Novitiates might think of Matthew Lillard’s best or defining roles as “Scream,” “Scooby Doo” or worse, “Hackers,” but cinephiles worth their salt remember his most memorable as the disillusioned rebel in James Merendino’s deliciously comedic 1998 disenfranchisement picture, “SLC Punk” (Til Schweiger from “Inglourious Basterds” also had an early, hilarious turn in the picture).
Where has the director of that seminal, yet mostly underappreciated indie, James Merendino, been all these years? Well, he’s been making films, but either they’ve been forgettable, had the tiniest of releases or faced other travails and obstacles. The “Swedish Job” which was to star Harvey Keitel, Billy Bob Thornton and Lena Olin was canceled in 2004 at the last minute due to studio financing disagreements. 2001’s “Amerikana” was produced as part of the Dogma 95 movement created by Lars von Trier and Thomas Vinterberg, but for some reason Merendino either took his name off the picture or it arrived to screens uncredited.
Suffice to say you probably haven’t seen or heard of “Magicians” (2000) “Trespassing” (2004) and “Death Club” (2008) and you’re no worse off for it (and each one featuring less and less name actors; “Magicians” features Alan Arkin and Claire Forlani, the other two don’t feature anyone you could pick out of a line-up).
Merendino now has a new project at hand, but we’re hoping it boasts some satirical edge as it’s yet another zeitgeist-y bloodsucker film.
Titled “Vampire Summer Camp,” the screenplay was penned by Merendino and Jenny Jaffe (“Johnny Goner”), and it focuses on two summer camps and the musical competition they embark upon. One camp of course is simply for youthful-looking vampires who are likely centuries old. No composer has been found yet and considering the New York-based production is set to begin in November less than a month from now we hope they’re at least in final negotiations with someone or shooting the musical without music is going to be rather tough (no cast has been named either).
We’d love to imagine that some name musician we love would jump on board and sweeten the deal, but the mid-seven figures budget and a shoot in expensive, permit-heavy New York, we may just have to dream on. Meanwhile, if you have Netflix and you haven’t seen “SLC Punk” — which also boasts an excellent and memorable soundtrack– queue it up already. Remember you never sold out, you bought in.
