The Movies That Changed My Life: ‘Doctor Strange’ And ‘Bermuda’ Director Scott Derrickson

Film director Scott Derrickson has his footprint all over the Hollywood horror genre. “The Exorcism of Emily Rose“, and “Sinister” are among the many successful films on his resume. He added a flare of horror and talks of a multiverse to Marvel with “Doctor Strange,” and has worked on a few TV pilots from Hulu’s version of “Locke & Key” to the original pilot for “TNT’s Snowpiercer.”

READ MORE: The Movies That Changed My Life: ’45 Years’ Filmmaker Andrew Haigh

Derrickson is also scheduled to direct the action-adventure film “Bermuda” with Chris Evans about, you guessed it, the mysterious place with the same name in the Caribbean. Curiously enough, Derrickson will take over directorial duties from Sam Raimi, who in turn will take over directing the sequel to “Doctor Strange.”

In case you need a refresher on “Doctor Strange,” it follows a skilled surgeon who suffers from a terrible blow by karma when he suffers irreversible damage to his hands during a car accident, destroying his valued medical career. His desperate search for physical healing takes him to the Far East to a place called Kamar-Taj. 

Not contempt with being just a horror buff, Derrickson is a lover of film. While we wait on more news about “Bermuda” — and to bring back a dormant series that seems perfect to return during this quarantine — we reached out to Scott Derrickson so he can help resurrect our The Movies That Changed My Life features. More from this series soon.

READ MORE: READ MORE: The Movies That Changed My Life: ‘Childhood Of A Leader’ Director Brady Corbet

What are the films that made you fall in love with cinema?
There were three specific ones. First, was seeing “Rumble Fish” in high school. Coppola made an art film for teenagers. It was the first time I realized that movies could be much more than just entertainment. 

Second, was also in high school — I saw “Top Gun” at the best theater in Denver at the time. The THX sound was incredible, and during the movie, I kept thinking about how somebody actually got to make it. In the parking lot, my friend asked me what I thought of it, and I said, “I think I know what I want to do for a living.”

The third was seeing “8 ½” in college. I had a panic attack and had to leave before the end, it was such an overwhelming visceral experience. It was my introduction to international cinema, and the thing that convinced me that cinema is the greatest art form.

The first moviegoing film experience you can remember?
“Bedknobs and Broomsticks” in a theater. I was five. I haven’t seen it since, but I still remember a lot of the imagery.

The best moviegoing film experience you ever had?
For my son’s 13th birthday, I rented a large outdoor projection screen. He had all of his closest friends over, and we laid on rafts in the pool and watched “Jaws,” which none of them had seen. Nothing will ever beat that.

The film that everyone dislikes but you think they should revisit?
“Man on Fire.” It’s 39% on Rotten Tomatoes and lost money at the box office. But it’s one of both Denzel’s and director Tony Scott’s best.

Who is your favorite movie heroine?
Marge Gunderson in “Fargo.” Every time I watch it I am more mesmerized by the film and that lead character. 

The most depressing movie you’ve ever watched?
“The Road.” As a father with two sons living amidst a global pandemic, I’ve been remembering scenes from it recently. It’s about as despondent as a film can get.

The movie that scares you to the core?
Historically, it’s been “The Exorcist.”  It’s an experience we’ve all been through. And more recently, I was truly terrified by “The Witch” — it took me a few days to shake the unwanted feeling that film gave me.