Thursday, July 19, 2012

The Changing B-movie World and Screaming in High Heels: The Rise & Fall of the Scream Queen Era: A Movie Review

*full disclosure: a DVD screener of this film was provided by Breaking Glass Pictures.

Director/writer: Jason Paul Collum.

Cast: Linnea Quigley, Brinke Stevens and Michelle Bauer

Screaming in High Heels: The Rise & Fall of the Scream Queen Era is a documentary that follows three "Scream Queens" and their careers primarily through the '80s and into the '90s. Michelle Bauer, Linnea Quigley and Brinke Stevens are the three actresses covered. Their hay day came in the late '80s when the collapse of the drive-in theatre was replaced by the portability of the VHS tape. They each made dozens of films. And, each actress drew a cadre of horror and b-movie fans. Their rise was only short lived as mega-video stories such as Blockbuster refused to stock non-mainstream films. However, Screaming in High Heels covers many of the highlights and challenges of their illustrious careers.

Director Jason Paul Collum provides a history on each of the actresses. Michelle Bauer began her career in x-rated films, but she found a place in the horror industry. Bauer has appeared in dozens of films including: Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers (1988) Assault of the Party Nerds (1989), Beverly Hills Vamp (1989) and many more. She is also good friends with actress Linnea Quigley. Quigley was a shy student who was looking for an opportunity to break out of her shell. She found a small nude role in Wheeler (1975), which led to more and more appearances in film. Her pinnacle is arguably found in 1985's Return of the Living Dead. Brinke Steven's highlight began early in her career with the Slumber Party Massacre (1982). Yet, Stevens has gone on to shoot many more features and she still works today. All of these actresses did not shy away from nudity in cinema. They also found a growing fan base in an expanding independent movie market place.

Bauer, Quigley and Stevens also made friends with directors Fred Olen Ray (Tomb of the Werewolf) and David DeCoteau (Creepozoids). Both of these directors were film fans who found a way to exploit a change in the market place. Video Home Systems (VHS) allowed independent filmmakers to find a viewership not just at the theatres, but at home. With the advent of VHS, viewers could watch dozens of films a year in the comfort of their living room. And, the VHS tape created an ever expanding market where creativity was rewarded. Ray and DeCoteau would go on to produce and direct several films each year with short shoot times and meager budgets. They of course new that sex and nudity would draw audiences in. Thus sexploitation in their films would later give birth to the moniker "Scream Queen."

These actresses each relate the challenges of working in such a market. This film documents the pseudo-scream queens who would take advantage of convention attendees. Models, actresses and con artists would each vie for both the title "Scream Queen" and for the all mighty dollar. As mentioned, the prominence of VHS would soon fade and so would the b-movie. Markets shifted away from independent productions to mega-blockbusters. As well, age took its toll on the Scream Queens mentioned here. No longer able to draw in the legions of horny male adolescents, these three actresses turned to other pursuits such as family and writing. These changes made Bauer, Quigley and Stevens famous for awhile. But, film is constantly adapting to new technologies and changing desires as director Collum reminds viewers.

Horror fans who were adolescents throughout the '80s will likely recognize some of the films mentioned in this documentary. These actresses have also left their legacy in the progression of the b-movie. Nudity and unbelievable storylines are still inherent in the independent horror movie of today. Collum's film is enjoyable for offering film fans an opportunity to reminisce while celebrating creativity. The '80s seemed to offer the best in this genre: sexuality, violence and fantastical stories. These are elements that turned Bauer, Quigley and Stevens into stars while catering to the needs of a ravenous movie market which is still growing today.

Overall: 7.25 out of 10 (short runtime, this film only touches on the Scream Queens of today, terse, fun watch).

*this title releases on DVD August 28th.

More on the film at Breaking Glass Pictures:

Screaming in High Heels at Breaking Glass Pictures

 |  |  | 

Advertise Here - Contact me Michael Allen at 28DLA

Subscribe to 28 Days Later: An Analysis Email Subscription

0 comments: