ALL NIGHTS DIE YOUNG: THE UNSPOKEN CHAPTER

A confession. A portal.

MARIO LUXXOR ON HIS DEBUT NOVEL

Q1: Why this story and no other one?

Mario: I originally wanted to tell the story of a young man who falls in love with his rapist. But when I pitched it, most people couldn’t connect with it. I still believe it’s a powerful and necessary narrative — one that explores the complexity of trauma and love — but I knew I had to pivot. All Nights Die Young grew from that early idea. It became something just as daring, still rooted in trauma, desire, and survival… just told through a different lens.

Q2: What inspired All Nights Die Young?

Mario: Real life. When I first arrived in the U.S., I was thrown into a world where nightlife and fantasy blurred the lines of reality. Drugs, desire, connection—all of it created a world that felt more honest than sobriety ever did. I saw people fall in love in the middle of chaos. And I wanted to write about that.

Q3: How long did it take you to write this novel?

Mario: Six years. It started as a screenplay. English wasn’t my first language, so turning that script into a novel was both brutal and beautiful. I had to learn how to express what I felt — not just translate the words. That’s when everything changed. That’s when I stopped writing to fill and started writing to feel.

Q4: What message do you want readers to take away?

Mario: That beauty can exist in darkness. That falling is not always failure—it can be transformation. And that sometimes the people who break us are the ones who show us who we really are.

Q5: Who is your favorite character and why?

Mario: Derrick and Lincoln. They are me in another lifetime. Writing them was absurdly painful and cathartic.

Q6: Is there a film adaptation in the works?

Mario: Yes. The screenplay is ready. That’s how it started, and it’s still the heartbeat of this whole project. I want to direct it myself. The book was my way of building a world so deep that when we shoot it, it feels lived in—like the characters have been waiting for the camera to catch up.

Q7: What was the hardest scene to write?

Definitely the ending. The ending was written in so many versions along the whole five years that the screenplay took to finish. But I do clearly remember when the last scene was finally crafted, I was in Palm Springs at a hotel called The Twist. It was 2 pm.. it was hot outside but cold inside. I shut all the curtains and I turned the room into darkness, and I played Titanic's soundtrack "Rose" by James Horner on repeat. I cried my eyes out while pouring myself out on the last scene... It took me around six hours to finish the ending.

Q8: How much of All Nights Die Young is based on real events?

Over the five years working on what used to be called The Beauty of Falling, I got so many negative reviews. Every time I brought new ideas to the story, I thought I was improving it — adding more intensity, more drama — but I didn’t realize the problem wasn’t the story. It was the narrative. I was new, and I believed more chaos meant more meaning. In the end, the storytelling became a collage of my own madness. But the heart of the story — that fragile, beautiful core — it’s always been real. It’s happening out there, every day.

Q9: Does New York play a role in the novel?

Big time. In the end, Derrick tells RedSaint he’s leaving New York — not because he gave up, but because he finally understood what New York really is. It’s not a city for everyone. It’s a beast. It’ll hand you a dream with one hand and crush you with the other. It doesn’t care who you are. If you’re not ready, it’ll eat you alive.

Q11: If you could sit down with any one of your characters, who would it be? And what would you ask them?

I don’t think they’d let me talk. I think they’d hate me — especially Lincoln. The first version of him, five years ago, was naive but brilliant. He was meant to be the hero. But something deep down told me he had to be the one who suffered the most. Turning the story toward him was the most heartbreaking decision I made. Because once you love your characters, it becomes almost impossible to close the doors on them. But without his suffering… there wouldn’t be a lesson. And without the lesson, there’s no story.

Q12: What’s one thing readers might miss the first time around?

"I happened when he saw me." -Lincoln.

A FRAGMENT FROM ALL NIGHTS DIE YOUNG

“It’s raining... it’s raining,” he murmured, glancing at the closed window and reaching out towards the curtain. However, some arms are shorter than the desire. 

    “Don’t move! If you move, I’d hurt you,” said Derrick, impatient, eager to finish his purpose.

With effort, he slipped out from under Derrick’s oppressive weight, ran to the window, pulled back the curtains, and saw the torrential rain falling outside.

Lincoln faked a smile as if he had never seen the rain before. He covered himself in white sheets and ran barefoot into the street. In the middle of the deserted avenue, as the water drenched him, he knelt and cried like a baby, releasing the carnal and emotional pain of being silently abused.

     “Hey, get back here right now!” Derrick shouted, annoyed and dazed, standing in the doorway, dressed only in a gray sweatpants.

     “Come back here right now, or the octopus will get you,” he ordered.

What did this book made you feel?

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'The Dev Monkey': Insights Into 'Monkey Man'

Dev Patel's directorial debut captivates with its intensity narrative.

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All about this movie exudes passion,

In Latin, "passion" originates from the word "passio," which means "suffering."

WATCH THE TRAILER BEFORE WE DELVE INTO THE WORLD OF 'MONKEY MAN.'

Brief Synopsis: A boy's quest for revenge evolves into a journey of self-discovery.

Learning about "Monkey Man" intrigued me, especially considering Mr Patel’s reputation. Patel's dedication to a decade-long endeavor,  and his transition from actor to director compelled me to explore this cinematic offering, creating an unexpected connection despite my initial reservations about the martial arts, which are not art.

As a filmmaker, I deeply respect actors who venture into the director's chair, having experienced the challenges firsthand. As a result, I erased every piece of matetial recorded from the face of the earth.

I was keenly observant of Patel's craft across multiple roles—director, writer, actor, and producer. It not only resonated deeply with me, but also drew me fully into being part of his experience.

While I relish surprises in storytelling, my experience with "Monkey Man" was initially divided. The lack of early connection with the main character left me feeling detached. However, Patel's technical finesse and storytelling prowess kept me engaged. I was also impressed by the usage of clichés in the genre, which they were not merely used in a conventional or predictable manner but were instead leveraged to their full potential, serving a purpose beyond their typical function. By creatively manipulating these clichés, added depth and intrigue, offering viewers a fresh and engaging experience.

Furthermore, the inclusion of LGBTQ+ representation caught my attention. You don't typically expect to find LGBTQ+ characters portrayed in such a beautiful way in an intense, action-packed movie on a Saturday night. The depiction of these characters exuded wisdom, eloquence, bravery, and unity, embodying the positive message they stand for, adding richness and a fresh point of view to the narrative.

'Monkey Man" serves as a testament to Patel's talent and vision. While some pacing issues may detract from the overall experience, Patel's undeniable passion, ability to craft a compelling narrative and deliver unexpected twists ensures its place among memorable cinematic offerings. Much like classics such as "Oldboy," "John Wick," "District 9," and "Blade Runner," "Monkey Man" leaves a lasting impression, challenging conventions and inviting audiences to delve deeper into its complexities.

I appreciate the opportunity to delve into the intricacies of "Monkey Man" and share my insights as both a filmmaker and a passionate observer of cinema.

WATCH 'MONKEY MAN' in theaters now, AND LEAVE A COMMENT.

UNMASKING "THE JOKER": Exploring the Depths of Chaos and Humanity.

The Joker's character is fascinating because he's so unpredictable and chaotic, traits that allow him to delve deep into themes like madness, nihilism, and the darker sides of human nature with a dark sense of humor.

While most of us don't relate to his violent or rebellious tendencies, there are parts of his character that resonate with everyday life in surprising ways.

Many people can relate to the Joker's sense of being alienated and marginalized. In different versions of the character, the Joker is portrayed as a social outcast, someone who feels disconnected from the world. This feeling of isolation is something many of us experience—moments of loneliness or not fitting in at some point in our lives.

Furthermore, the Joker's affinity for chaos and unpredictability mirrors life's inherent unpredictability. Despite our attempts to control our lives, the world often throws us unexpected challenges. The Joker's acceptance of this chaos, rather than resisting it, can be viewed as a form of freedom from societal constraints and expectations.

Moreover, the Joker's remarkable versatility stands out as one of his most compelling attributes. He can be depicted as a menacing psychopath, a cunning strategist, or even a tragic figure driven to madness by circumstances beyond his control.

In addition, his dark sense of humor and his knack for finding amusement in adversity resonate with many. Humor often serves as a coping mechanism during difficult times, and the Joker's irreverent approach to life's trials reminds us that laughter can be a powerful remedy, even in the bleakest moments.

It's crucial to emphasize that identifying with the Joker doesn't equate to condoning or glorifying his actions. The Joker is unequivocally a villain, and his deeds often lead to catastrophic outcomes. Unlike other antagonists driven by tangible goals like power or revenge, the Joker's motivations stem from a desire for chaos itself. He lacks a coherent plan or specific objectives, finding fulfillment in sowing disorder and upending societal norms for its own sake. This inherent unpredictability renders him a profoundly disturbed individual, defying easy categorization or understanding. His enigmatic nature and ever-changing backstory only deepen his mystique, rendering him a formidable opponent whose actions elude anticipation.

The Joker stands as an unparalleled figure in popular culture, leaving an indelible mark that few characters can match. Despite his humble origins, his enduring success lies in his ability to resonate with audiences on a deeply human level. Indeed, perhaps the key to his appeal lies in the recognition that there's a bit of the Joker in all of us—an acknowledgment of the darkness that lurks within the recesses of our own psyches. However, this acknowledgment is not meant to glorify or justify the darker aspects of human nature. Instead, it serves as a reminder of the complexity of the human experience, and the importance of confronting and transcending our own inner demons.

By acknowledging the darkness within ourselves, we open the door to a deeper understanding of our own humanity. We come to recognize that light cannot exist without shadow, and that it's only by confronting our own darkness that we can truly appreciate the full spectrum of human experience.

Moreover, by embracing and ultimately transcending this darkness, we can strive towards a more compassionate and empathetic understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

In this sense, the Joker serves as a powerful symbol—a mirror reflecting the complexities of the human condition and a catalyst for introspection and self-discovery. He challenges us to confront our own inner turmoil, to embrace the chaos and uncertainty of life, and to emerge stronger and more compassionate as a result. And while the journey may be fraught with challenges and setbacks, it's ultimately through this process of self-exploration and growth that we can truly become the heroes of our own stories.

Watch Joaquin Phoenix as Joker on Netflix.

Check out Joker Flyer @voyaeonfilms