Night for Day
Thanks to the astronomical success of “Twilight” the novel and movie, vampires are all the rage. But when did they ever go out of style? All the way back to “Nosferatu” and Bela Lugosi’s “Dracula,” Bram Stoker’s Gothic masterwork is arguably the most adapted story in history. And even ten years ago vamps became big again with “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and the rich mythology Joss Whedon concocted that did much to subvert the idea. With “Twilight,” a new generation of fans has its’ own romantic tragedy, but from what I’ve gathered, it’s more romance than tragedy.
Seemingly made in reaction to that is “Night for Day,” an independent film from co-writer/director Russ Camarda which returns vampirism to its’ tragic roots in a surprising and suspenseful way.
In addition to directing and co-writing with Linda Hanson, Camarda stars as Vincent, a New York musician who’s having a rough time of things. He’s frequently late for gigs at a local club, he’s finding it hard to commit to Laura (Carolyn Morrison) who promises to be a fresh start for Vincent, and he’s gotten himself in deep with a cabal of fiends who lure the beautiful people of the city into their world of sex and death, a world Vincent- who feels empowered to change his life because of his feelings for Laura- is now intent on leaving. But can he leave this world before the people who inhabit from- be it charismatic ringleader Derrick (Christopher Robert Smih) or mysterious older woman Vanessa (Vicky Baum) stop him? More importantly, can he convince himself to leave?
Admittedly, the first time I tried to watch “Night for Day” a couple of weeks ago, I had a hard time getting into it. I wasn’t quite sure exactly where it was going. Now getting through it, what Camarda and Hanson have come up with is a story similar to that of Whedon’s “Angel,” which looks at vampirism as an addictive force to be battled, with the promise of true love offering a chance for redemption. The only difference being that Camarda’s story is a self-contained work within a compelling 100-minute narrative, and Whedon examined the theme over years. Both are fascinating tales to get lost in, with Camarda (who gives a terrific lead performance that gets to the tortured soul of the character, whose own history is what gives the film its’ eventual juice) giving Geekmaster Joss a run for his money, using both intelligent and subtle plotting and an aurally-rich soundtrack by Vincent Nigro (which incorporates both jazz tracks and a suspenseful film score) to take the viewer on a visually-bright, but morally-dark, journey into mortality that is scary, and yet oh so believable. It’s unlikely the “Twilight” crowd will agree with me, but anyone who appreciates the very real human drama at the center of such fantastic ideas will no doubt find their time rewarded.
After watching “Night for Day,” I had some questions for co-writer/director Russ Camarda. He was kind enough to answer them. I hope you enjoy them. -Brian Skutle
QUESTION
1) What was your inspiration for the story? It seemed to me that the story was possibly a more personal one to tell than we’re used to with the material.
I wanted to tell a story about being bold in the face of your greatest fears. I also wanted to do a picture within the borders of sunset and sunrise. I had no burning desire to make a vampire movie. I like the occasional vampire film but, I can’t say I’m a huge fan of the genre. As I began to formulate the characters in my head the Vampire theme just sort evolved as a natural
vehicle to deliver high stakes between the dusk and dawn borders I had wanted to set up. I wanted there to be a love story, I also wanted a story of trying to redeem one’s past but, ultimately I wanted it to be about taking a chance… for once in your life, no matter what the consequences. One of the last things I expected when I started writing this with Linda Hanson in 2007, was the explosion in the genre that was about to happen. I actually thought I had some original back in the writing stage. But, by the time I finished production in 2008, “Twilight, “True Blood”, “Let the Right One In” had brought the realistic Vampire romance back into vogue. Hey, I look at it this way, the more the merrier. A popular genre can only help an indie guy like me when distributors are looking for product. But for me it was all a bout the story I wanted to tell. The genre was incidental. Vincent’s journey in the film is, again, one of finding the courage. I have in my life found that jumping off the edge without knowing what was beyond but, doing it with the confidence that the universe rewards the bold, has worked for me on many occasions. Trying to produce a feature film with very limited resources, not knowing what will become of it being one good example. I had hoped that Vincent’s story in “Night for Day” could reach all of those out there who were ready to “try” for once in their lives. As the climax of the film suggests, it is not about the toll that must be paid… it is about the trip to the toll booth.
QUESTION
2) One of the things that struck me the most about the film was the music. Is there any chance of hearing any of the score or songs from the film made available online in the future?
I am a very luck man. Not only the fact that being in New York and being involved in the theatre for so many years put in close proximity to great artists but, I grew up and became friends with some of the best as well. Vincent Nigro is a brilliant musician, orchestrator and composer… and one of my oldest and dearest friends. He created the score for my first film, “Lower than the Angels” as well. When we first began talking about the direction for the music for “Night for Day” we knew we did want a “typical” gothic/horror score for Vincent’s world. We chose a music called Afrobeat. Originated by Fela Kuti in the 1970s, it was the perfect mix of tribal, funk, rock etc. It could be energetic and introspective at the same time. Best of all it was a real niche music scene. A place for Vincent’s character to hide and still create cool music for the movie. Mr. Nigro gathered world class musicians together to record this score. Some of the best horn, percussion, etc. in the country and Vin himself played many instruments including all of the guitar work you see in the film. We will definitely be putting some samples up online and a soundtrack album is in the works as well.
QUESTION
3) What films/filmmakers have inspired you in your early career? I mentioned Joss Whedon and what he did with “Angel” in my review, but are there any films or directors you looked to specifically in coming up with “Night for Day?”
I wouldn’t say I had particular influences as far as “Night for Day” was concerned. Again even the horror/ vampire genre was not one I specifically was looking to get into. It just worked for this story. Like most filmmakers and movie fans, I think I take visual cues from watching some of the great directors I like. Camera angles like you may find in Michael Mann or PT Anderson film for example. Lens flares, extreme closeups, shallow depth of field, that sort of thing. Sean King, my cinematographer really designed a beautiful visual world that spoke to all those tastes I like and admire in “Night for Day”. Perhaps some editing cuts that may be inspired by my affection for Kubrick you may see as well. However, my main thrust is always telling the story. All other elements (even plot) are tools to that end. Ultimately there is something you want to say. With “Night for Day” it was “Be bold… So many opportunities and amazing things will come into your circle that you would never have seen without trying.”
Russ Camarda
Director
Night for Day
