Heather Bellamy caught up with author Ted Dekker

Ted Dekker

Best-selling authors Ted Dekker and Frank Peretti released the mind-bending supernatural thriller House back in 2004. 2008 saw it transformed into a film featuring the likes of Michael Madsen (Reservoir Dogs, Free Willy), Julie Ann Emery (Hitch, TV's "Commander in Chief") and Heidi Dippold (HBO's "The Sopranos," "TV's "NYPD Blue,"), receiving mixed reviews. Now on DVD and available to those of us the other side of the pond, Heather Bellamy decided to take the opportunity of firing a few questions at Ted during a gap in his busy schedule (he'd just got back from Asia)!

Heather: I understand that in your writing, you follow C.S. Lewis' advice that '"Our business is to present that which is timeless in the particular language of our own age," he said. The "bad" writer "does exactly the opposite: he takes the ideas of our own age and tricks them out in the traditional language of Christianity."' If that's your aim with your writing, what were your hopes with the film version of 'House' and were those expectations met?

Ted: My hope for the film version was that it would tell the story, which is a classic collision of good and evil. Anyone who's ever awoken to find themselves trapped in a horrific nightmare of their own making will relate to the torment that comes with it. Rescue comes, but we often are so deep in that we can't grasp it. The house was just one way-my way-of illustrating. For the most part, those expectations were met.

Heather: What are you hoping the audience will come away with?

Ted: I don't really think in those terms when it comes to story. I don't want people to be led to a conclusion with my stories. I want them to be confronted with questions. Some will find a story themed around the truth that light came into darkness and made a way out. Others will see it just as a good story and a really good ride. For him who has ears to hear, let him hear, right?

Heather: How involved were you in the production of the film and how do you handle others taking your work and putting their interpretation on it?

Ted: Not a lot, actually, even though I was on the ground for some of the shooting in Poland. I was primarily a consultant to the producers when it was being adapted to screenplay. But, even then movie adaptations go through several changes, even on the ground when the cameras are rolling. No movie ever turns out exactly the way you hoped it would, but I would say it was close.

Heather: I understand that many reviewers felt the film was mediocre, preachy and full of horror clichés and bad acting. That sounds a bit harsh! What would your opinion be of the reviews the movie's received?

Ted: I try not to have one. Some reviewers hated it, some really enjoyed it. It's hard to take critics too seriously.

Heather: Finally, for those thinking of seeing 'House', who would you say would enjoy it/get something out of it? I'm a rom com fan, so I'm thinking it's not for me!

Ted: Anyone who really enjoys a good ride and enjoys watching a movie with the lights off.