INTERVIEW: Arthur Luhn

Published March 16, 2015 | By The Blue Took

- By Bryan Stumpf

New England-based independent filmmaker Arthur Luhn gained recognition in 2010 with his Boston-based crime drama, Conned. With his recent film, The House Across the Street, the writer/director switches gears, goes more for slow burn dread, and shows deft handling of the thriller genre. Proving Luhn a filmmaker to watch, The House Across the Street is a twisty noir thriller with nods to Hitchcock’s Rear Window and I Spit on Your Grave.

The multi-talented Jessica Sonneborn plays Amy, a woman trying to start a new life in a new town. She moves into a house on a quiet street with friendly neighbors, played by Alex Rocco and Courtney Gains. All is idyllic, except something doesn’t quite seem right about…you guessed it, the house across the street. This house isn’t nearly as spooky as the last one on the street’s left *wink* — it’s probably the most average- looking house I’ve ever seen in the horror genre. So is there really something to Amy’s unease with the house? Or is Amy not all who she appears to be?

The House Across the Street boasts reliable genre staples like Eric Roberts and new genre favorites like Ethan Embry, who’s proving himself the go-to actor for edgy independent films. But the performance that really shines in this House is Sonneborn’s, who walks the tightrope of playing on the audience’s sympathies, while possibly not being quite being as meek and fragile as she first appears.

Luhn and his cinematographer Zack Richard bring a visual schizophrenia to Main Street suburbia — perfectly bucolic during the day, but a noir nightmare of black sheen and murk as the shadows close in. Luhn, also the film’s editor, knows how to crank the claustrophobia and tension, clearly inspired by Hitchcock, the master of suspense. What at first might appear banal soon becomes shocking, unsettling, and twisted.

Luhn’s previous film, Conned, won awards at several film festivals, so it’s commendable the writer/director departs from a tried and true formula to make a bold leap into Hitchcock territory. Yet with this House, Luhn kicks down the door, ascends all of Hitchcock’s 39 Steps, and sticks the landing.

I had an opportunity interview Luhn as he was promoting the upcoming Red Carpet Grand Premiere for The House Across the Street at the Ricardo Montalban Theatre in Hollywood.

Arthur, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me. Could you talk a little about your beginnings, if there was a movie or experience that convinced you to go into filmmaking?

I grew up in the Indiana Jones/Star Wars era, so naturally I derived a lot of inspiration from those franchises. They were very imaginative, and at the time, represented a turning point in cinema history.

Who are your current inspirations for writers/directors?

I really admire Guy Ritchie’s visual talents, and I have nothing but respect for Christopher Nolan’s pedigree and high standards. His productions are on a different level.

What are some ways you might stand apart from other writers/directors?

I’m not too sure how I stand out — I don’t really see filmmaking as a form of competition with other writers or directors. There are many of them that I admire.

How did you come up with the idea for The House Across the Street?

That’s a hard question to answer. I’m not sure I came up with the idea, as much as the idea formulated itself, grew, and evolved into a script.

Could you talk a little bit about your preparation for filming The House Across the
Street, choosing the cast, choosing the location, etc.?

Well, I couldn’t have done it without the help of a few key people, executive producer Wally Carlson who put together the funds, producer Bill McAdams, who did such a great job choosing the perfect cast for this film. Also, Bill Jacques and Mat Fisher did such a great job finding and securing key locations through excellent community relations and outreach.

Will people be able to see The House Across the Street on the big screen? What are other ways people will be able to see The House Across the Street?

Absolutely! It’ll be in select theaters nationwide on 4/10/15, and thereafter on VOD and
DVD.

What’s next for you?

We’re going to finish off Five O’Clock Comes Early a drama about a very successful Ivy
League Wall street type of guy who gets hit with a brain tumor diagnosis.

Thanks again, Arthur, and I’ll see you at the premiere!

Many thanks.

LINKS

https://www.facebook.com/eyethfilms

https://www.facebook.com/thehouseacrossthestreet