by Horror icon Jamie Bernadette (All Girls Weekend, Axeman, American Satan) talks about her role in Vito Dinatolo’s Face of Evil, which is now out in the U.S.
Face of Evil Synopsis:
A war vet returns home, but a mysterious epidemic breaks out and infects his friends… The nightmare has just begun.
You’ve been described as the new queen of horror, Jamie. Did you set out to nab that role? How does that make you feel?
I’ve always loved horror since I was a child, so it makes me happy to hear that. I always did want to do horror, but I wouldn’t say that I set out to have that title. That just happened I think.
When you started acting, did you initially pursue horror films?
Yes. I pursued all genres, but horror was definitely one of them.
Was there one film in particular that really set your career on fire?
I wouldn’t say that it was one in particular, but rather I think it was the accumulation of films.
You seem to still be quite choosy though – what do you look for in these horror scripts?
I am very choosy now for sure. I look for a character who I am excited to play and a script that scares or intrigues me. I also look at the director, cinematographer, and producers and check out their past work.
How did Face of Evil come about?
I auditioned for the role and Vito, the director, cast me, so I read the script and loved it.
How would you describe the tone?
It’s horror that portrays powerful messages about PTSD and the drugging of our society. I believe so strongly in what this film has to say about the current situation of our culture. Often, doctors do not know the effects of a combination of drugs or even one drug, leading to devastating side effects of suicide and murder. Nowadays, mass shootings are becoming a common occurrence and when you look deep into the perpetrator, you will often find that the murderer was on mind-altering prescription medication or was just getting off of it. Mass shootings were not as common 20 years ago, and hardly ever heard of 30 years ago. So what is the difference? Drugs, drugs, and more drugs. Mental health pharmaceuticals are a billion-dollar industry so they have a vested interest in keeping these dangerous drugs on the market despite the devastating effects.
It was fairly low-budget, right? So little effects budget? Did that require using a lot of imagination then?
Yes, I actually filmed in this years ago when I was just starting out. The director/writer, Vito Dinatolo, pretty much did everything on the film. It was nearly a one-man production. He did such a great job considering this. He has a great eye and vision. I can’t imagine what he could do with some money.
How was the director?
I love Vito and feel very comfortable with him. I would love to work with him again and I hope that he can get some abundant financing for his next film. I would love to see what he could do with a real team behind him. I think he is very talented.
The film was made a few years back. How has your life and career changed since shooting it?
Yes, it was made more than a few years back actually when I was just starting out. I worked on the film for the credit, the exposure, and the experience. I was hungry for experience back then, and I worked on it for no monetary compensation. I loved the script and Vito is great. I had a lot of fun filming in it. I’ve done about 40 projects since then, both films and network television shows. I think I’ve grown as an actress since then. We are always learning right? And, as a person, I’ve changed too. I’m more financially stable now. I went through some rough times when I was starting out. I nearly lived in my car a few times. So, when I look back it’s night and day. I’ve worked extremely hard on my craft and on the business side of acting and I can see the results in where I am at now compared to where I was then.
Rock Hard \m/
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