Rani DeMuth, Director of “And Now I Lay Me Down”

Now on the festival circuit, “And Now I Lay Me Down” is a stellar drama comedy starring Jane Kaczmarek of “Malcolm in the Middle” fame. The great short is directed by Rani DeMuth a charming and clever filmmaker and storyteller who took time out to discuss her process making the movie and what it was like working with an actress of Kaczmarek’s caliber. Look out for “And Now I Lay Me Down.”

For our readers, please introduce yourself.
My name is Rani DeMuth. I’m an independent filmmaker from Santa Barbara, CA. Since the age of five, I knew I would be an artist. I love Einstein’s quote, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” I have two kids and a dog, and I’m always hungry.

Where did you create the idea for “And Now I Lay Me Down”?
I created the idea for AND NOW I LAY ME DOWN in Santa Barbara while I was recovering from skin cancer.

What was the experience like working with Jane Kaczmarek as your lead?
The first time I met Jane Kaczmarek in person, I was blown away by how warm and inviting she was. She made me feel like I was her best friend, and we had known each other for years. We talked for hours, and by the end of the meeting, Jane was standing up, eating deli meat out of her refrigerator—like one does when alone. I knew I loved this woman.

When you work with an actress like Jane, who is at the top of her craft, choosing not to say anything after a take is just as big of a decision as giving direction. I could feel where she was going and could direct her accordingly. It was a beautiful dance—we were in sync. Jane was so hilarious during the shoot that I had to work on not ruining takes by bursting out in laughter. I think many of the crew could say the same thing!  

Where did you get your inspiration for “And Now I Lay Me Down”?
I was having the worst day ever. I had just lost part of my nose to skin cancer and my film career was at a standstill. On this particular day, rather than masking my pain, I let myself really experience the suffering of not being where I wanted to be in my life, particularly as a film director. In other words, I had a meltdown. After my meltdown I meditated for twenty minutes, and when I got up I saw an entire short film flash before my eyes. AND NOW I LAY ME DOWN was inspired by the existential dread of losing my looks and career in one fell swoop. Amidst flashes of pink and gold I saw an aging woman in the film industry dealing with rejection and the challenges of being a mother. And cheetos.

Did you learn anything interesting while working with Mrs. Kaczamarek?
Jane was living proof that you have to go all in to give a masterful performance. She was one hundred percent committed to everything she did. She really went for it. Simply being in her presence reminded me what it takes to be brilliant.

What kind of themes and commentary do you explore with “And Now I Lay Me Down”?
When I came up with the idea for this film about a woman who just couldn’t take it anymore, I began to research suicide. I came across a staggering statistic that nine out of ten people who attempt suicide and fail never go on to try again. In an instant, people reported experiencing instant regret and saw how their problems weren’t worth losing their lives over. Celia’s character plays out this same narrative. Through self-introspection, you can heal yourself. 

Why do you think stories like “And Now I Lay Me Down” are so good at communicating social commentary on the human condition?
I’m so glad you feel this way! I always want to be truthful in my storytelling and reveal the human condition. Humor finds its way into everything I do. There’s no stopping it! I feel like Dramedy or dark comedy is the genre that’s most true to life. It leads me to find humor in serious subjects like suicide and can thereby make them more palatable.

PHOTO by Anastasia Lebedeva

Who are some of the directors or writers that you look up to and who do you want to bring attention to in your field or others?
Despite being “canceled”, I love Woody Allen’s early films. I also love the old great masters—Akira Kurosawa, Ingmar Bergman, and Agnes Varda, to name a few. I love Greta Gerwig, Jane Campion, and Nicole Holofcener. I adore Mike Nichols, Quentin Tarantino, The Coen Brothers, and Alexander Payne. I mean, I could go on forever. My favorite filmmakers blend drama and comedy with an edge. They all have a unique vision.

What are you currently working on that you can tell us about?
I’m very excited to direct my first feature! END OF THE LINE is comedy about a dysfunctional LA family who struggles to reunite after the mother, in a mid-life crisis, decides to pursue performance art. We have a fabulous attachment, but I can’t say who. I also have a horror script that takes place in Hiroshima, Japan. I’m very passionate about everything I’m working on.  

What advice do you have for aspiring filmmakers or creators?
As the Duplass brothers say, “The cavalry is not coming.” Don’t wait for the perfect set of circumstances to make your art. Do it now. We live in a unique time where everyone carries a tiny HD camera. We have all the tools in our pocket. Go experiment! Gather your favorite people and make something together. It starts with an idea you are passionate about – but don’t stop there. You must actualize this idea.