Editor’s Note: This was originally published for FANGORIA on June 20, 2015, and we’re proud to share it as part of The Gingold Files.
ANARCHY PARLOR is a plunge into the darkest possible side of the world of tattooing, and we’ve got words from star Tiffany DeMarco, whose heroine Amy’s fascination with that subculture is severely tested. Written and directed by Devon Downs and Kenny Gage (interviewed here), Anarchy Parlor is about a group of American friends vacationing in Lithuania who run afoul of The Artist (Robert LaSardo), who practices a murderous form of skin art, assisted by his seductive and dangerous apprentice Uta (Sara Fabel). This is DeMarco’s first feature-film lead; as the filmmakers revealed in the chat linked above, she was cast at the last minute, which she says didn’t faze her too much…
Since you joined the film about a week before shooting, did that pose any particular challenges?
It definitely had its challenges, from moving work-related things around to getting a passport in time, but there was something so cathartic about dropping everything and leaving for Europe for five weeks. I met with an acting coach, and spent every waking moment reading the script over and over. I felt exhilarated by the suddenness of it all, and knew that any issues would be resolved, because they didn’t matter at the time. The only thing that mattered was that I was going to do my very best to portray Amy the way Kenny and Devon intended.
Were you familiar with the tattooing culture before making Anarchy Parlor?
A little. I’ve never gotten a tattoo, but many friends of mine have. I’ve always wanted one, but it’s a forever gesture, so I’ve been holding off. The interesting thing is that Amy has never gotten a tattoo and has always wanted one as well, so in that respect, she and I share the same interest. She’s in awe at everything around her, because I was actually in awe. I find the tattoo community to be captivating, and I learned the beliefs of some beautifully tattooed people, which should definitely help me find the perfect tattoo in the future—just not in Lithuania on some random night in some random parlor!
How did you feel about the extreme nature of the project?
The script was quite graphic when I read it, but I really just focused on Amy and her relationships with her friends and the Artist. She has some very trying moments, which I loved, as she’s pushed to the edge of sanity and comes out a different person in the end. I enjoyed her transformation, and was excited to have the opportunity to play her.
Were any of your scenes actually disturbing or scary to film?
The scene in the dungeon with actor Ben Whalen, who played Brock, was the scariest to shoot. Makeup artist Christina Kortum did an amazing job with the prosthetics. Combine that with Ben’s acting, and you get one very frightening scene. In the room, I actually felt like his back was being ripped off, and it evoked this true feeling of terror in me. I still shiver just thinking about it.
How was it working with Robert LaSardo and your other co-stars?
They were a pleasure to work with. The directors encouraged the cast to actually be together all the time when we weren’t shooting, so that we could develop real friendships that would translate on screen. We certainly wound up building relationships that still last today. In regard to Robert LaSardo, he is a brilliant and talented actor. I cannot truly express how much I learned from him and what a pleasure it was acting alongside him. I only hope I get to work with him again someday.
Downs and Gage insisted on shooting on all real locations. Did that help your performance?
Absolutely. Nothing was made up; the city of Vilnius was big, bold and beautiful. I was captivated by the city, just like Amy is. There were real dungeons and castles that made everything so genuine. The cold and darkness of the dungeon helped me feel the fear of having no way out, which translated in Amy’s scenes.
Did any crazy/funny stuff happen while shooting in Lithuania?
So much happened throughout the five weeks of filming, but one of the funniest things I remember well was during the shooting of the dungeon scene when Brock gets his back peeled off. While on a break, we decided to get some fresh air, and Ben thought it would be funny if he ran into the street and start yelling like he was in pain. So many people just stopped and stared at him, as I recorded it all on my phone. Crazily enough, though, some people actually just kept on walking and didn’t even pay attention! It was silly, stupid fun, and every time I think of it, I can’t stop laughing.
You’ve worked both as an actress and behind the scenes; do you prefer one over the other?
I love all aspects of storytelling. I can’t say I prefer one over the other, because I enjoy writing and directing as much as acting. My purpose in life is to bring an idea or story to life using any medium, whether it be with a pen, a camera or my body.
Are you a horror fan, and are you interested in making more horror films?
I can’t say horror movies are my favorite, but I can appreciate them. I get scared very easily, and if I watch a horror movie, I won’t be able to sleep for days! I still see them when I can anyway, as I never learn. I’m definitely interested in making more horror films, though. There’s so much detail and precision that goes into the genre. To create something that makes people jump out of their seats and feel things emotionally that they’ve never dreamed of feeling before—now that’s magic.
