The rise of Kane Parsons and his immersive horror universe, 'Backrooms', is a fascinating tale that begins in the unassuming setting of a Dallas mall. This story is a testament to the power of creativity and the ability to find inspiration in unexpected places.
The Birth of a Horror Icon
'Backrooms', the breakout film from A24, has shattered box office expectations, and its creator, Kane Parsons, has become an overnight sensation. But this success story started with a single, grainy image that Parsons stumbled upon online. This image, depicting a desolate shopping mall, sparked his imagination and became the foundation of an entire mythology.
Valley View: A Mall's Afterlife
Valley View Mall, located in North Dallas, had a unique afterlife. After its retail heyday, it became a canvas for the city's artistic community. Artists like Kevin Obregon moved in, transforming the mall into a bohemian haven. Obregon's creation, the Rolling Giant, a papier-mâché figure of Julien Reverchon, became a silent sentinel, watching over the mall's transformation.
The Oldest View: A Haunting Web Series
Parsons' web series, 'The Oldest View', is a strange and haunting piece of internet filmmaking. It centers around the life and legacy of Julien Reverchon, a 19th-century botanist with deep ties to Dallas. Reverchon's story, intertwined with the mall's history, creates a unique and unsettling narrative. Parsons' ability to recreate the mall's atmosphere, despite never setting foot inside, is a testament to his artistic vision.
Dallas: A City of Layers and Myths
Dallas has a rich and complicated history, and Parsons tapped into this depth to create his horror universe. The city's habit of demolishing its past before fully appreciating its significance is a theme that resonates throughout his work. 'Backrooms' is a commentary on this aspect of Dallas, and its success suggests a broader appeal for stories that explore the liminal spaces and buried histories of our cities.
A New Myth for Dallas
Ironically, the vacant lot that once housed Valley View Mall is now slated to become the new home of the Dallas Mavericks. This twist in the tale is a perfect example of how Dallas builds new myths upon old ones. The mall's artistic afterlife and its eventual transformation into an NBA arena showcase the city's ability to reinvent itself, a theme that runs deep in Parsons' work.
In conclusion, Kane Parsons' journey from discovering a mall in Dallas to becoming a box office phenomenon is a captivating narrative. It highlights the power of creativity, the importance of local history, and the potential for new myths to emerge from the ruins of the past. 'Backrooms' is more than just a horror film; it's a reflection of the city that inspired it, and a testament to the enduring appeal of stories that explore the unknown.
