Well, Kevin Costner can run with the wolves, but Big Gay Horror Fan knows better! He will follow amazingly inventive director-writer Carolyn Baker’s lead and scream like a banshee!
Devoted horror lover Baker is one of the founding forces behind Wisconsin based production company Screaming Like Banshees. Working with no budget, but plenty of enthusiasm, Baker and her crew are creating adventurous, nostalgic productions like The Christmas Mummy.
Given a highly praised screening at October 2012’s Oshkosh Horror Film Fest, The Christmas Mummy is both Victorian and modern in nature. Irreverent and truly funny, you will never look at riverside dog walks or holiday get-togethers quite the same way after viewing this enthusiastic fourteen minute short. You’ll probably never wish for a mummy as a gift after viewing this tricky mutant’s murderous wrath, either!
Of course, the very friendly Baker is brimming with more ideas for future projects and is always looking for go-happy viewers and project participants!
Be sure to check back every other Monday as I report on another incredibly brilliant, noteworthy femme of horror — and until the next time – SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!
Big Gay Horror Fan always misunderstands! He thought Friday, November 23rd was Black and Blue Friday – and you should just look at his knees, now! Fortunately, I’ll have another chance to get it right as director-writer Marcus Dunstan and writer Patrick Melton are unleashing the limb hacked sequel to The Collector, The Collection, on what they determine is the real Black Friday – November 30th, 2012!
At an energy charged panel at Days of the Dead Chicago on Saturday, November 17th, Dunstan (above) enthusiastically detailed how he and Melton circumnavigated the studio’s demand for a more youth oriented cast by creating a very bloody, cranium chopping opening sequence.
Then lead actress Emma Fitzpatrick revealed that, of all the hardships she endured on set, nothing was more unsettling than when co-star Josh Stewart’s shoulder actually popped out of its socket while they were filming a scene!
All involved were so giddily enthusiastic, though, that even those tired of the extreme sadsim that has inflicted horror since the Saw and Hostel franchises may want to give this one a look. (Dunstan, amusedly, noted that The Collection is no more ‘torture porn’ than the latest Meryl Streep offering is ‘drama porn’ or the next Liam Neeson outing is ‘action porn.’)
You can give the trailer an ‘eyeball’ at:
Or you can just gaze on this (almost hush worthy) photo of the awesome Stewart and a certain blonde someone.
And, yes, you can all breathe a sigh of relief that, after noticing his wedding ring, I did NOT inform him that he was the latest in my long line of imaginary boyfriends!
On occasion, Big Gay Horror Fan is so typically human – totally wanting what he obviously cannot have! Just look at me, daily, obsessing over all those cocky straight guys at the gym! Oh, well! At the very least, it’s an enjoyable torture.
Much like watching adorable Chris Zylka (Piranha 3DD, Kaboom, The Secret Circle) in his opening moments in 2011’s deliciously ridiculous Shark Night. As cocky model Blake, he flirts outrageously with an art student, fully exposing his toned buttocks to the camera. He even jiggles them, athletically, at one point, for the amused yet completely embarrassed object of his affection. He knows he’s hot. We know we could never have him. Still, it’s fun, all the same!
I believe this silly moment is socially significant on a weird level, though. Granted, as a filmic exercise, Shark Night, is bit confused. A PG-13 film about a variety of blood thirsty sharks gnawing on college kids can’t really go the visceral distance. The concept, though, would seemingly be a draw to young men expecting another breast laced Piranha rip-off. But, besides a brief side shot of Katherine McPhee removing her bra, Zylka’s is the only major nudity in the film (and is even repeated in an energetically, fun mock rap video featuring the cast at the end of credit scroll). Were the producers trying to appeal to a female (and gay audience), here? Is male nudity finally being given equal consideration in genre films? (I kind of doubt that one, but it’s interesting to consider.)Or did writers Will Hayes and Jesse Studenberg and director David Hayes simply feel it was a good character based introduction as Zylka’s character is a sexually confidant cock-of-the-walk who is constantly preening?
Whatever the answer, it is a significant moment for those in the know. (And, apparently, it was a memorable one, as well. It was often mentioned in on online reviews and articles on the film.)
Zylka was, also, significantly oft naked in Gregg Araki’s colorful Kaboom – as evidenced by the film’s trailer:
Like a lot of similar specimens, Big Gay Horror Fan was picked last for athletic teams of most sorts – Hell, I even got kicked out of the chorus line, a time or two, as well (Polish rhythm, ya’ know). But now, thanks to the magnificence of the inter-webs, I’ve finally realized that there are plenty of kindred spirits out there, in my time of athletic need. For example:
One of the newest queer themed sites on the block is Homo Horror. The creation of multi-talented Aaron Eischeid, Homo Horror differs from other like minded pages because it highlights Eischeid’s detailed research into the gay community and horror cinema – dating back to the earliest days of film. Eischeid often does multimedia presentations on his material and is working on a book, naturally titled Homo Horror, as well. Keep up with him at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Homo-Horror.
The magnificent Patrick Walsh, meanwhile, hosts Scream Queenz radio, a colorful media event filled with sass, opinionated (yet loving) commentary and a lot of (queer based) exploration into horror. In the last year, Walsh has focused shows around recent gay vampire film Bite Marks and Tim Sullivan’s contribution to Chillerama. Check him out at: http://www.facebook.com/#!/ScreamQueenz!
Two of the oldest gay influenced sites are still, alive and kicking, as well.
The Old Hockstatter Place celebrates the Slumber Party Massacre films with a slavishly devoted gay vibe –www.hockstatter.com – and Camp Blood is always ready with fun filled recaps of True Blood, American Horror Story (and so much more) at www.campblood.org, as well.
Still nursing his lifelong scars from his incarceration in Mother Superior’s School of Studded Whips and Stigmatic Chains, Big Gay Horror, very obviously, found much to enjoy in incisive director Cory J. Udler’s 2011 offering Mediatrix!
The scalding, sharp script by Paula Duerkson (along with an assist from Ulder) details the ‘reformation’ of small town prostitute Mary Van Hook (a fearless Duerkson). A former child prophet, Van Hook returns to the fold with a vengeance upon meeting meek Carrie Brackett (an astoundingly committed Kaylee Williams). Discovering that Brackett’s husband was the man that abused her as a child, Mary soon sets an insidious grifter’s plot in motion, causing the ultimate downfall of a small town’s religious hierarchy while assuring her rise to power, as well. Mary’s main support system, you ask? A coke snorting, alcohol loving, rape inducing Virgin Mary!
Using an astounding found soundtrack and emotional video style montages, Udler gets at the heart of the flick’s damaged leading lady while, incisively and rebelliously, tearing at the walls of hypocrisy. This is powerful work, not for the faint of heart and, most assuredly, a good amount of spuriously rejected religiousness does well for one’s viewing experience, as a whole.
Meanwhile, Duerkson finds her perfect acting companion in Shannon Lark (Psychic Experiment, 2009 Fangoria spokeswoman) and her ecstatic performance as the very down and dirty saint Mary. Greg Johnson (Udler’s Incest Death Squad regular) shows off some different shades of his acting abilities as Van Hook’s handicapped stooge Stu while Tom Lodewyck is both passionate and humbled as one of Van Hook’s ardent foes. Male eye candy is, also, supplied in spades by Matt Ukena’s Wyatt, Mary’s working class trick. Ukena (whom has been building an impressive fright flick resume) has true presence and vitality (and freaking awesome abs!!), making the most of his belligerent role, here.
Ultimately, Duerkson and Udler create dark, twisted beauty with Mediatrix, making for a scintillating artistic journey for those smart enough to take it.
Be sure to get more information on Mediatrix and other Udler efforts at www.incestdeathsquad.com –
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
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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/!
