Ep 2. A Nightmare on Elm Street

As one of the most iconic horror movies of all time, "A Nightmare on Elm Street" follows the story of a group of teenagers who are terrorized by the vengeful spirit of a child murderer in their dreams. The second episode of season 2 of "The Shocking Truth" takes a closer look at the making of this cult classic and the impact it had on the horror genre and pop culture as a whole.

The episode begins by exploring the origins of the film's concept, which was inspired by real-life reports of people dying in their sleep due to unexplained causes. Writer and director Wes Craven took this concept and combined it with elements of folklore and urban legend to create the terrifying story of Freddy Krueger. The episode delves into the interviews with Craven and the cast members of the film, who discuss the challenges of creating a character and story that would truly terrify audiences.

The show then shifts its focus to the special effects that brought Krueger to life on screen. The infamous scene with Krueger's glove bursting through the bathtub was achieved through practical effects, including a hydraulic piston and latex. The episode goes on to discuss the other practical effects used in the film, including the melting staircase and Krueger's shape-shifting abilities.

The episode also explores the controversy surrounding the film's release. Due to its graphic violence and sexual content, "A Nightmare on Elm Street" received an X rating upon its initial release. However, the producers were determined to release it as an R-rated film so that it could be shown in more theaters. This required extensive edits to be made to the film, including toning down some of the more gruesome kill scenes.

The impact of "A Nightmare on Elm Street" on popular culture is also discussed in the episode. The character of Freddy Krueger has become a household name and has appeared in numerous films, TV shows, and even video games since his debut in 1984. The show highlights the enduring popularity of the franchise, including the recent release of a reboot of the original film.

Overall, the second episode of season 2 of "The Shocking Truth" offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the making of "A Nightmare on Elm Street" and its lasting impact on the horror genre and pop culture. With interviews from the filmmakers and cast members, as well as a deep dive into the film's special effects and controversial release, this episode is a must-watch for any fan of the iconic franchise.