What do they say about
Purple Glow?
Unspeakable Magazine
http://www.unspeakablemag.com/site/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=331
Purple Glow
Written by Robbie Ribspreader and directed by Sv Bell
Next time you hear someone complaining about how they don't have enough money or
that a good film can't be done for that price, turn them into the right
direction and tell them to check out PURPLE GLOW. This is a perfect example of
just how much bullshit it is that a film can't be made for little to no money.
Sv proves with Purple Glow that this is just not true. The plot follows a group
of astronomers whom gather around the world documenting a meteorite headed for
Earth. Could this be the end all of civilization as we know it? No one really
knows. Amidst all of the chaos a group of friends devise a plan to head out into
the woods for a camping trip, and hopefully they'll be able to find the pieces
of the meteorite before the authorities do. Heading out to the site to meet up
with their friends, Justin and Debbie bicker over where they are which makes
them air out their dirty laundry, a conversation that later comes back to bite
them on the ass. But before they can make their destination they run across a
sexy hitchhiker, needing a ride, played by the mesmerizingly sexy Melantha
Blackthorne. Of course Debbie isn't down for this, but Justin is all for it.
Maybe he picks her up being neighborly or maybe he's entrapped by her beauty.
Either way, he picks her up and soon they all arrive at the campsite.
As they unpack and settle in they all sit around the fire and chat. But we
mustn’t forget the reason why they went to the woods. The rocks!! They find the
rocks alright, but these aren't what you would typically find from a meteor
crash. These rocks have a "purple glow" .When the hitchhiker finds it she begins
to bust into some sweet masturbations.. Yep masturbations. This movie delivers
the goods folks!! However, the girls are not digging the new stranger in the
group. It's as if they feel threatened or something. Maybe if the guys would
stop drooling over her it would make her more liked. Either way they don’t dig
her and it causes problems. Darin gives up his spot in the tent for her and
heads off to the truck. Mia wants no part of it and refuses to sleep in the tent
with her so she shags up with Justin and Debbie. Later that night the hitchhiker
pays Darin a visit , thus beginning the betrayal that whirlwinds into one hell
of a flick....
As I've said before, I'll say it again and again; Sv Bell is a god at bringing
art to life in almost a comic series like way. While watching his films all i
can think about is all those old school EC Comics i used to read. Not quite sure
how to explain it any better. He just has a certain style about him that's not
used by many at all. Sort of Corbin-ish in the aspect of perfect and innovative
lighting techniques. Thus making him rapidly becoming one of my favorite
directors. Bell catches those sweet as angles that make PURPLE GLOW very easy on
the eyes. And i must say how impressive it is that he's been so lucky to be able
to work with such excellent actors like Blackthorne, Suzi Lorraine and Liz Faure.
These three seem to have a good chemistry between each other and it shows in
PURPLE GLOW.
If you like sci-fi, blood and hot babes, you're gonna dig this film!! PURPLE
GLOW is one hell of a film. Originally PURPLE GLOW called for a 3 week shoot.
That stretched out into 8 weeks of filming. And it shows. The time and effort
put forth into this flick shines considerably. Bottom line. Bell knows how to
make a good old fashioned sci-fi/horror flick that should appeal to most. Check
this film out folks...it's cool
ioncinema
http://www.ioncinema.com/beta/news.php?nid=681
Purple Glow (SV
Bell, Quebec)
Fantasia has its toll of trashy films, especially
Canadian ones, but trashy doesn’t necessarily equate to awful. Who doesn’t like
the Harry Knuckles films ( Harry Knuckles and the Pearl Necklace, Harry Knuckles
and the Treasure of the Aztec Mummy, …) ? They are not extraordinary films, they
are made with an extremely low budget and it shows, they have a weak plot and
they’re full of non-sense situations, yet we dig them.
This is the spirit in which Purple Glow was made. Purple Glow relates a rather strange astronomical event; several meteorites fall on earth and when women touch them they become incredibly horny and hungry at the same time, which can lead to regrettable events as you can imagine! Bell’s films always make you appreciate the fact you’re not dating any girl right now; in all his films girlfriends are sassy, they keep complaining about their ‘strange girly feelings’, they are bitchy and they will eat you (in a bad way that is). Clearly inspired by invasion films from the fifties and horror films from the eighties and their unique dialogs, Purple Glow is definitely worth watching. This film will probably never get released in theaters, but the DVD is already on sale on the website. The investment is worth it and you’ll encourage an often neglected side of Quebec cinema.
Le Club Des Monstres
http://clubdesmonstres.com/FORUM/viewtopic.php?p=2171#2171
PURPLE GLOW - SvBell avec Elisabeth Faure, Melantha Blackthorne, Magenta
Baribeau, Michael Brunet, Costa Alexandrakis, 2005, Québec
Deux couples d'amis vont se réunir pour une fin de semaine de camping. Comme
l'explique Darin à Mia, pourquoi pas s'amuser aux plaisirs de la chair puisque
que c'est peut-être le dernier jour de la terre ? Car une météorite fonce vers
notre monde et va effectivement s'écraser non loin de là. Debbie (Elisabeth
Faure) et Justin (Costa) arrivent avec une auto-stoppeuse dont la voiture, la
première de la nuit , est en panne. Cette plantureuse blonde (Melantha
Blackthorne) sera la première à toucher à la pierre de l 'espace, avec des
effets étonnants: pulsions sexuelles exacerbées et appétit pour la chair ! La
tuerie commence, mais le lendemain aucun souvenir, que du sang. Un couple pas
vraiment assorti d'astronomes, elle veut observer le ciel, lui veut observer les
globes de madame, vivra un sort semblable avec des scènes dignes des maîtresses
de Dracula. Les survivant vont-ils faire le lien avec la lumière pourpre qui se
dégage de la pierre ? Vas-t-on assister à des scènes de triolisme ?
Deuxième film pour SvBell et une équipe plus grande et plus expérimentée. Avec
l'addition d'un scénariste, Robbie Ribspreader, les dialogues sont mordants,
rapides et le scénario avance sans temps mort. Les acteurs ont aussi prit de
l'assurance, évitant le cabotinage quasi obligatoire des productions
indépendantes. Oh, il y a bien de l'humour et on regarde le film avec le sourire,
on est devant un film de SvBell, qui s'affiche comme réalisateur de " FINE CULT,
EXPLOITATION AND HORROR MOVIES". Moins sanglant que le précédent THE NIGHT THEY
RETURNED, mais plus abouti, le film a remporté le prix BEST SCI-FI 2005 au
WRECK-BEACH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL.
Tourné majoritairement de nuit avec un mince budget total de près de $5000.00,
on note les éclairages réglés par le cameraman Jan Pivon. Évidemment on ne peut
éclairer la forêt comme dans une production Hollywoodienne, mais les comédiens
sont bien servis. La réalisation nous offre de bons plans et utilise les effets
digitaux avec justesse, sans excès. On se pose tout de même des questions sur le
choix d'un scénario plein d'allusions sexuelles qui sont suggérées sur la
pellicule. Un peu de gêne ou résolument dans le ton des classiques de la série B
des années 50/60 ?
Ca se regarde bien, on s'amuse, on a carrément de bons moments de série B, le
cahier des charges est remplit. SvBell enchaîne avec SHE-DEMONS FROM THE SUN,
avec femme démon et viol collectif, un rape & revenge aux première images qui
frappent la cible.
Shade.ca
http://www.shade.ca/getarticle.asp?i=743
Purple Glow
Purple Glow was almost entirely shot in the woods. Although this usually is the
classic signature of a no-budget production, in my opinion, it is first and
foremost a labyrinthine setting where one feels alone at day and observed at
night. Most of the movie happens at night: It must have been quite a challenge
for the shooting crew. The lighting sometimes looks fake, but is always
sufficient. Once in a while, a character is lit in a subtle purple light to
remind us the title of the movie. It’s an interesting touch and it works! The
overall quality of the movie reminds me of something Brain Damage Films would
distribute, which is a good thing. It was mainly shot in Trois-Rivières, Québec,
with a budget of $5000.
Gratuitous nudity used to be a must in horror movies. Purple Glow has none. It
relies on sensuality instead, a sign of respect for the actresses. It would have
been too easy to take advantage of such a script and show some skin.
The acting has its highs and lows. Costa Alexandrakis (Irish Whisky) is the only
one to give a true performance in his tough guy part. Suzi Lorraine makes a
brief appearance, the first time as someone’s fantasy, then a second time as
part of a campfire tale (the funniest moment of the movie). In both cases, she
isn’t there for her acting talents but rather, obviously, because she’s one of
the cutest “Scream Queens” of the moment and because everyone wants a piece of
her in their movie.
The movie should not be taken seriously; lots of things don’t make sense. Why
did this woman walk what seems like miles in hope of getting a signal on her
cell phone? Why would a couple fight over who goes for help and who stays and
dies? Who was this fetishist couple that doesn’t bring anything to the story,
again? Then, there is the blood. It is too liquid, too clear and way too pink.
Even under purple lighting, blood should never come out pink. It turns me off.
Purple Glow belongs to no subgenre in particular. It is a science-fiction, a
possession movie and a slasher all at the same time. Everything starts like a
drive-in classic and finishes like one of those zombie flicks. I enjoyed the
recipe. We know so little about outer space and that’s one of the reasons the
movie works. Anything can happen from the moment this meteorite strikes the
earth. Purple Glow has its share of defects and clichés but then it also has its
share of goods.
Bum's Corner
http://www.bumscorner.com/bumnuke/index.php?module=prodreviews&func=showcontent&id=239
Purple Glow
**What you are about to read is Film Critic history. We got together with our
friends at LivingCorpse.com to create a cross-site Tag Team Review. Enjoy what
we hope is the first in a long series of collaborations**
Ron: I’ve watched all three of SV Bell’s DVD releases, and I’ve really
noticed a progression as a filmmaker from the shorts through “The Night They
Returned,” and on to this release, Purple Glow. He’s learning the limits of his
technology, he’s making his movies look progressively better, and he and his
cast are growing more comfortable with one another, which is the key to getting
a good performance.
Scraps: I’m with ya there; this is definitely a step in the right
direction for SV as a director. I was impressed that he was able to make
something so different from The Night They Returned, and it was GOOD! It was a
great throwback to the classic sci-fi of the 50s. Nothing too over-the-top in
the FX arena either. Sure, the CG was great, but he let the story do the talking
instead of the gore.
Ron: This is one of SV Bell’s sexiest pictures, as well. There’s no
nudity (yet), but there’s a lot of implied sexuality and, more important,
sensuality, especially from Melantha Blackthorne as the blonde bombshell
hitchhiker. Is she the hottest thing on screen, or what?
Scraps: I thought this was a great mix of female characters; Melantha as
the raw sexuality, Magenta Baribeau playing a darker, raunchier character, and
Elisabeth Faure with the girl-next-door good looks (and let me take this
opportunity to say that I’d crawl through a half-mile of broken glass just to
kiss Elisabeth Faure’s ass through a screen door). The sexuality of the film
with a complete lack of nudity was almost necessary with the type of film that
“Purple Glow” is based on. I approached this as a recreation of the classic
‘cautionary’ science fiction stories, warning the youths of society against
horny Canadian chicks. Don’t let those girls straddle you Billie! Don’t pick up
hitchhikers either! They’ll just rip your throat out!
Ron: There was a nice weird layer of kink to Baribeau’s character,
definitely. It was weird, but a necessary weird. It helped reinforce the whole
cautionary feel that the story seemed to be working on. She was definitely a
naughty nymphette. She just lacks the necessary, uh, developments to be Russ
Meyer-quality.
Ron: Not only was this SV Bell’s sexiest movie, it was also his funniest
movie so far. There was just enough comedy to keep things light when they needed
to be light, and there’s a lot of appropriate gallows humor to be found. Michel
Brunet’s drunken fireside story really had me on the floor, and the way it was
filmed with the mock EC Comics paneling on the screen was just the touch needed
to bring it all over the top. Add to that the comedy of Brunet’s character and
the necking astronomer couple’s line “I thought you astrologers loved this
shit!” and I was really impressed with the comedic touches. Comedy’s kind of an
underrated skill for a horror director, but it’s an important aspect to the
modern horror film.
Scraps: The Suzi Lorraine side-story was awesome! That was just the
hinting towards urban myths that the story needed.
Ron: As mentioned before, the acting’s improved, but it would’ve been
nice to see more Suzi Lorraine. Costa, as he was in “Irish Whisky” did a great
deal of the heavy lifting on the male side, with Brunet only there to be comic
relief (effective comic relief, I might add). Melantha Blackthorne earns her top
billing, as well, providing a good emotional breakdown (among other things).
Scraps: The cast was terrific, and you can tell that they all work well
together. There were a couple of spots of stomping on lines, and once in a great
while it looked like they didn’t know what to do with their hands, but overall
some great performances by the whole cast. Not one of these roles seemed
extraneous, and they were all assets to the storytelling.
Ron: Robbie Ribspreader’s script is spot on, too. I mean, maybe I need to
put on my snout and pointy ears, but women are like that. Even look at another
woman the wrong way around your girlfriend/wife, and you’re going to hear about
it, and women always go after what they perceive as their biggest threat.
Scraps: Yeah, you’re a pig alright. Most women I know would be very open
to picking up tall blonde hitchhikers and driving them to our campsite for the
night. But then again, most women I know wouldn’t pack flip-flops and a
mini-skirt for an overnight camping trip in the chilly woods. Must be a regional
thing. Seriously though, the script was good. The conversations between
characters were realistic, and the acting troupe was actually able to show (dare
I say it) emotions! There was joy, fear, drunken rambling, anger, you name it!
Ron: Much drunken rambling; kinda like in our review.
Scraps: Overall, I’d say this is a good purchase for sci-fi fans looking
for something different from the effects-heavy fluff pieces that are being put
out right now. The extras were skimpy on the bare-bones variation I received, so
if you’re into all that behind-the-scenes stuff, I’d recommend throwing in a few
extra bones and getting the 2 disc set. It’s a Bell release that I can recommend
to even casual viewers, and I’ll give it a solid 3 ½ cans (or skulls, for all
your LC fans out there).
Ron: Since we at LC make you choose and don’t give half skulls, I’d give
this a solid four, but with the caveat that it’s better than “The Night They
Returned” or “Irish Whisky/Cold Blonded Murder.” Growth is a beautiful thing.
Extraordinary Movies and
Video Guide
http://www.emvg.net/reviews/purpleglow.php
by Esa Linna
A meteor crashes on Earth surface. Two camper couples and hitchhiker woman
Samantha find the rock, which seems to have mysterious and unknown powers. Sexy
Samantha touches the rock first, and she becomes hungry for flesh - human flesh!
Sv Bell (The Night they Returned) has released his latest microcinema effort
featuring horror, sci-fi, gore as well familiar faces and Melantha Blackthorne,
Elisabeth Faure and Costa Alexandrakis from Bell's earlier films. Those who
remember Blackthorne's directorial debut Sinners & Saints, may remember Michael
Brunet (and Elisabeth Faure) from her rollercoaster of bad taste. Purple Glow
has elements you wouldn't expect from mainstream horror film, but it is also
much better and more carefully constructed than earlier Bell films. Filmmakers
have been brave using minimal lighting for first half of the movie. It's not
easy to do it properly with equipment that can't match with quality, that is
used for bigger budget features. But here you can see the proof that it can
work, if other elements are in balance.
The characters of the film are quite nice. Mia and Debbie (Magenta Baribeau and
Elisabeth Faure) have been portrayed as irritating, nagging girlfriends when
nice Samantha seems like a threat to couples peace and especially Mia and
Debbie. This creates a tension between five lead characters, which eventually
bursts out unexpectedly. This time Costa Alexandrakis and Michael Brunet are
easily the cream of the crop with natural, simple and believable acting and
dialog.
Purple Glow is an entertaining piece of microcinema, which doesn't try to be
more than it is. The homage to good ol' 50's science fiction movies are clear.
And thank god (or Bell) there are no lame jokes or one-liners, just
straight-forward tension, action, horror, sci-fi fun and some appreciated erotic
moments too! Of course I could whine about some technical aspects, but hey -
like Sv Bell's website says: he "has a passion for fine B cult movies,
low-budget quickies, horror and cheesy exploitation schlocks" there aren't
really a need for that. Because I and many of you have the same passion. You
could feed it with Purple Glow.
Horror Watch
http://www.horrorwatch.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=1153
by
Jeff Breckon
It's no secret that I love the work that Sv Bell has been giving us rabid horror
fans. He most definitely has an eye for the classic retro-style based horror and
I always find myself anxiously awaiting his next twisted tale. Purple Glow is
yet another welcome entry into Sv's growing library of horror entertainment.
Purple Glow brings back Bell's veteran actors Costa, Melantha Blackthorne, and
Elisabeth Faure into this tale of a meteor that crashes to earth causing females
to become horny, flesh eating vixens. How can you not be intrigued at a plot
like that?
So we find Justin and Debbie on their way into the woods for a camping trip with
their pals, all the while there are reports of this mysterious meteor expected
to collide with earth. On the way to the campground they spot a blonde beauty (Blackthorne)
in distress. Of course Justin wants to stop and pick her up, but Debbie's not so
sure of the idea. Needless to say Justin does what any of us testosterone fueled
guys would do and picks up the lovely Samantha, find out that her car is broken
down and offer to take her with them camping so she can use their friend Darin’s
cell phone.
Purple Glow Ends up being much more dialog driven than any of Bell’s other
movies so far, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Some of the acting was a
little rough here and there, but they definitely capture the mood of what the
conversation would be like if an extra female looking like Melantha does showed
up to crash the party!
Not long into the trip, one of them stumbles upon the meteor; touches it, and
the aforementioned pelvic thrusting and flesh munching ensue, which needless to
say causes panic, hate and tons of discontent amongst our not-so-happy campers.
Light on gore when compared to The Night They Returned which was also a bit more
my style, but Purple Glow is a fun watch nonetheless. Sv Bell is a director who
obviously loves his work, and it shows.
Meteor shower: Sv Bell/Melantha Blackthorne matchups are always a blast!
Cold shower: Some rough acting here and there.
Review Rating: 3 out of 5 Nympho Astronomers
The Horror Review
http://www.horrorreview.com/2005/ccpurpleglow.html
Purple Glow
After rockin for a while on Myspace I came across
our friend SV Bell. he made a couple movies I see. Lets see what kind of fellow
Canadian we have here. THE NIGHT THEY RETURNED and SHE DEMONS OF THE BLACK SUN
are just a few of the other films he rocked recently. Many more projects to come
in the future also, a busy man. That’s what I like to see. PURPLE GLOW is in my
hands so lets see what we have here.
I’ll give it to you very straight forward. We are dealing with a Sci-Fi flick
here. I love horror Sci-Fi, especially if done right. Very gross and saucy. A
meteor crashes down onto planet earth. A few campers are near by on a peaceful
trip in the woods. 2 couples and a hitchhiker. After some drinking and moanin’,
A few of the campers run off into the woods to frolic and check in on that ole
meteor that crashed itself onto our itty little planet. The hitchhiker (Blackthorne)
reaches the meteor only to find a nice crisp purple glow to it and it seems to
lure her in. She soon finds herself touching the rock, then touching herself in
a fit of erotic pleasure. Unable to control, the night turns into an evening
they will never forget. Lust and carnage seem to be hanging over our 5 little
adventurers. He who touches the rock needs the taste of flesh and blood. So lure
in and feed on. Deceitfulness ensues amongst the crew as the begin to disappear.
What happened to him, her, everyone? Only the purple glow knows and the lone
survivor who thinks they have finished it off. Not so soon my friend, not so
soon.
I really dig this SV Bell guy. I like his direction, a very comic book reeling.
Sure, the actors could always be better but for the buck, you can’t go wrong on
that one. Sort of long CREEPSHOW episode if ya dig, but without the Stephen
King. I’d watch out for this guy, give him a couple more bucks and his films
could really go a long way. This surely isn’t like the Polonia Brothers flick
FEEDERS if that’s what your thinking. Better than that.
Not much for extras and such [Sv Bell: a
special edition DVD with extras is expected in a few months].
A few trailers for the said movies and that’s it. The movie is pretty well worth
the buck.
- Cannibal Cam