stand out in a magnificent way.

BD: At the end of the day, a horror/thriller is supposed to scare the audience. Does the overall mythology and story of ‘The Sandman’ scare you?

The Sandman is a mythical creature. It is part of the tradition and inspired both children’s fairy tales and terrifying adult stories. In some way belongs to the “pantheon” of nightmares that is part of each of us. The fear of not being able to sleep and seeing the darkness populated by monsters belongs to the children as well as adults. And I believe that for this reason the Sandman is an archetype of fear with which each of us resonates.

BD: Lastly, what do you think fans of your work can expect from ‘The Sandman’ and how do you think the film will surprise them?

I think it will definitely surprise you in many ways, but I can not anticipate and spoil too much. I can only say that if they loved my first film belonging to the giallo genre, they will love very much The Sandman.

BD: Mr. Argento, thank you so very much for your time. It’s an honor and a pleasure. My best wishes and best of luck for this project!

Thank you for this nice interview!