Barker - FROM DESPAIR TO BELOVED: the provocative cinema of on mark productions

I became aware of the cinema of Mark Baranowski due to my fondness for films lensed in Florida. Im not sure why, but Florida horror movies, exploitation films, even the nudie cuties and nudist colony films from way back hold a fascination for me. Strange, since Ive been to Florida and find it to be too hot, too bright, and full of creatures that will try to eat you. Sure, we have a few bears in Michigan, and the occasional mountain lion, but they have prehistoric reptiles down there! Sheesh!

Anyway, my editor, Mark Engle of Cultcuts magazine, sent me a film that had a pretty girl on it, a knife, and someone in a blank mask. Im a huge fan of the slasher genre, and this was released in 2002 before the glut on the market of idiots everywhere trying to make a movie, regardless of talent.

It was called Runaway Terror. I liked it. I liked Ryli Morgan, and thought she was very pretty. Later, I would learn that she was actually Marks wife, Teresa. As I said, pretty. Pretty is always a good thing in a slasher flick. This one made you think, and I appreciate using my brain in the slasher genre. Plus, I thought it was shot in Florida.

In later conversation with Mark, I discovered that its true location was North Carolina. Okay, thats fine. Good to know.

At around the same time, I was writing reviews for almost everything released by Alternative Cinema, home of the delectable actress, Misty Mundae. One of the discs included an extra feature, called Despair. I recognized Baranowskis name on the flick and decided to watch it. Um, yeah, this short film was aptly titled. I felt so bad for Mark and Ryli in this film. Of course, I knew they were only acting, but it was just so damned downbeat. To be honest, I havent watched it since.

After that, I got to know more about Mark. I interviewed him for my zine, Divine Exploitation. I interviewed Ryli in another issue. They were cool folks, and I learned that Mark was also a musician.

I wasnt surprised. Musicians take time to craft their product, going over it again and again, polishing and polishing until theyre, at the very least, happy to let others listen to it. You can see that craft in Marks films, as well.

From there, four films came in fast and furious succession:

Expendable tells of a drug dealer thats ready to call it quits. He just has to make a visit to his estranged wife, with murder on his mind. However, as is the case in many of Baranowskis movies, theres something in store that you never see coming.

Sin by Murder brings that classic Skinemax steam to the table on a budget that wouldnt cover the cost of merkins (Look it up!) on a Cinemax production. Its steamy, bloody, and Mark and Ryli make such a great pair of cops investigating a murder. My favorite scene would have to be when they give the suspect a lie detector test. It looks pretty good, and the scene is done well. Then you notice, once its all over, that there is no actual machine! This is innovation at its core. The entire film is so well done that it remains a favorite of mine, to this day.

The Powerful Play is a series of music videos that allow Mark to express his music in a visual medium. Its a great insight into how an artists brain works.

Finally, we have Heaven Help Me, Im in Love. While the horror community had no problems embracing Marks films, hes not really a horror movie kind of guy. He makes what interests him. This time, we get a sweet romantic comedy. In the land of micro-budget filmmaking, this just isnt done. Its comparable to the work of Mendon, Massachusetts filmmaker Michael Legge, who makes comedy after comedy all of them brilliant, and all of them severely under-watched by the world at large. Baranowski proves that hes not restricted by genre in this film, which actually jabs at the whole micro-budget process, as well.

Still, this wasnt Marks last film. Next came Ill Times, four long years later. It may be the grittiest and most urban of what hes done to date. His musical persona, Marquis, is brought to the forefront here, with a layering of music that is integral to the plot.

Mark gives us more urban drama with a hard-boiled edge in the form of Mister Dissolute, made right after Ill Times. Put these two together and youve got the perfect double feature.

Finally, Hardly Beloved is Marks autobiography, of sorts. While watching it, you can tell that he poured a lot of himself onto the page when he wrote the script.

Ive met Mark and Teresa in person only once. It was at a small convention in Pittsburgh, where I also remember meeting Joe Bob Briggs for the first (and only) time. Teresa was severely pregnant. Having helped father five kids, Im pretty good at giving pregnant wife advice, so I told them to keep her feet up and shed be fine. Mark and I talked for quite a while about movies we loved, movies of his that I loved, and why I loved them. I made some special issues of Divine Exploitation for Teresa to give out to her Ryli Morgan fans. She really liked those.

Overall, it was a great time. Being able to talk to someone else intelligently about film always makes it better, and Im glad that Mark and Teresa were there. They made the convention, for me.

The chasm of miles between Michigan and North Carolina are long, and although people in the micro-budget arena of filmmaking and film writing are infamous for their complete lack of external funds, I would love to visit with the Baranowskis again. I think I still owe Mark a copy of my film, Gingersquatch, for which I used his music during a metaphorical sex scene. It would be nice to deliver it in person.

Besides, then I could pitch him my idea about a sequel to the 1957 film, The Astounding She-Monster. Ryli Morgan would have to play the titular creature, and it would be awesome.

Douglas Waltz,

Kalamazoo, Michigan

From Despair to Beloved: The Provocative Cinema of On Mark Productions

2015 Scott Kenyon Barker and Mark Baranowski. All Rights Reserved.

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Front cover photo: Ryli Morgan, courtesy of Rick Rorie/Baranowski Archive.

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Table of Contents

Release date: February 7, 2002

Director: Everette Hartsoe

Producer: Mark Baranowski

Music: MARQUIS (Mark Baranowski)

Genre: Erotic, Adult

Runtime: 28 minutes

Cast: Ryli Morgan

Plot: Ryli Morgan: Audition showcases this rising model-actress at her stripteasing best! Directed and digitally recorded in September 2001 by Everette Hartsoe (Razor; Vampire Call Girls), in front of a blue screen and between the ropes of a boxing ring (!), Ryli sizzles while she struts, strips, sways and so much morejust for you! Watch, mesmerized, as she slides and wiggles out of three tantalizing outfits each time more revealing than the last! If you youve been longing to see Ryli Morgan in action Ryli Morgan: Audition delivers!