Shudder Sunday: Scream Queen- My Nightmare on Elm Street (2019)

 A bit of a caveat here as between the time I watched the Film and now, it's off Shudder (for now, at least).

What happens when you get your dream come true and it ruins your life?  Hopefully you never find out, but Mark Patton did.

In 1985, Patton was a young Actor in Hollywood trying to become a Star.

He got the Lead in a Sequel to a smash Horror hit.

What could go wrong?

Everything.

As the AIDS epidemic changed everything, he had to 'be straight' to get work.
He had to watch friends/lovers die.
He had to watch a culture where Actors were blood tested before they could get on a Show/Film.

Is it any wonder why he left Hollywood?

He fled from Hollywood, being a footnote in Horror Film History and, unfortunately, being an excuse for people to dislike Elm Street 2.

Look at all of Elm Street media- comics, games, TV etc- and see which Film is never referenced or mentioned.

It's not Elm Street 3...or 4...or 5...or 6. 
You get it.

In 2010, he was interviewed for the Never Sleep Again Documentary and people suddenly realized that he was still around.

That set him off to do the Convention circuit, punctuated by a 2019 Cast Reunion.
RIP Clu Gulager.

The one person missing was the Writer, who is the focus of Mark's (understandable) indignation.

He's spent the last few Decades going from playing coy (what subtext) to blaming Casting (read: Mark) to embracing it (it was totally my intention).

So what happens when the pair finally meet for the first time since 1985?

To find out, stream the Film (just not on Shudder atm) now.

A solid Documentary that is all about History and how we should not forget it.  In an age where Trans People are the new targets, a reminder is sadly due.  Oh no-I said a political.

Mark is a good subject as he, sadly, experienced all of the highs and lows that a documentary subject has to.  In the time since, he's gotten really sick, so hopefully things are better by the time of this writing.  Help here if you can- Fundraiser by Peter Valderrama : DONATION TO HELP MARK PATTON RECIEVE MED CARE (gofundme.com)

His story is a sad one, but he makes it as happy as possible.  He's found himself.  He's found life again in Mexico.  He has become an advocate and not a punch line.  

The Film shows you an interesting side of fandom as the candid interviews that are less positive (being nice) about him are later juxtaposed with all of the people who formed a bond with him over the Film.  Whether you like him, or the Film is pretty immaterial.

If he's considered to be a Male Scream Queen, then so be it.

A good Documentary to watch in any Month, but obviously it hits harder in Pride Month.  A strong recommendation.