Horror Artist Chris Kuchta and Nightbreed star Anne Bobby
Granted, the list of Big Gay Horror Fan’s ‘favorites’ hit multiple digits in his infancy, but he truly has only one favorite horror artist: the amazing, ever friendly Chris Kuchta!
Kuchta’s work saturates your senses with a deep intensity and he is always able to find the treacherous beauty in even the most terrifying visages.
How many acting schools was Big Gay Horror Fan rejected from due to his insistence on doing that “I never had an Angora sweater” monologue, originally introduced by Jamie Lee Curtis in the heart shaking (housewives as prostitutes) television film Money on the Side? Too many to count! One good thing did come out of that obsession, though. My lifelong love for journey man actress, Linda Purl, who co-starred in that film, was born in those very awkward moments.
Beloved for her work on the stage and such television shows as Happy Days, Matlock and The Office, beautifully eclectic actress Purl has shown her versatility in multiple genre projects, as well. From her compassionate yet tack sharp performance in 1982’s Visiting Hours to her recent appearances on the past season of True Blood (which increased hits on her buoyant website immensely), Purl always gives her all. Below, are some terror filled examples of her work.
Body Language (1992). In this USA television film take-off of Single White Female, Purl excels on multiple levels. Her Norma reels between stationed normalcy, animal sexiness and feral violence. That she and Heather Locklear (playing the good Bridget Fonda incarnation) look so much alike, adds effectiveness to the traditional plot devices, but most importantly, it is Purl’s acting that commands here. She is believable whether charmingly seducing or viciously smashing co-stars over the head in the film’s bloody denouement.
Murder She Wrote. “Dead Eye” (1993). This episode of the popular mystery series is notable due to its focus on the real tragedy of the John F. Kennedy assassination and for being the introductory episode of Wayne Roger’s charming/bumbling Charlie, who became a semi-regular on the show. Purl shows true emotional heart as she describes her character’s difficult childhood and she is able to use her taut technical skills as an actress in the final moments of this product, as well. As usual, motivations turn on a dime when series maven, Jessica (Angela Lansbury), reveals the real culprit and Purl makes her every sudden action believable within the formulaic confines of the show. The Perfect Tenant. (2000). Here, Purl is the terrorized as Grease 2‘s Maxwell Caulfield tries to settle an old family score. This standard stalk n slash has some enjoyable moments (Caulfield’s calm malevolence as her murders Purl’s slacking, initial tenant and her boyfriend; Tracy Nelson’s frenzied turn as Caulfield’s girlfriend) yet the finest moments here occur between Purl and veteran actor Earl Holliman, whom portrays her father. The two seem to really respect and enjoy each other and their scenes are filled with warmth and life. (This, incidentally, is Holliman’s last listed credit on IMDB.)
Meanwhile, Purl’s love for performing is just as magnificently evident in her singing career. She brings soft, smoky understanding to life’s everyday travails on numbers such as “This Girl’s In Love With You,” “I Can Let Go Now,” and “I’m Afraid the Masquerade is Over” on her debut CD, Alone Together.
Be sure to keep up with all of Linda Purl’s activities (bloody, musical and otherwise) at www.lindapurl.com!
But, before you do, be sure to enjoy this fun The Perfect Tenant trailer:
This year, Big Gay Horror Fan has been wrapped up in nostalgia like Boris Karloff in mummy rags, so it seems only appropriate that there would be a Silent Night, Deadly Night re-imagining, Silent Night, sweeping down on our blood stained chimneys on November 30th (2012)!
The producers seem to be aiming this at the crowd that loved 2009’s My Bloody Valentine (some of the scenes in this trailer seem aped after that popular flick – and that is not a judgement, babies, just a quirky observation) and to that end re-make queen Jaime King (the afore mentioned My Bloody Valentine, Mother’s Day) is headlining this one.
Malcolm McDowall, Lisa Marie and up and coming scream princess Jessica Cameron (Camel Spiders, Mr. Hush) are, also, featured here – making good little boys and girls (can’t I be both?!?) like Big Gay Horror Fan very happy indeed!
Sometimes Big Gay Horror Fan and close compatriots, Apocalyptic Kitten and Deadly Johnson, long for the days when they were held in the sway of that maniacal group of snake worshipping, dildo making alcoholics. Life just seemed so much easier back then. But, then reality takes hold as yet another exploitation filled DVD screener arrives in the mail to teach us that life is so much better now.
Such is the case with writer-director Ward Roberts’ crazed and inventive Dust Up. Here, Roberts takes us into the world of drug kingpin and desert messiah Buzz (a rapturously committed Jeremiah Burkett). Under financial pressure from a crooked cop, Buzz demands immediate payment from addicted, blissed out follower, Herman (charming Travis Betz). In the time it takes to whip out your thumb for a hand job, Herman involves his frustrated wife, Ella, and two helpful strangers in one hell of a mess. Fully succumbing to paranoid grandeur, Buzz descends on Herman and Ella’s home with his devoted, vengeance loving followers and soon blood and body parts dot the barren landscape.
As a director, Roberts works with detailed energy here, fully exposing the treachery that surrounds hierarchies of every level – whether it is the warmongering powers-that-be, local authority figures or mentors of free spirited expressiveness. He, also, does not shy away from male nudity or expressing the often homosexual desires of Buzz – a treat for open minded, ready to romp viewers.
Most importantly, he navigates fine performances from his devoted cast. Aaron Gaffney’s brings a calm intensity to his Jack, Ella’s most ardent savior. As Sheriff Haggler, horror regular Ezra Buzzington (The Hills Have Eyes, Mirrors) shines with comedic depth and sharp eyed terror fans are sure to delight in the sexy presence of Victoria DeMare (Werewolf in a Women’s Prison, Killjoy 3) as an ecstatic participant at Buzz’s swinging soirees. As (Native American obsessed) Mo, Devin Barry radiates with sweet delight, as well.
Meanwhile, Amber Benson (Buffy, Supernatural, Intermedio) shines with frustrated warmth and sassy regret as the put upon yet determined Ella. Her loyal fan base is sure to delight in her layered work, here.
The way that Big Gay Horror Fan grumbles and groans upon arising in the morning, you’d think I was 100 years old. Well, feisty actress Carla Laemmle is 103 years old and as beautiful and vital as ever. Talk about being put to shame!
This iconic horror maven, whose most recent credit is this year’s Mansion of Blood, appeared as a ballerina in 1925’s classic silent version of The Phantom of the Opera and spoke the first lines, as Renfield’s traveling companion in 1931’s legendary Dracula
.
Carla’s family is trying to raise money to get her a well deserved Star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. The grand Ms. Laemmle is actually signing reproduced, vintage photographs of herself to help with the fundraising efforts. The cost is a bit stiff ($75 a pop), but the effort is worthy and this will be a piece of Old Hollywood of your very own!
So, drive yourself batty (in the best way possible) and check out Laemmle’s legacy at http://www.laemmle.us/!
Big Gay Horror Fan and his constant companions, Apocalyptic Kitten and Deadly Johnson, believe they wear many caps. Day laborers, lovers of the macabre, pretty cute catches when you’ve had enough cocktails – mixed with hemlock, of course!
Naturally, though, these accomplishments pale next to the grandiosity of actor Jim Bailey, best known for his characterizations of such divas as Barbra Streisand, Peggy Lee and Phyllis Diller.
Big Gay Horror Fan’s head is always exploding with too many thoughts. So, it’s always nice when something is a no brainer. Like – getting behind a movie with the tagline “The Gayest Zombie Scene Ever Filmed!” Yep, Jason Crowe (Dead Moon Rising, The Legacy) and crew are unleashing The Zombie Movie upon the world and I, for one, couldn’t be happier!
Big Gay Horror Fan has never had a reason to decorate his sleep dusted t-shirts with baubles – until this ‘capital’ idea!
Genre goddess Kimberly Beck finally has her official fan page – http://www.facebook.com/kimberlybeckfans and I for one couldn’t be more excited. What is most spectacular about this development is that Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter fans now have a chance to learn about Beck’s other prestigious credits. From old Hollywood (Alfred Hitchcock’s Marnie) to classic 80’s guest spots (TJ Hooker, Buck Rogers, Eight is Enough, Hunter) to soap operas (Peyton Place, Capital, General Hospital)to more mainstream modern flicks(Roller Boogie, Maid to Order, The Big Blue), Beck has had an incredibly creative and eclectic career. This page surely promises to highlight all those amazing achievements.
So, cinch up that oversized dress shirt into a skirt and get hacking away at (once again) http://www.facebook.com/kimberlybeckfans!
Oh, the things that chew at Big Gay Horror Fan’s mind at all hours of the day! Worries, worries, angst – and worries!! Fortunately, creative director Gregory Mandry brought a new meaning to the term Gnaw with his 2008 English country cannibal epic of the same title!
Now Mandry and the crew at Big Yellow Feet Productions are unleashing a horror comedy upon the world about the goofy, fright filled feats of a pair of paranormal investigators, played by British comedy duo, Dan Wright and Steve Marsh, called I-SPI!
To set your sights on helping the creation of I-SPI be sure to visit http://www.indiegogo.com/I-SPIthemovie and/or the official website for the movie, www.i-spimovie.com.
Big Gay Horror Fan may wield a vibrant pen or two, but when there is a Zombie Massacre on the uprise, you are going to want the ever busy, totally eclectic Tara Cardinal on your side. For this powerful actress, very convincingly, swings around a ninja sword in the trailer for this upcoming undead rising flick (which features a very awesome Mary Shelley looking creature and another that looks like he just emerged from a one on one with He-Man)!
Check it and I’m sure you will agree!:
Until the next time – SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!!!
Big Gay Horror Fan 