Australian siblings and directing duo Colin and Cameron Cairnes have made a name for themselves in the cult horror circuit with their first two features, 100 Bloody Acres and Scare Campaign. Their latest film, Late Night With The Devil, is a found-footage film set in 1977 and follows the story of a late-night talk show host who decides to go big for a Halloween night edition by inviting a guest who claims to commune with the devil. The Cairnes brothers have drawn inspiration from 1970s horror classics and media satires of the era, such as Network and The King of Comedy, to create a thrilling and unique film that has gained praise from renowned horror author Stephen King. Late Night With The Devil won the best screenplay honor at the Sitges Film Festival and will be screened for buyers at the AFM.
In an interview with THR, the Cairnes brothers discussed their fascination with 1970s American late-night television and how it influenced their latest film. Growing up in Australia in the ’70s and ’80s, they were exposed to American culture, TV shows, and films more than local content. They had their own late-night talk show host, Don Lane, who often invited psychics and magicians to discuss supernatural topics on his show. This curiosity about the supernatural and the allure of late-night talk shows, combined with their love for horror movies, inspired them to create Late Night With The Devil.
The film pays homage to various 1970s horror films, including The Exorcist and Rosemary’s Baby. These films were fresh in people’s minds during the time period in which Late Night With The Devil is set, and the Cairnes brothers wanted to capture that cultural and cinematic atmosphere. They also drew inspiration from other 1970s cinema influences, such as Network and The King of Comedy, which added layers of satire and paranoia to their film. A documentary film called The Killing of America, which featured video footage of assassins and serial killers, also served as a key reference for the opening montage in Late Night With The Devil.
The Cairnes brothers were thrilled to have Michael Ironside, a hero of theirs, lend his voice for the opening prologue of the film. The style of the prologue was based on The Killing of America, and they even used the same font for the main title of the film. The brothers also mentioned the BBC mockumentary Ghostwatch, which aired on Halloween night and pretended to be a real broadcast taken over by ghosts. While they were aware of Ghostwatch, it didn’t directly influence their film as they had already written the script before discovering it. However, they found similarities between the two and appreciate the comparisons made by audiences.
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When it came to casting the lead role of Jack Delroy, the Cairnes brothers chose David Dastmalchian, who had previously written an article in Fangoria magazine about regional horror hosts. They knew he had a love for the late-night talk show host world and thought it would be fun to have him as the lead. Dastmalchian brought his own sensibility and quips to the character, enhancing the script with his improvisations. The chemistry between Dastmalchian and Rhys Auteri, who plays his sidekick Gus, was undeniable, and their riffing on set led to some spontaneous moments that made their way into the final film.
Late Night With The Devil showcases Dastmalchian in his first leading role, allowing audiences to see his range as an actor beyond his smaller villainous roles in films like Oppenheimer and Suicide Squad. The complexity of his character, Jack Delroy, presents different personas and layers that viewers will enjoy discovering throughout the film.
In conclusion, the Cairnes brothers have taken their fascination with 1970s American late-night television and their love for horror movies to create Late Night With The Devil, a thrilling and satirical film that pays homage to classic horror films of the era. With references to films such as The Exorcist and Rosemary’s Baby, as well as influences from Network and The King of Comedy, the brothers have crafted a unique story set within the world of late-night talk shows. David Dastmalchian’s performance as Jack Delroy brings depth and charisma to the lead role, allowing him to showcase his range as an actor. Late Night With The Devil is a must-see for horror fans and lovers of 1970s cinema.
