Serial killers have populated cinema for decades. From Norman Bates to Hannibal Lecter and beyond, they have frightened movie-goers, and have given us a troubling insight into the darkness of the human psyche. Dead of Night intends to build upon an idea sparked in the 1986 film Manhunter, the original feature film adaptation of Thomas Harris' novel Red Dragon. When hunting down a psychologically twisted predator, an F.B.I. profiler must project himself into the mind of the killer in order to anticipate their actions and motives. Although, what happens when he cannot separate himself from his prey? What struggles might he face within his own mind knowing the evil that lurks in the darkness?
The desire to make a film noir short had been there for filmmaker Nicholas Michalak for sometime, but the original intention was to make a Friday The 13th style slasher film. However, the concept didn't allow for the amount of depth he wanted, and again, it was to a Michael Mann film that inspiration was drawn. Manhunter was a good template to work off of, but Dead of Night would focus more on specific elements of that style of story, then upping the contrast and intensity of the psychological drama.
Dead of Night was also not to be entirely typical of film noir photography
and editing. Handheld and steady-cam shots would be greatly necessary to
conveying the various mindsets in the film - both chaotic and fluid. Shooting
on digital video furthered the more modern photography style. Still, the
iconic and striking imagery that defines black & white film noir remained,
if only inherently by the fact that the film is set entirely at night.
Dead of Night was shot in various locations in and around Chicago including
Waukegan, Highland Park, Glendale Heights, and Tinley Park.
The search for strong actors to embody the darkness, depth, and madness within this film ultimately was not arduous. The baritone-voiced Stevan Vujic was chosen for the film's lead, F.B.I. Profiler Cyrus Vendelin. His voice and presence easily added a measure of strength to the character. J. Preston Taub had already been sinking his teeth into roles such as Leonard Marshall Eccleston, and brought a passion and desire that easily brought a whole new chilling quality to the role than previously envisioned. Laura Wettingfeld had a single audition, but it was all that was needed to make her the clear, undeniable choice to play the lively, yet victimized Jennifer Watson. Joanna Krupa and Matthew Mages rounded out the supporting cast of Jennifer's friends, out for a fun night on the town. The final actor to audition and be cast was Charlie S. Jensen. There had not been many takers for the role, but Charlie demonstrated a strength and empathy that would shine through. His quality of talent was clear, and was indeed the definitive choice to play F.B.I. Special Agent Christopher Mannix, close friend of the troubled Cyrus Vendelin.
The film's crew was filled out with Mark Maj of Maj-estic Films working as First Assistant Director, and bringing along his own production equipment including his Panasonic DVX-100B to be the film's Second Camera Operator. Mark's brother Kris would also assist in the shoots at Maj-estic Auto Body in Waukegan, Illinois. Terence Sims would be the Second Assistant Director, and helping out as gaffer during the Highland Park alleyway scene alongside Production Assistant Jason Thompkins. The film's main Production Assistant, Jackie Shenoo, proved to be an invaluable, optimistic, and tireless asset in her own right. Finally, writer, producer, editor, director Nick Michalak chose to be the director of photography as well, making use of his new Sony DCR-VX2100 camcorder. While not an HD camera, it provided great picture capabilities under low light situations, perfect for this style of film. A film meant to delve as deeply into darkness as possible, and chillingly strike an audience with both sight and sound.
Dead of Night is now available via Amazon Prime Video and for free on Vimeo.