Michael Varrati
@michaelvarrati.bsky.social
Filmmaker/screenwriter of a bunch of indie horror flicks and some made-for-TV movies your mom likes. Co-host of Midnight Mass.
As it's Tilda Swinton's birthday, I'd encourage folks to seek out/revisit her work with the late Derek Jarman. Not only were they Swinton's introduction to audiences, but they were crucial, soaring entries in the queer cinema canon during an era where we go so very few. Stunning and formative.
November 5, 2025 at 7:05 PM
As it's Tilda Swinton's birthday, I'd encourage folks to seek out/revisit her work with the late Derek Jarman. Not only were they Swinton's introduction to audiences, but they were crucial, soaring entries in the queer cinema canon during an era where we go so very few. Stunning and formative.
It's the birthday of the late, great French auteur Jean Rollin, whose dreamlike construction fundamentally contributed to the overall language of vampire storytelling. Additionally, the (oft messy) sapphic themes in his work present an interesting, if complicated, chapter in queer horror history.
November 3, 2025 at 5:57 PM
It's the birthday of the late, great French auteur Jean Rollin, whose dreamlike construction fundamentally contributed to the overall language of vampire storytelling. Additionally, the (oft messy) sapphic themes in his work present an interesting, if complicated, chapter in queer horror history.
The day before Halloween is Ruth Gordon's birthday? How apt, considering we're right next door to witchiness!
October 30, 2025 at 7:52 PM
The day before Halloween is Ruth Gordon's birthday? How apt, considering we're right next door to witchiness!
I put a spell on you! On this week's @midnightmasspod.bsky.social, Peaches and I are celebrating 1993's HOCUS POCUS! We're joined by drag superstars Tina Turner and Nicole Halliwell to talk Sanderson sisters, Salem, parody shows, and more! Happy Halloween! midnightmass.buzzsprout.com/1796691/epis...
October 29, 2025 at 3:28 PM
I put a spell on you! On this week's @midnightmasspod.bsky.social, Peaches and I are celebrating 1993's HOCUS POCUS! We're joined by drag superstars Tina Turner and Nicole Halliwell to talk Sanderson sisters, Salem, parody shows, and more! Happy Halloween! midnightmass.buzzsprout.com/1796691/epis...
Interestingly, this isn't the first time the MONSTER MASH was brought to screen as a movie! In 1995, a film with a story line not dissimilar to ROCKY HORROR was released, featuring Bobby "Boris" Pickett himself, as well as the likes of Mink Stole, John Kassir, Adam Shankman, & Jimmie 'JJ' Walker!
October 28, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Interestingly, this isn't the first time the MONSTER MASH was brought to screen as a movie! In 1995, a film with a story line not dissimilar to ROCKY HORROR was released, featuring Bobby "Boris" Pickett himself, as well as the likes of Mink Stole, John Kassir, Adam Shankman, & Jimmie 'JJ' Walker!
Since I'm always interested in the latest Halloween-centric cinema, I checked out R.L. STINE'S PUMPKINHEAD (no relation to the 1988 film) and had a great time. I appreciate gateway horror that doesn't hold back...and I think this is going to be a regular seasonal watch for the new generation.
October 23, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Since I'm always interested in the latest Halloween-centric cinema, I checked out R.L. STINE'S PUMPKINHEAD (no relation to the 1988 film) and had a great time. I appreciate gateway horror that doesn't hold back...and I think this is going to be a regular seasonal watch for the new generation.
Bela Lugosi's birthday. Yes, Dracula...but also so much more. His work on the Poverty Row pictures, his willingness to engage in early horror comedy, his time with Ed Wood, etc. He was one of the first genre superstars. Some monsters walk so the creatures of the night that follow can fly.
October 20, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Bela Lugosi's birthday. Yes, Dracula...but also so much more. His work on the Poverty Row pictures, his willingness to engage in early horror comedy, his time with Ed Wood, etc. He was one of the first genre superstars. Some monsters walk so the creatures of the night that follow can fly.
I can’t believe they made a Halloween mask of Sean Penn’s character from ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER.
October 19, 2025 at 2:17 AM
I can’t believe they made a Halloween mask of Sean Penn’s character from ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER.
Hey Los Angeles! Want your Halloween to get even GAYER? I'm joining the hosts of The Black Cat Cinema Series for a post-screening discussion of 2004's HELLBENT! What's more, we'll be joined by director Paul Etheredge! Oct. 29! 7:30PM! Look Cinema in Glendale! glendale.lookcinemas.com/movie/black-...
October 18, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Hey Los Angeles! Want your Halloween to get even GAYER? I'm joining the hosts of The Black Cat Cinema Series for a post-screening discussion of 2004's HELLBENT! What's more, we'll be joined by director Paul Etheredge! Oct. 29! 7:30PM! Look Cinema in Glendale! glendale.lookcinemas.com/movie/black-...
On this week's @midnightmasspod.bsky.social, Peaches and I are having an Idol Worship celebration of ART THE CLOWN! We're joined by TERRIFIER's Catherine Corcoran and the man behind Art himself, David Howard Thornton, to discuss this icon's meteoric rise! midnightmass.buzzsprout.com/1796691/epis...
October 15, 2025 at 3:28 PM
On this week's @midnightmasspod.bsky.social, Peaches and I are having an Idol Worship celebration of ART THE CLOWN! We're joined by TERRIFIER's Catherine Corcoran and the man behind Art himself, David Howard Thornton, to discuss this icon's meteoric rise! midnightmass.buzzsprout.com/1796691/epis...
...but if you'd like to lay your peepers on a trippy, horror television series starring Robert Englund that Wes Craven DID directly create and curate, I suggest checking out NIGHTMARE CAFE. It's about a diner not beholden to the rules of space or time that draws in the unusual, strange, and dead.
October 14, 2025 at 11:24 PM
...but if you'd like to lay your peepers on a trippy, horror television series starring Robert Englund that Wes Craven DID directly create and curate, I suggest checking out NIGHTMARE CAFE. It's about a diner not beholden to the rules of space or time that draws in the unusual, strange, and dead.
I thought it would be fun to fold some classic YA horror into my Halloween reading line-up, so I snagged a few NIGHTMARE HALL titles from a used bookseller...only to find this study hall note tucked within the pages. This note is 30 years old! What a treasure. I hope her speech class went okay!
October 12, 2025 at 6:39 PM
I thought it would be fun to fold some classic YA horror into my Halloween reading line-up, so I snagged a few NIGHTMARE HALL titles from a used bookseller...only to find this study hall note tucked within the pages. This note is 30 years old! What a treasure. I hope her speech class went okay!
Dan Stevens' birthday is a great occasion to remind you that THE GUEST is primo Halloween season viewing. (As if you didn't already know)
October 10, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Dan Stevens' birthday is a great occasion to remind you that THE GUEST is primo Halloween season viewing. (As if you didn't already know)
You know how people say “a lot of blood, sweat, and tears” went into making something? Well, with the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, that’s doubly true. I’m so proud of this show and our team who took this above and beyond…to space! Can’t wait for you to check it out! Oct 19th On Shudder!!!
October 8, 2025 at 8:10 PM
You know how people say “a lot of blood, sweat, and tears” went into making something? Well, with the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, that’s doubly true. I’m so proud of this show and our team who took this above and beyond…to space! Can’t wait for you to check it out! Oct 19th On Shudder!!!
Despite this, I still think you're cool.
October 8, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Despite this, I still think you're cool.
I had the absolute honor of guest curating a shelf for Portland's legendary @moviemadness.org...and it has hit me right in the video store feels. Thanks to this iconic institution for letting me make some very "me" recommendations and thanks to @jasonedwarddavis.bsky.social for the photos!
October 6, 2025 at 10:00 PM
I had the absolute honor of guest curating a shelf for Portland's legendary @moviemadness.org...and it has hit me right in the video store feels. Thanks to this iconic institution for letting me make some very "me" recommendations and thanks to @jasonedwarddavis.bsky.social for the photos!
It really is quite special that October begins with the anniversary of George A. Romero's NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD. What better way to celebrate the start of Halloween month than commemorating a horror film that changed the world, forever altered a subgenre, and continues to inspire generations?
October 1, 2025 at 11:53 PM
It really is quite special that October begins with the anniversary of George A. Romero's NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD. What better way to celebrate the start of Halloween month than commemorating a horror film that changed the world, forever altered a subgenre, and continues to inspire generations?
DuJour means friendship! On this week's @midnightmasspod.bsky.social, Peaches and I are celebrating JOSIE AND THE PUSSYCATS! We're joined by writer Jamie Jirak and comedian Elizabeth Teets to talk capitalist commentary, Parker Posey, music, and more! midnightmass.buzzsprout.com/1796691/epis...
October 1, 2025 at 4:08 PM
DuJour means friendship! On this week's @midnightmasspod.bsky.social, Peaches and I are celebrating JOSIE AND THE PUSSYCATS! We're joined by writer Jamie Jirak and comedian Elizabeth Teets to talk capitalist commentary, Parker Posey, music, and more! midnightmass.buzzsprout.com/1796691/epis...
He was an absolute babe in NIGHT TIDE.
September 30, 2025 at 3:37 AM
He was an absolute babe in NIGHT TIDE.
Paul Williams performed a song from PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE when he appeared on THE HARDY BOYS/NANCY DREW MYSTERIES a few years later...in an episode that actually marked the first ever crossover of the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew (yes, including the books)! Two significant moments in one!
September 19, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Paul Williams performed a song from PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE when he appeared on THE HARDY BOYS/NANCY DREW MYSTERIES a few years later...in an episode that actually marked the first ever crossover of the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew (yes, including the books)! Two significant moments in one!
It's almost as if we've all forgotten that there once was a time when Rick Moranis had a cartoon series where he played the human teacher of an all-monster school.
September 17, 2025 at 4:21 PM
It's almost as if we've all forgotten that there once was a time when Rick Moranis had a cartoon series where he played the human teacher of an all-monster school.
As we reflect on the monumental career of Robert Redford, let us not forget his turn in one of THE TWILIGHT ZONE's most emotionally resonant episodes, "Nothing in the Dark" from the show's third season. Even as a portend of doom, he exuded charm.
September 16, 2025 at 7:03 PM
As we reflect on the monumental career of Robert Redford, let us not forget his turn in one of THE TWILIGHT ZONE's most emotionally resonant episodes, "Nothing in the Dark" from the show's third season. Even as a portend of doom, he exuded charm.
With his new movie upon us, it's a great time to remind you that Paul Thomas Anderson's production company is named for Ghoulardi, a horror host portrayed by PTA's own father, Ernie Anderson. Ghoulardi's Shock Theater was a staple of Cleveland television and a foundational creature feature program.
September 16, 2025 at 12:31 AM
With his new movie upon us, it's a great time to remind you that Paul Thomas Anderson's production company is named for Ghoulardi, a horror host portrayed by PTA's own father, Ernie Anderson. Ghoulardi's Shock Theater was a staple of Cleveland television and a foundational creature feature program.
Sigh. *FINE*
Post a pic of you that's not actually a picture of you
Post a pic of you that's not actually a picture of you
September 12, 2025 at 11:04 PM
Sigh. *FINE*
Post a pic of you that's not actually a picture of you
Post a pic of you that's not actually a picture of you
Everyone seems to have hot takes about candy corn, but I know you're truly from the mean trick-or-treat streets if you know about these bad boys.
September 8, 2025 at 9:45 PM
Everyone seems to have hot takes about candy corn, but I know you're truly from the mean trick-or-treat streets if you know about these bad boys.