Notes on Art the Clown and His Evolution

Introduction

• Halloween night 2013: Babysitter and kids discover a VHS tape among Halloween candy.
• VHS contains three short films featuring Art the Clown.

The Ninth Circle

• First Appearance of Art the Clown: Creepily smiling in a montage with demons and shadowy figures.
• Realmsville Station Scene:
  • Art harasses a woman waiting for the train.
  • Hands her a flower crawling with bugs.
  • Injects her with a sedative and takes her prisoner.
• Character Analysis:
  • Initially appears to be a demon working for the Devil.
  • Later indications suggest he might be a disturbed human with supernatural abilities.
• Art's Signature Moves:
  • Horn honking, silent laughter, and involuntary injections.
• Anthology Aspect:
  • Three different filmmakers made short films featuring Art, indicating he is an urban legend.

Comparing Art the Clown to Michael Myers

• Obscured Origins: Both characters are left intentionally vague.
• Art as a new generation's Michael Myers:
  • Similarities in mannerisms and overall perception.
  • Art shares the brutality and mystery of Myers.

Character Creation

• Damien Leone's Vision:
  • Inspired by a scene with a clown terrorizing a woman on a bus.
  • First short film "The Ninth Circle" made in 2008.
• Contrast to Pennywise:
  • Art created as an anti-inspiration to Pennywise (different aesthetics and characteristics).

Art's Evolution in Film

• Terrifier Short:
  • 2011 feature short that garnered attention, leading to the All Hallows' Eve anthology.
  • Art's brutality and Leone's special effects helped establish demand for full-length Terrifier (2016).
• Terrifier 2 (2022): Elevated Art's popularity; cultural references emerged.
• Character's Simplicity: Art's lack of backstory allows for various stories to be told around him.

Analysis of the VHS Tape Contents

• The Second Short:
  • Art's face appears in a painting, hinting at potential possession of artists.
• Babysitter's Experience with Art:
  • Sarah, the babysitter, experiences terror from unseen Art in the house.
• The Third Short (Terrifier):
  • Art's first documented violent act; several brutal murders ensue.
• Art's Supernatural Abilities:
  • Teleportation and resilience; his character challenges horror conventions.

Themes and Psychological Aspects

• Incongruent Affect: Art's joyful demeanor during violence amplifies the horror.
• Audience Engagement: Art's need for an audience during his kills enhances his character.

Sienna's Story Arc in Terrifier 2

• New Characters: Sienna, her brother Jonathan, and their family dynamics.
• Art's Targeting: Art's focus on Sienna connects to family and art themes.
• Supernatural Growth: Art gains new powers, like invading dreams.

Conclusion

• Art the Clown's enduring presence:
  • Lack of definitive backstory creates a versatile character.
  • Potential for further development in future films.
• Final Thoughts: Art could be the new Michael Myers, with a significant impact on horror culture.