‘Dooley Does Murder!’ is a Fun Punch to the Camp Lover’s Gut

Dawn Storey, an LA-based actor, writer, and director who made headlines in 2020 for their directorial debut LiME, is back with their second film project, Dooley Does Murder!

Premiering at Outfest 2022, the comedic horror short follows Dooley, a handsome, queer perfume salesman that experiences a major life change after he loses control of his “NECKrophiliac fantasies. At the end of his rope because no one is buying what he’s selling, and after all the morning affirmations he mediates on have become useless, Dooley tries to pay half his rent to his landlord Doris (Allana Barton).

Reluctant, she insists on receiving the full amount. Otherwise, she will threaten to expose Dooley’s unusual fetish. Dipping into the campy horror subgenre for a delightfully murderous romp, Dooley then sets off a chain of murderous activities that slays audiences with laughter.

Storey took some time to talk more about the short film with OFM, including what it was like to play the title character, explore identity, and step behind the camera.

Can you begin by telling us how the concept for Dooley Does Murder! originated?

To be quite honest, it just came to me through music. I sometimes get ideas for stories, films, and characters that way, and there was this song that was very campy. I remember, I was at Forever 21 rolling down this escalator, and I was like, “Dooley does murder.” Who has a name like Dooley, right? Then, from that, the story started to build in my mind. I’m, like everyone else in the world, obsessed with serial killers and murder mysteries. It’s a twisted thing, but they keep pumping out these mini-series.

I’m also pro-therapy and very big into self-help and professional help, but I was like, what happens when that psychopath takes the same advice as a sane person? Someone who means well. What happens when someone who is not well starts to believe that they should be the best versions of themselves, whether that’s a serial killer or not? As a storyteller, I often feel like it’s not your job to decide if a character is a good person. Your job is to tell the story. You as an audience member can decide whether or not you agree with their actions, but I really wanted to play with that idea.

I love that this short film examines the darker side of identity in a fun and campy way. Has this always been an important topic for you?

It has. Right after Dooley, I started my transition socially. Oddly enough, portraying this character allowed me the freedom to take off my own mask, as well as helping him take off his and allowing him to be unapologetic about who he is, no matter how twisted he was. I thought to myself, well, what am I? Identity is very important.

You were in the process of transitioning while filming Dooley?

I was in the early stages.

Was it challenging for you to portray a masculine/male character?

It was because I was more concerned, not with my ability to do it, but what other people were going to think and what they were going to say. Fortunately, the set was so supportive, and everyone on the crew understood who I was. They know who I am. They love and support me, so there was none of that. It was all in my mind. However, when we went to Outfest, those fears kind of festered up again and came about.

I was like, what is the audience going to think? Someone’s going to ask, and they did. They’re like, “Who played Dooley?” I was like, “Oh, me” (laughs). But honestly, who I used to be is still a part of my journey, and I’m proud of that. That’s a part of who I am. Without that version of me, I couldn’t be who I am today. I felt like I needed to hide that, but then I was like, what am I afraid of? Who makes the rules? I was more concerned about what other people thought than just having fun in doing what I love to do, and that’s performing and entertaining. Once I overcame that fear, nothing else mattered.

What about directing yourself? Was that difficult to do?

It was! Typically, you’re behind the camera, and you get to see the takes and performance on screen. In this case, Thomas Hubbel, who was my DP and best friend on this project, I trusted him with my life. We went in, and I would watch a take or two, or we would do a scene; I would watch it; we’d do another, and then I’d be like, alright, we’re going to run through two or three more. If we got it, I trust you. I trust that we have it. So, it was in that way because I’m a Taurus, and I like a little bit of control. Relinquishing that control to someone else, especially in a creative space, was difficult, but once we got in the groove of things, it became easier for me.

What did you enjoy the most about playing Dooley?

Honestly, I’m not going to lie to you. I love bashing the life out of other things (laughs). The fake blood and splatter were a lot of fun. You watch these movies, and you watch people like Dominique Fishback in Swarm, for instance, and you see her become this animalistic version of a human being. Like, that has to be cathartic, and it is. Obviously, you don’t want to do that in real life, but it was very fun. Then the camp. I love the campy movies of the ’70s and ’80s, and Dooley is 100% camp. So, I had a great time playing this character.

Which campy movie is your absolute favorite?

I absolutely love Sleepaway Camp and Dolls. They’re so bad, they’re good, and I’m also a big Scream fan. Scream 1, 2, and 3, and Scream 3 is one of the campiest films I’ve ever seen in my life. Parker Posey alone in that film, it’s so good.

How would you say you’re evolving as an artist?

That’s a very good question because I’m constantly asking myself that. I think a lot of people misunderstand what the transition process is. A lot of people look at the physicality of it when there’s a lot of psychological changes, and I didn’t anticipate how it would affect the way I see the world, the types of stories I want to tell, and what’s important to me versus what’s not anymore. So, I’m evolving in that way, but I’m also challenging myself. I’m Black, trans, and from the hood, but I’m a filmmaker first when it comes to this arena, and I want to tell stories about people.

It doesn’t matter what type of person. Before, I thought I had to tell queer stories all the time. I thought that’s all I was allowed to do, but that’s not true. It’s unfair to ask a woman to only tell stories about women and queer people to only tell stories about queer people. We exist in this world like everyone else, and I think that’s how I’m evolving as a filmmaker and storyteller. I’m seeing the world through a much clearer lens.

Have you always had a passion and desire for storytelling and entertainment?

Always. Ever since I was a kid. I grew up in Hollywood and lived, for several years, right next to Paramount Pictures. I just love the idea of Hollywood and how ridiculous and amazing Hollywood is. At the same time, entertainment is what moves culture. Being a part of it, even in a tiny way, is amazing.

Dooley Does Murder! made its world premiere at LA’s Outfest last year. How has it been received by audiences?

I think very well! Dooley is one of those things where it’s like, you either like camp or not, or you don’t get camp. What do you mean you don’t like camp? Camp doesn’t like you, right? You either rock with it or you don’t. After the festival, I felt so embraced and loved. It was so sweet. We went to dinner at one of my favorite restaurants on Sunset Boulevard because we premiered at the Directors Guild of America on Sunset, and a couple sent drinks over to our table.

The young woman was shy about it, but her boyfriend got up and walked over saying, “Hey, it’s from us. My girlfriend really liked your movie.” I thought that was the sweetest thing because it was unexpected, and it was very reaffirming. It was special because they didn’t have to do that. You take the criticisms, the good and the bad. Some people will like your movie, and others won’t, and that’s OK, but when people are kind about it, that means the world to me.

What do you ultimately hope audiences take away from the film?

Don’t be a crazy fuck, and it’s important to have awareness. Self-help quotes are cute for your Instagram, but if you need assistance, please get help because that’s the serious take from this. You can get lost in your own sauce, and that can be dangerous and detrimental to you and others. I also want people to have fun. It’s a colorful, bloody mess. We knew what we were making, and we had a good time doing it. I hope audiences have a good time watching it.

Why do you think the horror genre resonates so much with the LGBTQ community?

Hm, that’s another great question. I think because people like Wes Craven and other amazing horror directors did such a good job at making the outsiders feel seen. When you are part of a subculture, or you feel like an outsider, it’s important to feel like you’re a part of a group. Another one of my favorite campy movies is The Faculty from the 90s. All those kids, they weren’t super popular, but those are the ones spotlighted in those kinds of films. I think queer people feel seen by these movies.

We feel like, oh my gosh, I can be the main character. I’m a part of this. I’m not ostracized. I’m not just watching it; I’m a part of it, and I think we feel like we belong. Who doesn’t love a good scream queen? Who doesn’t love a Neve Campbell? I’m obsessed! You gag over stuff like that. I saw a lot of myself in those movies and characters, and it made me feel like I was a part of the world that we were exploring.

Since Dooley is a perfume salesman, what do you think his fragrance would smell like?

Oh, that’s interesting! I honestly think he would wear something that we would find appealing. Something like a musk. Now, for those who like the smell of musk, no offense, but I think that’s what he smells like.

What are some future goals you hope to accomplish with your career in entertainment?

I just want to continue challenging myself as a storyteller and performer, and by that, I mean tell stories that scare and make me nervous. Doing the easy thing is easy. Dooley was a challenge because I didn’t know if it was a safe bet. It’s not a drama, and I’m not tugging at your heartstrings. I’m asking you to go along for this kooky ride. It made me nervous, but I feel so proud of what we were all able to accomplish with it. So, I want to continue to tell stories that challenge and force me to step outside of my comfort zone.

Before we wrap up, are there any other upcoming projects or anything else you’d like to mention or plug?

Like I said, I’m working on Show Me Your Scars, which we hope will release later this year. I’m very excited about it, and I’m working on my first feature this December, a psychological thriller dealing with retraumatization therapy. It’s kooky, but who doesn’t love that? So, that’s another way I’m propelling my career. I’m stepping it up, and I’m excited about that!

Stay up-to-date and connect with Storey by following her on Instagram @dawnnstorey. Dooley Does Murder! is now available to stream on SVTV, DEKKO, and Retrospective of Jupiter.

Photos courtesy of Thomas Hubbel and Jim Hersterman