Interview: Michael Matteo Rossi (“Shadows”)

We go behind the scenes of the new crime thriller “Shadows” with filmmaker Michael Matteo Rossi to learn what inspired his latest film.

Michael Matteo Rossi’s third feature-length film, Shadows, is a stylish thriller about “A young low-level drug dealer who is reunited with his estranged mom and uncle to protect him when a ruthless drug kingpin puts a hit on him.” (IMDb).

Filmed in late 2019, Shadows is now being made available to horror fans worldwide. To celebrate the film’s release on VOD, I chatted with Michael about the inspiration behind the film, why he loves horror, what’s up next, and more!

Morbidly Beautiful: What inspired Shadows, and how did the project come about?

Michael Matteo Rossi: I knew I wanted to tell a story of family mixed with action and a haunted past. I feel it made the characters a lot more interesting and dynamic to be thrown into that type of world.

Morbidly Beautiful: Was there anything in the script that you were adamant about keeping in the film, no matter what?

Michael Matteo Rossi: A lot of the action because I knew the blend of action and drama would work for this film; I knew I had to get the final climax scene right.

Morbidly Beautiful: How did you convey your vision of the film to your cast and crew?

Michael Matteo Rossi: I told them a mix of Scorsese, James Cameron, and Michael Mann — and the rest was just talking in great lengths about the characters to my specific actors to get the role down right.

Morbidly Beautiful: What made you want to be a filmmaker?

Michael Matteo Rossi: I always loved telling and writing stories, and just was drawn to the medium of film to tell them. I grew up watching a lot of classic films, too, and always wanted to make films like that and the films I saw in the theater.

Morbidly Beautiful: What draws you to the horror genre?

Michael Matteo Rossi: I like psychological horror the best out of that genre, and I’d say my love for Hitchcock is what really inspires me to make horror films. 

Morbidly Beautiful: What would be your weapon of choice in a zombie apocalypse?

Michael Matteo Rossi: A desert eagle

Morbidly Beautiful: Interesting choice! What’s up next for you?

Michael Matteo Rossi: I’m shooting my next feature film, an action crime thriller called “The Charisma Killers” in October and am very excited about it!

Morbidly Beautiful: That is exciting! One last question for you. What’s your favorite scary movie?

Michael Matteo Rossi: The Shining

Thank you so much to Michael for taking the time to speak with us. Be sure to catch Shadows on VOD now!