I reviewed a film called “Dementia” from (5)aint Productions for one of the sites I write for. I didn’t know what to expect going into this film only that it was about a man coming unglued. David C. Emerson plays the lead character “Danny.” It’s hard to put into words but you’d think you’d hate “Danny” for his wrong doings but he’s just got this “nice guy” quality tied in with his twisted ones.
1. When I saw you in the role of “Danny” in “Dementia” I was taken by your performance. Even though your character is losing it he still manages to keep it under wraps. You were deviant but meticulous even offing a friend or two. How did you manage to keep an almost expressionless face while you tortured and killed your victims?
In getting prepared for the role, I did research on the symptoms of Dementia. This behaviour in particular causes us to become ‘estranged’ from others and to be unpredictable in our interactions. I tried to bring this across in the film. In regards to having an expressionless face, I didn’t feel that Danny was doing this out of hatred or emotion, it was almost like he wasn’t there when it was happening.
2. Who was it that inspired you to get into acting?
I would love to say that it’s something I have always wanted to do since I was a little kid, but that is just not true. I have a good friend of mine that is an actor and he told me that I should go to his acting class just to check it out. i started going and really enjoyed the class. After that, I started taking additional classes and really just fell in love with acting class. After completing my first film, I was hooked. The film didn’t turn out very well, but I really enjoyed the overall process.
3. Are you interested in the film making process at all or are you content with acting?
Right now, I would have to say I am a sponge, trying to soak up as much knowledge of the overall process that I can. I am certainly interested in film making, but that is in the future. I would like to get gain more knowledge and skill on this side of the camera, so hopefully if I do move to the other side, I will have a feel for both sides of the camera.
4. The short film “Containment” has the message that as long as there’s life on the planet there’s hope. How do you feel about such a strong statement? How would you of felt if that was you in the end?
I agree with that statement. You always have to have hope. If there is a chance for something good to happen you certainly have to go for it. In that case, it would be the only option.
5. Are you currently busy filming or are you taking a break?
I just completed another short that is supposed to be on the festival circuit sometime later this year or next year. We just completed filming last weekend, so I am excited to see it. I took 3 months off(Nov-Jan) but now going back at full speed. After taking that time off, it really made me miss acting and fired me up to get back started again.
6. I checked out your acting resume and it seems you are steadily adding new films on there. Out of all the films you were in which was the hardest role to portray on film?
I dont know which one was the hardest to portray, but I seem to get the role of the bad guy most often. I really enjoy playing that side, but don’t want to always be looked at as the bad guy. I really enjoy trying new things to stretch my ability.
7. Do you have any interesting roles lined up in the near future?
I am currently in talks to with a very good director/producer on a role in his new film. At this time I can’t say much more than that until something is certain. His films are very deep, so it would be a great opportunity.
I was just asked to be the lead in a new film that starts filming next Jan. I have only read the outline and synopsis of the film, the script isn’t completed, so I haven’t committed until I can read the full script. The writer and and director have both done very well in festivals, so it could be a good opportunity.
8. In “Charlie’s Redemption” you play Charlie effortlessly- Where do you draw your energy from for such a grave role?
I really enjoyed that role. That seemed like the easiest role for me to get into. I don’t know why, but when I first read the script, I just understood exactly what they wanted for that character. There were 3 other great actors in that film, that just made the work fun and made the characters really click
9. If you could of played any role in any film what would of it been? (I would love to be a Zombie)
This is a tough question. I am a big fan of the roles that Leanardo Di Caprio chooses. He seems to wait for the perfect role for him then goes for it. He might be on the sidelines for a couple years until he finds that great role then he just nails it.
10. Finally here is the question I can’t help but ask…What’s your favorite Horror movie?
I know this might disappoint your fans, but I am really more of a comedy guy than a horror guy. But my favorite horror movie would have to be The Descent. This movie was great, it kept me on edge throughout the whole film. I really liked the fact that it almost entirely took place in dark tight places, which made every movement that much more intense.
https://www.myspace.com/davidcemerson
https://www.myspace.com/dementiamovie
