Jeremy Saulnier came to the Film Society of Lincoln Center to present a sneak preview of his new film, Green Room, to a packed Walter Reade Theater last week. The film opens in limited release this Friday. Responding to a question about how he balances humor and horror in his work, Saulnier said:

I like films that ride a line. I never try to be funny. I just let it happen. When I find situations that are absurd or tragically human, I can find light there. It’s definitely a balance act.

My favorite comedies are Zodiac and Boogie Nights because they’re so human and so perfect. They make me laugh out loud. I like a good comedy, too, but it’s not hitting that cinematic part of my brain. I just try to make it human and grounded and something that I want to see that I think might fill a void for audiences.