I Spit On Your Grave 2 had a limited theatrical engagement last week and is now available on Blu-ray, DVD, and on-demand. The movie was directed by Steven R. Monroe, who also directed the 2010 remake, and he took part in our latest Q&A session to talk about the movie:
After remaking I Spit On Your Grave in 2010, what made you interested in taking on a sequel with a new story and main character?
Steven R. Monroe: For me it was the fact that I had put a lot into the remake, emotionally, mentally, physically, and creatively and I was just not quite ready to walk away and have number two in someone else’s hands yet.
Was there anything that you couldn't get in I Spit On Your Grave that you were able to put into the sequel?
Steven R. Monroe: Yes the one main thing was staying with Katie after the rape, torment and abuse of her captors. Staying with her in her recovery so we feel her pain, her anguish and are forced to sit through it with her.
There were different writers involved in the new movie. How involved were you in the script and what ideas or changes did you bring to the story?
Steven R. Monroe: I was involved as much as a director who was not a primary writer and not a producer on the film could be.
This movie was very demanding of anyone who would play Katie. What made Jemma Dallender perfect for the role?
Steven R. Monroe: So many things. Her fearlessness, her natural beauty, her innocence that also had a really tough side. Mostly in her audition when we flew her to Sofia to meet she lashed out with a beat that made me know for sure she could tap into where Katie had to go. And you like her the second you meet her.
Did you give Jemma any specifics for preparing for the role? Can you share any stories of your time on set with her?
Steven R. Monroe: No I didn’t really have to. Jemma is an “in the moment” actor and I sensed that right away. For her all you have to do is set the atmosphere and give very little guidance and she nails it. She is amazing in the film. No matter what anyone says I believe she pulled off one of the best performances in a horror film I have ever seen.
What was the most challenging aspect of directing this film and how did you overcome it?
Steven R. Monroe: Knowing that no matter what because this is a sequel people are going to want to shit on it before they even see it, and even then they are so jaded by their anger of sequels they still cannot look at the film from the right perspective. I don’t need or expect people to think the films that I direct are good, that’s impossibility especially in this genre. But at least take a step back from your anger long enough to see straight. I’m sure that will get me in trouble for saying…
With the first two movies not following the same character, do you have any interest in returning for a third I Spit On Your Grave? Is that something that you'll be moving forward on soon?
Steven R. Monroe: No I don’t, and if there is movement it would be by the producers and the distributor not the director.
Can you tell us about your upcoming horror projects?
Steven R. Monroe: Yea for sure. I have a really edgy, intense paranormal horror project called THE TORMENTED that will be produced by Stan Spry at The Cartel. It will involve some familiar faces from the I Spit on Your Grave franchise. I love the actors and we are all still very good friends. We plan to start production late fall. I’m really excited about it.
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