Writer/Director: Colin Cairnes
Starring: David Dastmalchian, Laura Gordon and Ian Bliss
‘A Meaningful Masterpiece’
Not many actors in Hollywood have earned the appreciation of David Dastmalchian. Following his rise to fame in the 2000’s, Dastmalchian has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s bold television performers, gangsters or villainous comic-book characters, Dastmalchian is an actor that has played many larger than life characters. Arguably, Dastmalchian’s finest strength as an actor has always been his bold commitment. He is one of those actors that has often poured his heart and soul into each role. Dastmalchian has never been afraid of taking risks in his career by playing complex characters that aren’t always likeable. By his willingness to take risks, Dastmalchian has become an iconic actor that audiences value. Dastmalchian has always had an aptitude for stealing the show in supporting roles that have limited screen-time. Throughout his illustrious career, Dastmalchian has made many movies that are definitely worth talking about without a doubt.
I’m a huge fan of Dastmalchian and adore all the films he has made in his career. However, “Late Night With the Devil” is my favourite. Released in 2023, Colin Cairnes’ film offered an engaging depiction of late night television. Packed with breathtaking production design, engaging storytelling and powerful acting, it is one of the best movies ever made about late night television. At the centre of it all is a bold performance by David Dastmalchian, playing a television host that faces tension. Ultimately, what makes “Late Night with the Devil” a crime classic is its appeal. Unlike most movies about television, it tackles strong themes everyone will relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about the dangers of news media which will resonate with everyone. A riveting masterpiece about late night television, there are countless reasons why “Late Night with the Devil” is a film worth seeing.
Set in 1977, “Late Night with the Devil” tells the true story of a television show that went wrong causing tension. David Dastmalchian portrays Jack Delroy, a skilled television show host with dedication to his profession. Delroy has always excelled doing his job of hosting his television shot with dedication. However, Delroy’s show is out in grave danger following a disaster. As all odds are stacked against his favour, Delroy begins to wonder whether it’s possible for him to host a show facing disaster. Facing a tough dilemma, Delroy questions whether he will ever find happiness in America.
Colin Cairness is a newcomer towards themes of television show hosts. Before he had made “Late Night with the Devil”, Cairness had not made a movie about television before. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture true story of a television show host communicating with the devil but he succeeds tremendously. Using captivating cinematography, Cairness captures a television show host that seeks to communicate with the devil causing tragedy. Cairness effectively uses handheld camera to capture the hardships that television show hosts go through. For instance, handheld cameras shots elevate the possession scene. During this terrifying scene, Delroy witnesses a participant in his television having a seizure causing trauma. One appreciates handheld camera capturing tensions which television show hosts are facing. Handheld camera is a tricky technique to use in films. As Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” suggested, shaky camera elevates comic book films. However, it works immensely in this movie. Through groundbreaking visuals, Cairness captures frightening hardships television show hosts are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Late Night with the Devil” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the film is extremely well made. Evoking Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Magnolia”, Cairness uses stunning set design to convey television shows facing a decline. For instance, the set design elevates the interview scene. During this tense scene, Delroy has a tense argument with the participant he is interviewing on his show that causes tension. One appreciates production capturing the legacy of legendary television. Moreover, the musical score is strong. Glenn Richards’ music is integral towards success of the movie. It gives the movie tense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden which television show hosts bear. Through strong production, Cairness captures the lives of television show hosts facing tension.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Late Night with the Devil” is a film which is compelling. The movie is beautifully written, and effectively uses foreshadowing to convey tensions that television show hosts are facing. Throughout the movie, Cairness uses clever foreshadowing to capture tensions television show hosts are facing. For instance, ingenious foreshadowing elevates the vomiting scene. During this terrifying scene, Delroy is shocked to witness one of his guests vomiting on his show causing his crowd to go wild. Through ingenious foreshadowing, Cairness creates a strong character that audiences can relate to. Foreshadowing is a tricky technique to use in films. Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining” proved foreshadowing elevates horror movies about isolation. Denis Villeneuve’s “Prisoners” proved that foreshadowing elevates crime thrillers about child abduction. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through a fantastic screenplay, Cairness captures the lives of commemorated TV shows facing a price to pay.
One appreciates astounding performances.
David Dastmalchian delivers one of his finest performances as Delroy. Dastmalchian earned appreciation for playing criminals in mysteries. With “Late Night with the Devil”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a television show host facing painful tragedy but he succeeds immensely. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him in the past before: intense, charismatic and terrifying in his most memorable role. Dastmalchian has often excelled at playing emotional characters under pressure, and “Late Night with the Devil” showcased his strengths as an actor. Through captivating expressions, he conveys the angst, grief and resentment of a commemorated television show host facing tension. It’s a phenomenal performance from one of the most commemorated actors in the industry today.
Finally, “Late Night with the Devil” would earn appreciation of everyone for capturing barriers that late night TV hosts fight. Unlike most films about television, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It discusses strong themes including identity, grief and television which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with television to appreciate it. It delivers a strong message on dangers of news media which would resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Late Night With the Devil” is one of those rare movies about news everyone would adore.
Fans of David Dastmalchian will appreciate “Late Night with the Devil” and so will movie-goers seeking thoughtful entertainment. An engaging masterpiece about television, it honours an actor with strong dedication.
A captivating portrait of commemorated televisions shows haunted by devilish entities that are frightening, it’s a riveting reminder of a legendary actor that has built a lasting legacy earning a huge fan following for his abilities to portray compelling characters in movies which are definitely without any doubt worth celebrating.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 