Wishmaster
The late repulsion auteur Wes Cravengets reference for directing the 1997 horror filmWishmaster , a film with a strong writing style pedigree . Written by Peter Atkins , who penned many of theHellraisersequels , and featuring cameo from several horror superstar , it was a modest striking upon its original release . Craven ’s name is prominently featured in the advert and promotional materials , but his liaison with the film was very different than his connection would suggest .
WhenWishmasterwas released in the previous 90 ’s , much was made about the involvement of Craven . The cult film maker was enjoy a reincarnate popularity thanks to the success of his movieScream , which released the previous year . That 1996 moving-picture show lampoon the teen slasher genre made over $ 100 million domestically and started a short - lived revivification of heavy budget repugnance . drive the coattail of this revivification , Wishmasterwas marketed as a moving-picture show “ presented ” by Craven , with poster artistic production that right away recalled theHellraiserseries . Given the accent on the filmmaker ’s name in the advert , many moviegoer assumed he had directed the picture show .
Related : Every Wes Craven Movie Ranked , Worst To Best
Wishmasterrevolved around an ancient , malign jinnee ( Andrew Divoff ) who grant wishes that descend with wild result . Using elements fromHellraiserand Craven’sA Nightmare on Elm Street , it seek to create another iconic revulsion baddie ripe for a dealership . The celluloid boast several pop revulsion veterans let in Robert Englund , Kane Hodder and Tony Todd . It was also score byFriday the 13thcomposer Harry Manfredini ; lending even more weight unit to its horror credibility . All of these elements managed to make a modicum of pastime and the film performed well at the box situation , grossing almost 16 million on a budget of $ 5 million .
Did Wes Craven Direct Wishmaster?
Much of the credit for the success ofWishmaster went to its link with Craven , who was only an executive manufacturer on the movie . Other than lending his name for brand recognition , his involvement was in the factual production was paltry . At the metre the flick was in production , the busybodied filmmaker was already work out onScream 2and had just brokered a deal with Miramax to make the Meryl Streep drama , Music of the Heart . Though it was glossed over in the advertising , the directing duties went to gist guru Robert Kurtzman . The longtime pic industriousness pro had been a special makeup effects supervisor for nearly a decennary before he commence directing .
Wishmasterwas only Kurtzman ’s 2d time in the director ’s professorship , but an root on option given the amount of special effects involved with the production . His impressive genre portfolio included work onPredator(1987),Army of Darkness(1992 ) andLord of Illusions(1995 ) . He would go on to send a few more feature , but his enduring achiever would remain in the realm of makeup effects . A direct - to - television franchise ofWishmasterwould continue with three additional follow - ups , none of which included the engagement of either Craven or Kurtzman .
Next : Every Wishmaster Movie Ranked , spoilt To adept
