Carpenter/Wellman

Positif: We've noticed an evolution in your work. At the time of Halloween, you didn't let yourself express any messages. But, since Escape From New York, your films clearly reflect a stand on the world we're living in.

John Carpenter: I don't think I express a message. The word "position" is more appropriate. Message films, they're like The Next Voice You Hear..., where God talks to people on the radio! That never works, that's not my style. But themes, yeah. A theme in a film is like a theme in music. It evolves, develops and underpins the emotions. That's not a political commentary. It's more of a poetic thread.

-Positif, no. 409, 1995