Fabio Jafet on the Making of "Waking Up Dead"

"Waking Up Dead" is a revealing documentary that gives viewers a glimpse into the sometimes dark and gritty world of rock and roll. Fabio Jafet devoted four years to collecting the video footage for the documentary. The project consumed Fabio Jafet almost to the point of obsession. The result of his hard work is being heralded as a cautionary tale for aspiring musicians. The documentary traces the descent of drummer Phil Varone into his own personal hell. Although the documentary encompasses many aspects of Phil Varone's life and career the focus of the film is definitely his battles with drug addiction.

 Fabio Jafet weaves a tale that showcases the excesses and addictions that can arise from life in the rock and roll industry. Fabio Jafet acknowledges that the film can be difficult to watch at times. Phil Varone is a likable character who still shows glimpses of the once passionate and naïve kid who just wanted to play the drums in a rock and roll band. As the film progresses he morphs into the poster child for excess and too much too fast. The film documents the path of destruction that follows in Phil Varone's wake. Almost all of his personal relationships are strained or destroyed as a result of his out of control and over indulgent lifestyle. The documentary also points to the myriad factors that enable someone to spiral out of control so easily in the context of the music industry.

Fabio Jafet thinks that the documentary highlights the realities of what can happen to a musician. The film is very raw and does not gloss over any subject. Fabio Jafet is very proud of the end result of his efforts. "Waking Up Dead" was well received in several film festivals across the country. "Waking Up Dead" received a lot of critical attention as well.