Interview by Chris Summerfield
Hey guys welcome back to ‘under the spotlight’ and it brings me great privilege to interview the head writer here at, Scared Stiff Reviews, Melissa Antoinette Garza
CS: Melissa thank you for taking the time for this interview, and may I start by asking you, what inspired you to start writing reviews for horror movies?
Over a decade ago, my brother started Scared Stiff Reviews as a blog. He asked me if I wanted the gig, and from jump I ran with it. Other than a short stint in 10th grade journalism class, I never wrote movie reviews before then. At first, they were really short and it took me a long time to find my voice. I wanted to do it because I felt horror didn’t get a fair shake and was often misrepresented as sexist or demeaning to women. I didn’t agree with that sentiment then and I don’t now. I like having a place where my voice can be heard and Scared Stiff has allowed me to do that for over ten years.
CS: Your favourite horror movie, I believe is, Stepford Wives, what makes this film outstanding and memorable for you?
You are correct, sir! The Stepford Wives (1975) was made at a time where women had enough. Prior to the women’s revolution, doctors hopped chicks up on Valium to keep them home, advertisers trashed ladies for making shitty coffee & companies kept making new shiny appliances to try and condescendingly distract women away from not having the freedom to do what they wanted.
When The Stepford Wives was made, the fear of going back to that type of society was still very fresh. The thought of having powerful men take away that autonomy and turning women into mindless agreeable drones was terrifying. The Stepford Wives really delved into that fear. I don’t think there has ever been a horror film made more for women than that.
It also was so intelligent in its manner of delivery. The female characters weren’t dummies. They knew something smelled fishy and they were investigating it. Even the female psychiatrist who didn’t know the score, knew something was off in Stepford. It’s just a genius production – from start to finish. I watch it probably 5 times a year, minimum.
The remake on the other hand is complete trash and pisses me off.
CS: Who is your favorite director/writer within the horror genre and why?
There are so many great directors within horror. My current favorites are Alexandre Aja and Robert Eggers. I actually prefer Aja’s remake of The Hills Have Eyes more than the original and I love the original. Eggers on the other hand is more subtle in his approach, but his adoration for Lovecraft and old school methodical cinema makes for some of the greatest horror movies in decades.
If we’re talking all times greats, I’d say John Carpenter, Jesús Franco, Joe D’Amato and Pete Walker. Now, they knew how to show strong female leads. The women in their flicks are badass, in charge of their sexuality and take no prisoners. They have prowess and use their femininity as a strength.
Nowadays, directors often make the mistake of taking femininity out of feminism. Feminism has become a synonym for women acting in a stereotypical masculine fashion. I am all for women being depicted as realistically physically strong, but that’s not the core of feminism by any stretch.
Female sexuality, feminine prowess and the fem mind are magnificent qualities. There is not a woman in film today that owns herself the way Rosalba Neri did in any and all of her films. Hell, she rocked herself to climax as her lover was being suffocated by her beau in LADY FRANKENSTEIN (1971). She’s hardcore fab!
CS: And as regards movies, who is your favorite actor and why?
There are many actors I adore. RAWR RAWR Tom Hiddleston is definitely up there. I love Richard O’Brien, Vivien Leigh, Stockard Channing, Dolly Parton, Jack Klugman, Audrey Hepburn, Burgess Meredith, Clint Eastwood, Mae West, Humphrey Bogart, Orson Welles, Richard Pryor, James Dean, Angela Bassett, Cesar Romero, Lee J. Cobb- the list truly goes on and on.
As for horror, I’d put Rosalba Neri on the top of my list again. I get such an incredible kick from watching her in DEVIL’S WEDDING NIGHT (1973). She’s a fucking badass!
CS: Now a few personal questions, I believe you have a gift for tarot reading and Pendulum readings, at what stage in your life did you realize you had this gift and when was you inspired to use your talent for the first time?
The earliest predictive dream I remember having was in first grade. It was in regards to two girls fighting on a playground. I even remember their names – Tara and April! The next day at school – sure enough those two girls were slapping each other silly. I sort of freaked out, went to the nurse and got sent home. It was just too similar. What they wore, what classroom they were in front of – the whole thing.
After that, I had many more predictive dreams but they didn’t scare me. ESP and all that jazz does run in my family. I’m Hungarian Gypsy and my great grandmother predicted the day her husband died by reading tea leaves.
About a year and a half ago, I delved into spiritualism even more. After visiting a few psychics, my sister wanted to take an intuition class to hone her skills. I jumped aboard. It was only after a year into that class, going to Reiki and engaging in other classes that I felt my intuition and instincts were solid enough to help others.
CS: How rewarding do you find working with people on spiritual guidance?
I love it. I love when I talk with someone that I’ve never met and take no information from, but can tap into their needs. Sometimes it’s inspiration or words of encouragement or sometimes it’s solid insight and plans that are needed, but whichever it is – I love helping.
CS: What is your views on the spiritual world and afterlife?
I definitely don’t have all the answers, but I do know spirit guides exist. I know they help when you call on them. Archangel Michael is one of my spirit guides. Audrey Hepburn and Dwight Eisenhower are others. I love Hepburn, but would have much preferred JFK. Still, Dwight’s been good to me. He warned me of a shady con woman by appearing in a photograph at her place of business. She was trying to take $200 in a scam and he showed up just to say, “Not today, lady.”
I know that I’ve lived other lives, and was Empress Chabi, Kublai Khan’s wife, in a previous one. I’ve learned that through heavy meditation and Past Life tarot readings.
My understanding is that the energy within is unending. When we die, our energy continues and we await our next life. People who are significant in this life, will often return with you. My sister for example, seems to be with me in every life. She tries to keep me on the good path and takes the role as a protector, whereas I’m always a rebel just enjoying the ride til it ends. A Missy likes to fuck shit up. That has not changed this time around.
CS: An interesting insight there Melissa and thank you for sharing this with our readers, now back to the movies, regards 2019, could you suggest two or three new releases within the horror genre that the readers should check out?
Surely! Going back to Eggers, THE LIGHTHOUSE was amazing! I loved it. I can’t say enough good things. Watch it!! It’s disturbing and has elements of Lovecraft and Poe weaved in masterfully.
For those who missed, MIDSOMMAR, it’s a must-see. That is a feminist anthem that understood the beauty and internal strength of femininity.
For a fun popcorn movie, go with THE BANANA SPLITS MOVIE. It’s hilarious and actually surprised me with how good it was.
CS: Thank You Melissa, for taking the time to complete this interview and hopefully we can catch up again very soon.
Thank You!!! This was fun. I love talking about me! It’s my favorite topic. (joking)
