The Wake

Romano Scavolini directed one of horror’s greatest and most disturbing films: Nightmare. I recently spoke with Mr. Scavolini, and gained some insight on the film.

The Wake: First, I would love to say that “Nightmares in a Damaged Brain” is a favorite film of mine, one of few films capable of actually being frightening and disturbing. My first question is what motivated to write and direct a film such as “Nightmare?”
Romano: I didn’t really think in terms of writing and directing a horror movie . . . the plot came from an article I read in the paper regarding some type of new drug that the C.I.A. gave to some inmates and mental patients in order to study changes in human behavior, without disclosing to them the risk of taking that kind of drug. From this simple article, I wrote a very short storyline and all of a sudden I was called by Goldmine Production’s staff to write the screenplay and direct it.
The Wake: What directors, horror films influenced you in producing “Nightmare?”
Romano: I wasn’t influenced by anyone . . . but if you insist, because you’ll never take my words for granted, I will tell you that I was touched only by one Japanese director, Kaneto Shindo, and two of his few films: “Onibaba” and “The Naked Island.”
The Wake: Are there any particular regrets you have about the film?
Romano: None.
The Wake: How did you find Baird Stafford for the role of George Tatum (he performed marvelously)?
Romano: I cast him after having seen him playing in theatre in Fort Lauderdale.
The Wake: Why have you not made more horror films?
Romano: Because I do just film . . . I do not write “genre” film . . . I don’t even know how a genre film should look like . . . all plots are equal to me.
The Wake: The film did not have a particularly large budget, how difficult was this to make?
Romano: The basic plot is all you need to have in order to make a good film . . . money comes after.
The Wake: I am curious there is some confusion over the involvement of Tom Savini with the film, what was his involvement?
Romano: Tom Svanini’s attitude toward the film was just ridiculous. He denied having been involved in the film while dozens of pictures were taken showing him holding an axe in his hands explaining to the young actor how to chop his mother’s head! What a waste of intelligent energies and time; how can a guy so smart like him went on and on around a bush claiming one day a thing, the other day another, until claiming money in exchange for the exploitation of his name in the credits of the film. Human stupidity sometimes has the power to go beyond horror.
The Wake: You are currently working on a film, what sort of film is this, what can you tell us about it?
Romano: I don’t want to talk about it.
The Wake: Do you personally enjoy viewing horror films? What are your favorites of the past and present?
Romano: In general, I don’t like horror films at all. I consider myself a very demanding spectator, very difficult to satisfy, with a very sophisticated taste. Ninety-nine percent of the films are worse than “Nightmare,” so I am glad to have done much better with peanuts and carrots.
The Wake: Do you have any plans to ever provide an audio commentary for a DVD release of “Nightmare?”
Romano: No plan.
The Wake: Do you have any knowledge of a DVD release for “Nightmare” in the United States?
Romano: I only heard much talking about it, but I don’t have any news in that regard.
The Wake: Is it the intense psychological impact “Nightmare” can have on viewers that gives you the most pride in the film? If not, what does give you the most pride in this film?
Romano: The impact was tremendous right at the first release in the theatres in New York, and continued after all over the world. For a filmmaker, I think, it’s a matter of pride. Yes . . . you might say so. At the end if started only in my mind.
The Wake: Is there anything you would like to tell us about your next film?
Romano: The title is “The Apocalypse of the Monkeys.” It is currently in production. It will take me than one year to shoot. There are more than 50 actors involved in it. It is shot in digital to be transferred on film. And honestly I don’t have words, which can fit any discussion. It is not a “film” one can talk about . . . it is not a film but an experience.

Readers should check out www.romanoscavolini.com.