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Tell us The Life Story
of Kristin Hansen up until you became involved in
"The Stink of Flesh".
Okee dokee. In a nutshell, I’ve lived most of my
life in New Mexico. I had a pretty typical
childhood in Santa Fe (soccer, piano, theatre,
etc.). Most of the trouble I got into in my
earlier years was directly connected to my very
big mouth. As my Grandmother once told me, “Your
de-saddlization process has begun too soon.” I
grew up thinking that I was going to follow in my
Dad’s steps and be a math major, but when I was 17
I had this little “epiphany” that theatre was the
thing for me and gol-durnit that’s what I was
going to do. I began as a Theatre Major at UMASS,
Amherst however after about a year and a half I
got into a bit of trouble (no need for details)
and had to come back home. (Uncle Gunni came and
picked me up and drove me clear across the
country—an astoundingly kind and generous
gesture.) I soon moved down to Albuquerque and
finished my degree in Theatre. About a year after
that, I moved to Budapest, Hungary, where I lived
for five years, teaching English and doing
theatre. In 2000 I moved back to Albuquerque and
joined another theater company, with whom I worked
for 4 years. We not only did theatre locally, but
we produced an international theatre festival and
traveled abroad to perform as well. It was near
the end of my tenure in this company that Scott
asked me to be involved in "Stink". I’ve known Scott
for several years.
When did you first become aware that your
Uncle Gunnar was famous and what did you think of
that?
I think I’ve somehow always known that he had
been in “Chainsaw”, but it probably wasn’t until I
was a teenager that I really clued in to what
meant for him. Of course I thought it was
extremely cool.
How many times have
you seen "Texas Chainsaw Massacre"?
Exactly once. It was one of the most effective
horror films I’ve ever seen. The insanity alone
mad me sick to my stomach.
 What made you decide to become an actress? Did
your uncle help you out with advice, cautionary
tales, etc.?
I’ve always been into the live energy of
theatre. I love the exchange that happens between
a performer and the audience. I also just think
it’s a great artistic and social medium. What I
was doing was so different from what he was doing,
I don’t think we made much of a connection between
the two, other than being proud of one another for
doing what we enjoyed.
How did you come to be involved with "The
Stink of Flesh"?
It is my understanding that Scott wrote the
role of Sassy with me in mind. I’m not quite sure
what to think about that.
What did you think when you first read the
script?
Loved it. Laughed out loud A LOT.
How did you go about creating the character of
"Sassy"? Besides the prosthetics, of course.
I just sort of got a vibe and ran with it. I
like Sassy; she’s innocent, sweet and deceptively
smart, whatever other challenges she may face.
Did you know from the beginning that "Sassy"
had this "special secret" or was that a later
invention?
No, I think Sassy’s “special secret” was part
of who she was from the beginning.
What was the filming experience like,
especially as this was your first film? Any funny
stories you care to share from the set?
The filming was remarkably fun. There was a
very fun and free-spirited group of folks working
on this picture. There were all kinds of
ridiculousness happening all the time.
 How was Scott Phillips to work with?
Scott is divine. And occasionally high strung.
But mostly divine.
Any funny stories you'd like to tell about
your castmates?
Kurly was very cool about having to be
completely naked and having me smack him on the
ass with my special stick. I was so nervous about
accidentally hitting him too hard, that I kept
missing his butt and getting his lower back. Kurly
naked and pissed is a sight to behold…
Do you have a favorite scene in the film?
I don’t know if I have a favorite scene so
much as moments…finding the zombie shit, the bit I
was just talking about above, the kiss…there are
quite a few.
How would you describe "The Stink of Flesh" to
someone who hasn't seen it yet?
I would describe it as an a-typical zombie
flick that is absolutely absurd in the most
wonderful ways.
What does your uncle think of the film or has
he not seen it yet?
He has seen and in fact he’s gotten the good
word out about it some of the folks he knows.
Given the circumstances it was made under (budget
in particular), he was very impressed. I showed
him the script before the movie was made and he
really liked the writing.
What projects do you have coming up we may
look forward to?
Scott will be directing a new project next
month, and it sounds like there may be a role in
there for me. I’m also planning on participating
in the next project he’s currently writing, "Gimme
Skelter".
 What are your favorite horror movies?
I’m a big fan of Dario Argento’s movies. "Deep
Red: The Hatchet Murders" scared the pants off me
the first time I saw it. I couldn’t be alone in
the house for about 3 months after that. I also
really like some of these Spanish horror films
that have been coming out lately.
Favorite horror novels/writers?
The last horror novel I read was IT. That
scared the bejeezus out of me. I could only read
it during the day because it gave me such amazing
nightmares. I have a slightly overactive
imagination, so in the best interest of my
psychological health and well-being, I generally
stay away from horror novels these days.
Do you have a "normal" job when you're not
working?
I do. A couple as a matter of fact. I work for
a non-profit that supports individuals with
developmental disabilities, and I also work for
company that lends training support to different
law enforcement entities regarding Crisis
Intervention and Hostage Negotiation (among other
stuff).
Have you ever received any particularly good
advice from your uncle, the wise "old" horror
movie veteran (and the sweetest too)?
Regarding movies? Not so much (yet). Although
now that I think of it, I have a question I’d like
to ask him this afternoon. Regarding life?
Absolutely. We’ve been very close for very many
years.
I suppose you're aware the IMdb lists you as
Gunnar's daughter and not his niece. Have either
of you bothered to have that changed?
I haven’t. I think it’s kind of funny. We joke
about it. I’ll sign my e-mails to him, “Love, your diece.”
You mentioned you attended one horror
convention with your uncle. What was that
experience like? And will you now be going to
conventions as an actor in your own cool,
low-budget indie horror film?
It was fun! I saw Joey Ramone there. And the
guy from “The Hills Have Eyes”. He’s a very
interesting character. I believe he doesn’t have
many pores in his skin…I felt that Uncle Gunni was
very gracious toward his fans, of which there seem
to be quite a few. As for myself—no plans to go to
conventions at the present time, I’m not sure I
consider myself worthy at this juncture. We shall
see what we shall see.
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