Back in 1996, filmmaker Larry Fessenden was officially recognized as one to watch by the Independent Features Project—a moment that really put a spotlight on his growing reputation. Of course, those in the know, especially fans plugged into the Downtown NYC art and film scene, had already been tuned in to Larry Fessenden’s unique vision for years. Born into a life of privilege, Larry Fessenden spent his formative years on Manhattan’s upscale Upper East Side and later attended the prestigious Andover prep school—though, interestingly, he didn’t quite finish due to being expelled.
Even so, his creative spark was undeniable. From an early age, Larry Fessenden showed a passion for storytelling through images, diving into video and super 8mm filmmaking. By 1980, he’d completed his first substantial project: the 58-minute film A Face in the Crowd, which followed the life of a New York City artist, along with several short films that helped sharpen his craft. Thanks to this early body of work, Larry Fessenden earned a spot at NYU, where he developed the original version of what would later become Habit—an 85-minute video co-written with Brendan Mee.
And that wasn’t all. In 1982, Larry Fessenden teamed up once again with Mee for Be Mee TV Presents, an eight-episode public access television series that further showcased his offbeat sensibility and DIY spirit. It’s clear that even in these early days, Larry Fessenden was carving out a distinctive path in independent cinema.
Larry Fessenden has been part of several notable films throughout his career, but his highest rated work in terms of reception is Dashcam (2021). On the other hand, one of his lower rated projects includes Psychopaths (2017). While opinions may vary, these two titles stand out when looking at the general consensus among audiences and critics alike. Larry Fessenden’s involvement in the horror genre has been consistent, and both of these films showcase different aspects of his contributions to the industry.