Actor David Arquette insisted the killer in his new comedy horror movie The Tripper wore a Ronald Reagan mask because the late former President used to terrify him.

In the new film - Arquette's big-screen directorial debut - the killer attacks music fans at a rock festival, and the Scream star admits the imagery of Reagan stalking youngsters gives his quirky movie a serious edge.

He explains, "Reagan's policies had a direct effect on the world around me. I remember waking up one morning and you'd see homeless people all around you.

"It happened pretty much overnight and it was pretty bizarre and it was a direct connection to a cut in mental health.

"(I hope) the movie points out how a leader's decisions can have an affect on the world."

But he doesn't want movie fans to dwell on the serious undertones of the movie too much - because he'd like the film to become a cult hit, like The Rocky Horror Picture Show, where fans gather weekly to watch the show at late-night cinemas and dress as their favourite characters.

He adds, "I hope people make up games. I hope they sneak things in."