Mariano Baino's Early Life and Career
Mariano Baino, an Italian-born director, knew from the tender age of eight that he wanted to become a director. However, it wasn't until a school visit to see the Pope that he discovered his true passion for horror cinema. The visit sparked his interest in the works of H.P. Lovecraft, particularly "The Dreams In The Witch-House," which inspired him to pursue a career as a horror director.
Growing up, Baino struggled with a crippling fear of the dark, which he has still never fully overcome. Despite this, he remained determined to become a horror director. He spent his teenage years honing his craft, eventually attending the Experimental Centre of Cinematography in Rome, where he gained the tools and skills needed to make his mark in the industry.
Baino's Early Work
Baino's early work includes the short film "Dream Car," which he shot in just two days and post-produced in under a week. The film tells the story of a man's obsessive desire for a luxury car and the dire consequences that follow. His next project, "Caruncula," was a highly acclaimed cannibalistic fantasy that showcased his unique visual style. The film received rave reviews on the festival circuit and even sold to television stations around the world.
The Making of Dark Waters
Baino's debut feature, "Dark Waters," was initially financed by Russian producer Victor Zuev. The film was shot in the Ukraine, but the production was plagued by difficulties, including language barriers, set destruction due to rain, and the risk of radiation exposure near the Chernobyl nuclear disaster site.
Despite the challenges, Baino persevered and completed the film, which went on to win several awards, including the Prix du Public at Montreal's Fantasia Film Festival and the "Special Vincent Price Award" for outstanding contribution to Fantastic Cinema.
Style and Themes
Baino's style is characterized by his use of thematic concerns reminiscent of the grandmasters of horror cinema. He eschews the gratuitous violence and gore of the slasher genre in favor of a more atmospheric and suspenseful approach. His films often rely on implicit terror rather than explicit violence, making them all the more unsettling.
The Influence of Catholic Iconography
Baino's work is also influenced by his childhood experiences in Naples, where he was exposed to the morbid and disturbing imagery found in many Catholic churches. This has led to a strong focus on religious imagery in his films, which he believes adds to their sense of unease and dread.
Current Projects
Baino is currently working on an adaptation of Graham Masterton's novel "Ritual," which explores themes of obsession and self-sacrifice. Masterton himself gave Baino his blessing to adapt the novel, and the project is now in pre-production.
