Exhumed: Patricia Arquette in "A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors" [1987]

by Joseph Perry and Mike Imboden

In their “The Good, the Bad, and the Verdict” film reviews, Joseph and Mike normally give their thoughts on a slice of cinema. However, “Exhumed” will focus on the first (or very early) credits of established actors, giving their roles the GBV treatment.

For this installment, it’s Patricia Arquette in A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors.

Intro

Patricia Arquette is an acclaimed American actress known for her versatile performances across film and television. Born on April 8, 1968, she comes from a family of actors and made her breakthrough in the 1993 film True Romance. She gained further recognition with roles in Ed Wood, Lost Highway, and Boyhood, the latter earning her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. On television, she starred in Medium, winning an Emmy, and later received praise for Escape at Dannemora and Severance. Arquette is also an advocate for gender equality and social issues, using her platform to push for change.

The Details

Patricia Arquette's Kristen Parker in A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors is memorable. Arquette distinguishes herself from previous horror heroines by adding emotional depth to her role as the protagonist. Her vulnerability as Kristen, a terrified adolescent plagued by Freddy Krueger, is one of her best qualities. She's captivating because she can move between fear and resolve, and her connection with Heather Langenkamp's Nancy Thompson solidifies the film's emotional center.

In the film's dream sequences, Arquette's raw intensity heightens the horror and stakes. Whether screaming in terror as Freddy attacks or when summoning her inner warrior to fight back, she is honest and keeps the audience engaged. Kristen is one of the Nightmare franchise's most dynamic characters due to her physicality, especially in action scenes. Arquette's range as a young actress in her first major film role makes Dream Warriors one of the series' most beloved.

However, Arquette's performance wasn't without problems. Her delivery can be inconsistent, especially when she needs to switch from silent terror to high-energy frenzy. Her screams and frantic replies sometimes sound like horror movie acting rather than real fright. Her connection with Langenkamp is good, but her delivery in group scenes, especially with the other Dream Warriors, seems stilted or awkward, as if she hadn't really settled into the character yet.

Her emotions sometimes don't match the scene's intensity. For instance, Kristen's expressions when struggling with her mother or comprehending Freddy's power are occasionally too flat. This inconsistency can sometimes distract the viewer, especially compared to her more experienced peers.

The Verdict

Despite a few shortcomings, Arquette’s portrayal of Kristen remains an integral part of A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors’ success. While not perfect, her performance adds an emotional weight that helps make the film one of the best horror sequels of all time.

A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors