The Manifesting Mystery of Cinematographer Mariano De Luca
Though he has received a number of awards for his cinematography in film, Mariano De Luca is quick to point out that he does not consider himself a “finished” artist. He readily refers to the magic he experienced in his first photography classes and how the evolution of the image as it developed captivated him, inspiring a journey he continues to this day. Though he has become the first choice of many directors, it’s De Luca’s perspective that his creative life will be one which transforms over decades. Known for his stylized yet somehow naturalistic/darkish work, the DP refers to inspirations such as Roger Deakins, Darius Khondji, Emmanuel Lubezki and Bradford Young. De Luca has been the ideal choice for filmmakers seeking mystery and suspense with an otherworldly, even spiritual sense. Mariano admits that from the first week of cinematography classes, he knew that he’d spend the rest of his life doing this. His body of work to date presents a creative sensibility that seeks to tell stories far from the typical; it’s the M.O of most extraordinary artists.
Director Jen Fernandez Perelman took the “Ayahuasca” experience of the indigenous people in the Amazon basin. This spiritual journey is undertaken by the brave under the supervision of a guide. Perelman wanted to portray this journey in her film Alchemy. A scripted story presented thought the vehicle of a main character named Sara, the film follows her experience under the influence of this psychoactive brew as she confronts her darkest fears. Having experienced Ayahuasca, the director/writer required an exceptional DP to help manifest the mood that she explored and wished to be presented to the audience. The overall look of the film is dark and often combines mystery and tension but not in any manner that communicates horror. From the opening scene in which the action descends on a dark jungle cabin where Sara lies covered in sweat while a Shaman lights a cigar to the tortured mental images materializing outside of her head to an ultimate cleansing and rebirth, this crucible is presented for all viewers to see via De Luca’s skill. He relates, “It’s quite difficult to convincingly make a soundstage appear to be the dark recesses of the Amazon Jungle. Our Production Designer Nick did a fantastic job in giving me everything I needed. His efforts did not go unnoticed.” Neither did those of Mariano as he received a pair of Best Cinematography awards for his work on Alchemy (Independent Shorts Awards and Los Angeles Cinema Festival of Hollywood, US).
With nearly six billion dollars in annual revenue, Spotify has become one of the most influential companies in modern music and they’re expanding into other areas of entertainment. Spotify Studios recently launched their initial episodic series which features the show Divinations. Mariano had previously worked as a DP for the Spotify Studios production VIVA LATINO: RADAR LATINO series (one of the top ranked playlists for Spotify). The producers called upon him again for Divinations to create a foreboding aesthetic congruent with the tone of the subject matter. In this series, featured artists such as The Turizo Brothers, Vice Menta, C.Tangana, Aitana, Fuego, and others meet with a Mexican Witch who uses the Tarot Cards to read their future. The vibe and look of the series is mystical and spiritual, with a touch of spookiness. With more than nine million viewers, the show is already an immense hit for the platform.
Even when working on a traditional film format, De Luca is incessantly striving for pushing past the status quo. Currently serving as DP on Director Alfredo Rodriguez Allen’s yet to be titled Neo Noir Thriller, Mariano was brought aboard as a result of the attention his unorthodox approach has received. He notes, “I enjoy finding something unique in every production I’m a part of, I think this is the reason other filmmakers seek me out. I want to respect their vision and give them something special to complement it. Alfredo’s film is a very original story. It’s a love story but like a David Lynch love story. I can’t say more about it because I’d reveal the most important part of it!”
Mariano De Luca’s work on Documentary, Commercials, online productions, and music videos has brought him to provide the look for Blumhouse Production Company’s “Crypt TV — Crypt Fables Series”, Buzzfeed, Reebok, Spotify…such an eclectic group that it’s no wonder his credits imply the work of several different professionals rather than one exceptional cinematographer. Still, it’s indicative of an artist who has embraced his own imagination for as long as he can recall. His career has taken him across the globe to work with many other gifted storytellers and creative professionals. This is Mariano De Luca’s own spiritual path.
