Exclusives
5 Questions With Horror Master Dario Argento!!
Horror master Dario Argento (Suspiria, Deep Red) took the high-tech approach to Argento’s Dracula (formerly Dracula 3D), which he filmed in new 3D technology. I recently hopped on the phone with Argento to discuss the film, particularly his use of the 3D format. We also touch upon the that rich vibrant red he uses for his blood and what it’s like to work with his daughter, Asia Argento.
“Horror master Dario Argento returns with a bloody, luridly creepy 3D version of the classic vampire tale, drenched in gore and sex. An unsuspecting Englishman arrives in Transylvania, lured by a job with a local nobleman. But the undead Count Dracula’s real target is the man’s innocent young wife. Featuring the iconic Rutger Hauer as vampire hunter Van Helsing and the inimitable Asia Argento (the director’s own daughter) as a local all-too-eager to fall under the Count’s sway.” Thomas Kretschmann, Marta Gastini, Rutger Hauer, Asia Argento, Miguel Angel Silvestre, and Miriam Giovanelli all star.
Head below to check it out! Argento’s Dracula is now available both in select theaters and on cable and digital VOD. Just a note: we had a bad phone connection and Argento’s English isn’t perfect (though he was still a pleasure to speak with). I’ve transcribed this to the best of my ability.
When you decided to adapt Dracula did you see it as a unique opportunity to imprint your voice on it?
Yes, I had the idea to do an adaptation but I couldn’t find a good way to do it. But I liked the character and found him interesting. Then I saw the new technology for 3D which was very good, a new way to put the story onscreen. I thought it was a good way to put Dracula on the screen again.
How was it working in that format? It changes the way you frame your shots, correct?
Yes. It’s different. It’s a challenge. It’s important to do that. For the first time in my life I saw the difference from character to character. It has such great possibilities.
How did you come about casting Thomas Kretschmann as Dracula?
I’ve known him for a long time and when I knew the project was good, I called him. He was very enthusiastic. He’s European and close to the character. We have a good relationship, we are very good friends.
The blood in this film is that signature Argento red…
Red is important. The color of blood. Like Deep Red. It’s very important. It’s a moment of the films. Red and then black. I saw a DCP of Suspiria because for this film I wanted the color to be very strong.
What’s it like working with your daughter Asia? Do you find that it’s easier or more difficult than working with other actors?
I worked with her on five films. It’s a very good number. I work with her very well. She knows my deep love of film. My love of cinema. It’s good to work with her. This time I had her prepare for the character of Lucy, a very strong character. It’s a very important role.
A gnarly infection threatens to claw its way out of a moving camper in the first trailer for Shudder’s claustrophobic Hellcat.
The feature debut of writer/editor/director Brock Bodell, who previously edited the Fantasia title Ultrasound, makes its debut on Shudder on August 14.
In Hellcat, “Lena wakes up in a moving camper trailer with a horrifying wound. She’s warned by the driver that they have one hour to get to a doctor, or she’ll succumb to an unimaginably awful fate. As the pain sets in and reality begins to fray, who should really be afraid?”
Dakota Gorman (Natural Disasters) leads the cast that also includes Todd Terry (“Breaking Bad”), Liz Atwater (The Other People), Jordan Mullins (The Bikeriders), and James Austin Johnson (“Saturday Night Live”) in a voice role. Bodell also produces alongside Andrew Duensing and Nate Eggert.
Hellcat made its world premiere last summer at Fantasia. I wrote in my review, “Hellcat is a bit of a Trojan horror that defies easy classification, by design. Bodell’s sneaky debut feature is occasionally too sparse in its worldbuilding in its bid to preserve the mystery, but not enough to detract from the thrilling road thriller that transforms into a completely left-field type of horror we don’t get nearly enough of. The stripped-down tribute to a classic horror staple catches you off guard in more ways than one, marking Bodell as one to watch.”
In other words, there’s a lot more than meets the eye to Hellcat‘s simple infection setup, delivering plenty of surprises along its bumpy road of horrors.
Check out the trailer and poster below and add Hellcat to your watchlists asap.
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