In a sense, the Nightmare series is larger than Wes Craven the screenwriter. Not only did it provide nourishment for the growth of New Line Cinema, which later on produced The Lord of the Ring series, but also its main character, named Freddy Krueger, and his claws became established as an icon of horror films. Having shown the worst fear that an American could suffer in reality, Craven extends the fear to the world beyond reality in A Nightmare on Elm Street. When a person cannot control his dream, that dream becomes a nightmare. The teenagers in A Nightmare on Elm Street are invited into nightmares against their will. After seizing control of their dreams, Freddy crosses over into reality and starts committing murders. Craven’s horror was no longer barbaric or rough; instead, this sophisticated and sensational film redefined the genre of teen horror films. (LEE Yong-cheol)