But it also calls to mind the much darker inspiration behind screenwriter Kevin Williamsons script: The Gainesville Ripper.
According to pop culture lore, Williamson was watching a television program about the murders while housesitting alone.
The result was the 1996 film that introduced the world to Ghostface.
Den of Geek: When did you learn that Kevin Williamson was inspired by the Gainesville murders to writeScream?
I actually love the film.
I didnt realize it was based on a true story until four or five years ago.
How do you approach this topic without appearing to be exploitative about a horrific crime?
Danny didnt make these claims after he was arrested while the media attention was on him.
He was making these claims far before he was caught at his campsite.
We call it a campsite but its where he was hiding… in a tent.
At night, he would stalk his victims.
What was his take on this demon?
I think he made it clear he doesnt give any credence to that.
I see where he is coming from.
Which is completely understandable.
But thats not where your mind is at?
Its hard to say with that exact reference, and what was going through this twisted guys mind.
These were his private recordings.
I dont know that he thought he was going to be caught, and they were hidden away.
After listening to them, it did seem he authentically believed this was happening to him.
Clearly he was deranged.
But can you discount there could have been some ominous force around him?
In his private recordings, does he specifically mention this Gemini demon as possessing him?
Possessing him, taking him over.
All roads led to Rollings childhood home.
We left Gainesville, Florida and went to Shreveport, Louisiana.
At the time, we werent sure if wed be allowed in the house.
She would state they would be attacked two to three times a week.
Whats noteworthy is that there was no activity right away [when they bought the home].
It began right around Thanksgiving 2006.
Danny was executed in October 2006.
That gave me a chill.
Right away you wonder if it could be the spirit of Danny back at the house.
At the end of the day, what do you think you encountered?
Was it a ghost of a serial killer or do you think there was a demonic presence?
All of the above?
I would like to say all of the above.
Cindy kept saying over and over she had not experienced something like this before.
I know there was something demonic there.
Do you think you helped the current owner of Danny Rollings childhood home?
I remember getting a voicemail that plays at the end of the documentary.
When I heard the voicemail, I remember smiling and listening to it.
When I met her, you could see the stress in her face, hear it in her voice.
The house was so dim and dark, in an abstract sense and literal sense.
When I heard that voicemail, that hes gone.
It doesnt mean something cant come back, but thus far it has helped her.
None of us gave an excuse for what Danny did.
We went in to investigate if there was a paranormal element to this case and to investigate this house.
Personally, I dont believe everything Danny did is based on demonic oppression or possession.
If anything, I think this came about through his actions.
I dont let Danny off the hook for what he did.
Regarding the documentary, our experience took place after his death.
I dont know what was happening while he was living.
I just know what we were capturing at his childhood home.
Its a hard question because I do believe evil exists, and people can be possessed.
But do I think, throughout human existence, someone did something atrocious because of being under demonic influence?
Do you think this Shock Doc and paranormal investigation alters the dark legacy of these crimes?
We obviously believe yes, we did encounter that.
Do I believe Danny wasnt responsible for his actions?
No, I dont.
I dont think we altered anything in that sense.
