Prince & Purple Rain (1984)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Dear Movies, I Love You — Episode: Prince & Purple Rain (1984)

Hosts: Millie De Chirico and Casey O'Brien
Release Date: June 3, 2025
Instagram: @dearmoviesiloveyou
Network: Exactly Right and iHeartPodcasts

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Introduction

In this heartfelt episode of "Dear Movies, I Love You", hosts Millie De Chirico and Casey O'Brien delve deep into the iconic 1984 film "Purple Rain", exploring both its cinematic impact and the multifaceted legacy of the legendary artist, Prince. They intertwine personal anecdotes with critical analysis, offering listeners a comprehensive look at how "Purple Rain" remains a beloved cornerstone in both film and music history.

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Film Diary

Before diving into their main discussion, Millie and Casey briefly share updates from their recent cinematic experiences:

• Millie recounts hosting a themed DJ set inspired by the Jonathan Demme universe, blending 80s new wave with world music elements. She also mentions watching "Manhunter" on TV, connecting it to discussions about actor William Petersen.

• Casey highlights watching Steven Soderbergh’s "Black Bag" (2024), praising its tight narrative and stellar performances by Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett. He emphasizes Soderbergh's ability to produce high-quality films swiftly.

---

Main Discussion: Prince & Purple Rain

Personal Connections to Prince

Millie and Casey express their deep personal connections to Prince, sharing how his music and persona have influenced them:

• Casey reveals a heartfelt story about meeting Prince on a troubled flight. As he recounts, "Prince walks on board the flight in a turquoise suit... [and] sits on the first class, ensuring everyone’s safe arrival" (66:00).

• Millie nostalgically remembers discovering Prince through the "Kiss" music video, describing the mix of playful interactions and overt sexuality that captivated her as a child.

Favorite Prince Albums

The hosts discuss their favorite Prince albums:

• Millie cites "Diamonds and Pearls" as her top pick, appreciating its flawless tracklist and the seamless blend of genres.

• Casey champions "Purple Rain" as not only Prince’s best album but also one of the greatest albums of all time. He elaborates, "It’s the greatest album, top to bottom, of all time" (19:38).

Synopsis of "Purple Rain"

Millie provides a concise overview of the film:

• Set in 1984 Minneapolis, "Purple Rain" follows The Kid (Prince) as a rising star at the First Ave club. Tensions rise with band conflicts and rivalry with Morris Day, leading to personal and professional turmoil. The plot thickens with The Kid's infatuation with Apollonia, who ultimately teams up with his rival, intensifying the narrative conflict.

Thematic and Cinematic Analysis

The conversation deepens into the film's themes and cinematic execution:

• Cultural Impact: Casey emphasizes Prince’s role in elevating Minneapolis as a cultural hub, akin to figures like Bruce Springsteen. He states, "Prince has done so much for Minneapolis because he... is proud of being from here" (34:36).

• Character Complexity: Millie highlights the film’s portrayal of The Kid's internal struggles, juxtaposing his artistic genius against his troubled home life. She notes, "The Kid is experiencing trauma... How does he process that? Is he going to repeat the sins of the father?" (44:38).

• Gender and Racial Dynamics: Both hosts critique the film's treatment of women, noting instances of misogynistic humor and racial undertones. Millie points out, "The woman that gets thrown in the dumpster is white... there's a kind of racialized component to it" (47:46).

• Cinematic Techniques: They praise the film's pacing and iconic scenes, such as the "Purple Rain" performance and the emotional Steadicam shot walking through First Ave’s hallways. Millie remarks, "It's perfectly paced... every musical sequence makes you feel so keyed up" (57:16).

Prince's Acting

The hosts debate Prince's acting skills across his filmography:

• Millie reflects on her evolving perception, acknowledging that while "Purple Rain" showcased his charm, subsequent films like "Under the Cherry Moon" had more quirky and nuanced performances.

• Casey adds, "Watching 'Purple Rain' the first time, I remember watching it being like, Prince sucks as an actor. But this time I was like, actually this is working a little bit" (50:40).

They conclude that while Prince's acting may not be traditionally polished, his performances bring authenticity and emotional depth to his roles.

---

Personal Anecdotes

Casey's Encounter with Prince:

Casey shares an unforgettable personal story:

"And I'm like, I'm never fucking getting home.... Prince walks on board the flight in a turquoise suit. He looks at everyone on the plane. He bows to everyone on the plane. Sits on the first class... and I'm like, I'm going home, baby. That was the only time I saw Prince in person." (64:29)

This encounter underscores the enigmatic and larger-than-life persona that Prince embodied.

---

Employee Picks

The hosts recommend films and performances related to their discussion:

• Millie's Recommendation: "Sign of the Times" (1987) – A concert film showcasing Prince’s electrifying performances and featuring hits like "Hot Thing" and appearances by Sheila E. and Cat Glover. Millie encourages listeners to watch it for its vibrant energy and memorable musical sequences.

• Casey's Recommendation: A YouTube tribute to George Harrison where Prince delivers an impassioned solo performance. Casey highlights Prince's technical prowess and charismatic stage presence in this homage, noting how it "showcases that Prince was an incredible technical musician" (73:50).

---

Closing and Next Episode Teaser

Millie and Casey wrap up the episode by reflecting on their passionate discussion about Prince and "Purple Rain". They hint at exploring Michael Mann's legendary film "Heat" in the next episode, celebrating its 30th anniversary. They invite listeners to engage with the podcast through social media and encourage ratings and reviews to support their show.

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Notable Quotes

• Millie: "Purple Rain is obviously the greatest. One of the greatest albums of all time. Definitely top five in pretty much everybody's list" (19:48).

• Casey: "Prince has done so much for Minneapolis because he... is proud of being from here" (34:36).

• Millie: "There is this complexity to Purple Rain that I feel like is interesting from a film perspective" (44:38).

• Casey: "Watching 'Purple Rain' the first time, I remember watching it being like, Prince sucks as an actor. But this time I was like, actually this is working a little bit" (50:40).

---

Tune in to "Dear Movies, I Love You" for more engaging discussions on your favorite films and the stories that make them unforgettable.

Transcript

[A]

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Selection varies by location. Yo, Casey, what's up?

[B]

Oh, not much, Millie. Feeling healthy? Post Covid. Feeling great. How are you doing?

[A]

Just fine. I have this weird feeling that this episode is going to feature you a lot. Right.

[B]

Dearly beloved, Yes. I have a lot to say about Prince. I feel like I have a very personal connection to him. But I think you might be a fan as well, Millie. I think you're gonna have a lot to say about the purple one as well.

[A]

That's right. I am really excited to dive into the Prince universe, the Prince multiverse, the.

[B]

Prince cinematic universe, which we are going to touch upon. And I'm excited to talk about.

[A]

Yeah, I'm. I'm a fan of the pcu, but I. I also want to talk about Prince as like, an actor because we've kind of dangled that topic in previous episodes of whether or not Prince is a good actor.

[B]

I feel like I have a lot of thoughts about this.

[A]

I. I know you do. I know you do. And I want to be able to bring up some of his other films. And I know he didn't make many films, but listen, stay tuned, everybody. Okay? I think we're gonna have a lot of fun. Okay? Let's have some action. Let's have some asses wiggling.

[B]

Asses wiggling. Millie demanded that we had asses wiggling on this episode.

[A]

I want some perfection, okay?

[B]

That's right, Millie. And you know what I always say? If you didn't come to party, don't bother knocking on my door. You know what I mean? So that's kind of the approach to this episode and the podcast in general.

[A]

Very much agreed. So stay tuned. You're listening to Dear Movies, I love you. Dear Movies, I love you.

[B]

And I've got to know if you love me too. Yes or no. Check the box below.

[A]

Hey, everybody, this is Dear Movies, I love you, a podcast for those who are in a relationship with movies. Very, very tight, close, long term relationship.

[B]

You know, passionate.

[A]

Passionate. I mean, we're not afraid of commitment. As you may know, my name is Millie de Cherico.

[B]

I'm Casey o' Brien.

[A]

And, yeah, this is gonna be great. We're gonna talk about the purple one. Prince.

[B]

Yes. Because his birthday is coming up.

[A]

Oh, is it?

[B]

Oh, yes.

[A]

Wait, what?

[B]

June 7th is his birthday, I believe.

[A]

Oh, so he's a Gemini, huh? Makes sense. Makes total sense. Creative, you know, maybe like two sides of a personality.

[B]

I will say I don't know a lot about astrology, but I do respect it.

[A]

Well, that's great, because I know a lot. I mean, I don't know a lot lot, but I know enough to make a value judgment on Prince being a Gemini. I mean, you know, he can be sexy and sweet, as we're gonna talk about in Purple Rain, but he's got.

[B]

A dark side, too.

[A]

Wait, what are you. You're.

[B]

I'm a Capricorn. January 17th.

[A]

No wonder.

[B]

One time I was in. In film school, I used to work for the camera rental department, and our cinematography professor walks in. His name was Charles Swanson. Loved him. He actually was a huge Prince fan, too. To bring this full circle. But he comes in, he points at me, and he goes, casey, what's your sign? I go, I'm a Capricorn. And he turns to everyone in the rental department, he goes, hey, listen up. Don't. With Casey. Right now, he's a mess, but in 10 years, he's gonna be on top. So stay away from him for now, but in 10 years, he's gonna be on another level.

[A]

Well, look at you, right? You're on another level.

[B]

I'm on another level on a podcast. Yes, the prophecy was foreign. Yes. Prophecy was foretold.

[A]

That's wild. That is, like, one of my favorite things, too, by the way. I've talked about this before, but to people, this is. No. No shade. To you, maybe it's okay, but to.

[B]

Me, I'm used to eating all day.

[A]

So, yes, I listen. It's part of. Part of it. Part of doing a podcast with me is eating a little. You know when people are not into astrology and you are in astrology, and you're able to just sort of leave this dangling phrase for them to be like. They'll tell you you're a Capricorn. And I'm just like, oh, God, yeah, of course.

[B]

Oh.

[A]

And then you're just like. What does that mean? What does that mean? I love that moment. I love when you freak out that we know something about you that you don't know.

[B]

Well, I'm still talking about when my cinematography professor called me out in front of my other.

[A]

Oh, you were brought by that. Clearly. Also I feel like that's such a good question for a professor to just lay on a class to be like, yeah, what's your sign, everybody? Let's go around the room.

[B]

Yeah. Anyways, this episode is. I'm very excited, but Millie, you know, just at the top of the episode, sometimes we talk about movie news. I don't know if you care about this or not, but do you have any opinions about the app? Max going back to hbo, Max.

[A]

Okay, what. What day is it? What time is it?

[B]

Today is Friday. We are recording this Friday, May 16th.

[A]

Okay. Because. Okay, what? I got laid off by the company that owns Max. Hbo Max, HBO Go, HBO now, whatever you want to call it, know. Basically there was some paperwork that said that I pretty much couldn't complain about the company for a little bit.

[B]

I see, I see. I'm. I didn't realize that I wouldn't have.

[A]

Brought this up, but I think that time is over is what I'm saying.

[B]

Oh, the window.

[A]

Yeah, the.

[B]

You're outside the window there.

[A]

Now I'm. Now I'm just a plebe. I can do whatever I want.

[B]

Sure.

[A]

And so here's my thoughts on this. This shit is too wild. Too wild, because let me tell you right now, when they changed to Max, I was like, what the yo. Like, this is. No, you can't just do that. Max. What does that even mean? Yeah, Max Fisher. Who are you talking about?

[B]

Talking about Rushmore Max.

[A]

Max Mingilla. I don't know who the hell.

[B]

Max Weinberg.

[A]

Yeah, there you go. How many Maxes can we come up.

[B]

It is odd that it name. You know. I know. Max. It's like to the Max, but, like, taking more of a broader view of it. It's like naming it like two Head. Like, it's like.

[A]

Or yo, yo, the streaming service for you and your family. No, I. I would like this. It's kind of this feeling of like, okay, well, you went back to the thing that I thought was working the best, which is hbo Max. I. I'm sitting here like, how many apps am I going to have to delete from my Apple TV that have all these, like, dead names, right? Like, it's so stupid. It's so fucking stupid. And I'm just like, okay, well, now we're just back to the thing that made the most sense. And, you know, that's it. And it kind of feels. Speaking of messy. This is messy, don't you think?

[B]

Very messy. Very publicly messy. You remember when Netflix was like, hey, we have our DVD rental service? And then we have streaming, and the. The streaming service is going to be called Quickster. Do you remember that? They did that for, like, two seconds and everyone was like, what?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And they went back on that. So. So, yeah. Why are we confusing it? I'm flipping it. It was. One was Flip Quickster and one was Netflix. And I can't remember which was which, but.

[A]

Well, I think we should start yo. As soon as possible, I think.

[B]

Is there an exclamation point at the end of yo?

[A]

Sure.

[B]

Okay, cool. Sure.

[A]

It could be yo. Ellipses.do.

[B]

Yeah, yo.

[A]

And then I'll. I will start acquiring content for it immediately, since that's my special.

[B]

Okay. You kind of know how to, like, literally, you're like the best person that could put together a streaming service that I know.

[A]

I mean, kind of. I. I wasn't going to say it, but now that you've said it, I'll agree.

[B]

Um, I think it's funny because I think they realize, like, oh, people like quality. And, like, I think HBO has. It's just funny. They're kind of like, realizing that. And, like, HBO is sort of synonymous with, like, quality television. And then they. They're like, huh, I guess people like good stuff. Interesting. Very interesting.

[A]

Well, it's like you look at these companies that have all these, like, different properties, different, you know, and you look at a company like Warner Brothers Discovery, HBO is kind of the crown jewel of it. Sure. Right. And, like, and Warner Brothers Discovery is a lot of arms. I mean, obviously, they have the Discovery channels, they have the old Turner channels, they have Warner Brothers studios. They've got dc, They've got, like, all these things. Right. All these properties. And I think that there was, like, there's always this, like, back and forth with, like, all these companies that are, like, you know, are we going to, like, use the thing that everybody loves as a part of the branding? Should it be its own separate branding? And I just think that there's just internal chaos about how to play the HBO card at all times. And I'm just sort of like, just fucking let it go. Like, let. Just let it fly. Flourish. Let it happen. Like, people love hbo. They love all the shows on hbo. Let it. Let it. Let him. Let him continue making good.

[B]

And, you know, that's it. Just think about how relevant Sopranos is still in, like, the cultural language. Like, there's so many Sopranos memes out there. Like, people still discuss that show more than most current shows. And I don't know, it just seems silly to, like, cut off that history that they're attached to.

[A]

Yeah, I mean, don't even get me started. I really, truly. I mean, like, I think that HBO changed the game. Like, it completely changed tv. It created prestige television like that. You can't deny that no matter how many different, like, iterations of a fucking stupid name that you come up with.

[B]

Like, yeah, even if it's on Max yo, you know, it's. It still should get credit for creating, you know, prestige television.

[A]

Listen, I demand a huge check if they're gonna buy Max Yo. If yo is gonna be a part of that, then they're gonna have to buy that from me. I'm gonna sit on that domain.

[B]

Anywho, I just wanted to get. I just want to hear your thoughts on that. So thank you for sharing.

[A]

I don't know if they were helpful, but that was just my. They were helpful immediate opinion.

[B]

Emotionally, they were helpful like a balm. All right, we're gonna move on to our film diary where we talk about the movies we've watched in the past week. So let's open up those film diaries.

[A]

The funk of 40,000 years.

[B]

Oh, why do our diaries stink so much?

[A]

Smells like, you know, I was gonna.

[B]

Sounds like an old man.

[A]

It's like crazy old bandages.

[B]

Millie, what have you watched?

[A]

Okay, so let me preface all of this by saying I didn't really watch a lot this week.

[B]

Millie lived this week.

[A]

I did.

[B]

She was.

[A]

I didn't have time for movies. I was at Living Life. Okay. I did a few things. I. I did a DJ set in Atlanta.

[B]

So, Millie, I need to come to one of your DJ sets. At some point in my life, you should.

[A]

I'll DJ for if you have a party. Oh, why don't you rent out First Avenue and I'll DJ Your. A party.

[B]

Ooh, wouldn't that be great?

[A]

Well, and it was fun because I. I sort of themed it. I mean, this is related to this podcast, but I themed it. I was really, like, wanting to. I think it's because we're about. It's about to be summer. It's June, you know, like, we're about to, like, get. Get into the summer season. And I was like, I really lean heavily into, like, the Jonathan Demi universe around this time where I'm like, I just want to listen to his soundtracks. I want to watch stuff like something wild and Married to the Mob. Stuff where it's like people wearing, like, polka dot dresses and, you know, banana shaped earrings, and they're, like, traipsing around, going to, like, parties, and you Know that kind of feeling. So I was like, yeah, let's do a night where I'm like kind of inspired by that vibe. Right.

[B]

I have the Something Wild soundtrack on vinyl.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I listened to it.

[A]

Yeah. And I brought that. I brought the Marriage of the Mob soundtrack and had a little DJ night where I was playing. Like it was kind of a mix. Because this is the thing about Jonathan Demme's soundtracks that are so great. It's kind of this mix between 80s new wave, but then like world music, like 80s world music, reggae, Afrobeat, that kind of stuff. And so I kind of mixed it all together.

[B]

Ooh.

[A]

And I think it was well received.

[B]

But what movie did you watch?

[A]

Oh, God. So I was literally. I came home from another event that I had this week was that I went to my second K Pop show. We'll maybe talk about that later. And I like, you know, got home, put my feet on the coffee table, then turn on the TV and the movie Manhunter was on TV.

[B]

Manhunter 1986 might be connected to a movie we're talking about next week.

[A]

That's right. We talked about. Didn't we talk about William Peterson recently?

[B]

We did, because I just watched To Live and Die in la.

[A]

That's right. We talked about William Peterson being kind of this like crazy fun actor who sort of like was in some really cool 80s crime Adjacent movies and then sort of like went to television.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And we kind of never heard from him again in that way.

[B]

While he's making millions of dollars on.

[A]

Like ncis, he's just like cashing royalty checks for the rest of his life. But yeah, it was great. I was like, I kind of came into it, I guess, right when it started and I've obviously seen it before. Manhunter filmed in Atlanta, but it was, it was great. And I just kind of sat there and watched a bit of it and yeah, I was like, oh, man, this is hitting right now. And then I think I might have fallen asleep.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

At one point. So that's what I mean about this week where I was like, oh, I. I sat in front of a film that was playing on tv and then I might not have finished it.

[B]

Sure.

[A]

But I'm going to log it. I haven't logged it yet, but I'm going to log it because I technically watched it. Okay.

[B]

If you've seen it before and you fall asleep during it, that counts as another watch. I think Tom Noonan is one of the most frightening, interesting actors. I feel like we could do a whole Tom Noonan Episode Tom Noonan reminds.

[A]

Me of a guy that I've worked with in television for, like, 20 plus years who, like, maybe works in, like, Master Control.

[B]

Yes, I, I can see it so clearly.

[A]

He was like a tech guy.

[B]

He would work in the basement of the film school I went to where I was called out for being a Capricorn, you know, like in looking after, like, you know, film reels or something. Yes, I, I, I can see that. Totally.

[A]

Yeah. Yeah.

[B]

He also wrote and directed a movie called what? Which is supposed to be pretty good. Have you heard about this movie?

[A]

No.

[B]

It won the Sundance Film grand jury prize in 1994, and I think it was rereleased on Blu Ray like last year or something. But it's supposed to be really interesting and I want to check it out anyways.

[A]

Oh, interesting. Well, I, I'll have to see that. That is so random, by the way.

[B]

Yeah, very random.

[A]

So that's it for me. What about.

[B]

Awesome. I watched black bag 2024 is black bag by Steven Soderbergh. You've seen this, right?

[A]

No.

[B]

Oh, you didn't watch it?

[A]

Oh, no.

[B]

It's really good. It's really fun. A fun kind of sexy spy thriller with zero action sequences, but it's fun. I mean, it's Michael Fassbender, Cate Blanchett. It's really great and it's really tight, and I feel like Steven Soderbergh, like, shot it one weekend.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know, I say this in my letterbox review, but he just, like, farts out movies better than a similar director would make, like, in his entire career. You know, like, he's just, he is operating on such a high level. He's great.

[A]

Yeah, that's, that's what we love about him, right? Is that he's able to just kind of like, yeah, do something over a weekend, like a weekend project, and then it ends up being a good movie. So.

[B]

But he, he is the cinematographer and editor on his movies, too, and it's just. He's like a wild man. It's just crazy. Anyways, Black Bag.

[A]

There you go.

[B]

Was good.

[A]

Now I'm going to watch it for sure.

[B]

Yeah, it's good. Yep. That's it. Close up the diaries.

[A]

I'm suffocating in here. It's crazy. Too much dust.

[B]

All right, we're moving on to our main discussion, which we teased at the top is Prince and Purple Rain. Millie, do you have a favorite Prince album? Do you listen to Prince?

[A]

All right, I'm not gonna even answer that second part whatsoever. Absolutely not. Answering that second.

[B]

Okay, that's fine. First part.

[A]

Let me think about this. I. Jesus Christ. I mean, to be honest, it's probably Diamonds and Pearls. That's like the. The really. Okay, yeah. Because I. That, to me, was so Purple Rain. I think the album is definitely. It has to be the favorite by default, right? Because every song on that album is fucking unreal. Right?

[B]

Even watching the movie this time, I was like, I can't believe this is also on that album. Like, just hearing the songs again and I think. I mean, we can get into this later. But I think Purple Rain is not only his best album. I think it's the best album of all time.

[A]

Yeah, I truly think you're right about that. Like, it's gotta be.

[B]

And I'm not joking. I really think it is, like, the greatest album, top to bottom, of all time.

[A]

Listen, I'm with you. I feel. I feel like it is really flawless. Like, you really can't find one. Like, not even, like, mediocre track on it. Yeah, everything is great. So that's the thing. I'm like, okay, well, Purple Rain is obviously the greatest. One of the greatest albums of all time. Like, definitely top five in pretty much everybody's list, right? But I think about the fact that I. The Prince stuff that I loved as a kid was like that era of the, like. It kind of was like Diamonds and Pearls, a little sign of the times. Like that kind of late 80s, early 90s era. Obviously, when, like, for example, the Batman soundtrack came out. I was Batman. So fucking lit, dude. Bat Dance. Can we talk about fucking Bat Dance? That shit is unbelievable. I've actually DJed bat dance at DJ nights.

[B]

That song goes. I mean, that is a great. That would. If that came on at the club, I would be. Electricity would be coming out of my fingers. I would just be so amped.

[A]

The best thing to do is if you're, like, go out there and DJ like. Like a house slash, like, industrial music night. Like, you know, like, when you're out there bringing out your Jesus Jones records and your EMF records, like that sort of like late 80s, early 90s, like, dance music, where it's like everything. It's so heavily sampled. There's. It's very layered. There's a lot of, like, electronic wizardry happening and all that music. And then you throw on Bat Dance, people will go fucking ape shit, bananas. That's great.

[B]

I love that.

[A]

So, like, that, to me, is sort of my era of Prince. The most is the whole, like, again side of the times. Diamonds and Pearls. I would say Diamonds and Pearls or Sign of the Times would probably be my personal favorite Prince album. I don't know. What about you?

[B]

Well, like I said, Purple Rain is the one that. That was kind of my entry point and it's just so good.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And so I kind of have like two tears, I guess. Like for me, Purple Rain, 1999, Dirty Mind and Sign of the Times are his best albums.

[A]

Sure.

[B]

I love almost like those are all like so good. Then one notch below, I would say are Prince's self titled album, which I really like. There's a lot of really good stuff on that. That to me is like his first real album. And I love Controversy too. That's a really great album. And Parade, which is the soundtrack for under the Cherry Moon, is really great too. I would put that it's a little bit like. I don't think it's quite on the level as Purple Rain. And on that second level I would put Diamonds and Pearls too. I love it. But I just, I just think 90, 1999, dirty mind, purple Rain and Sound of the Times are his like elite albums. And you know, it's interesting. There's so much. He's put out so much music since like Diamonds and Pearls that I haven't listened to like a lot of his 90s and 2000s stuff. There's like hundreds of songs that I just haven't listened to. And like once in a while one will come through. I'm like, what is this? And so it's kind of exciting that there's all this music that I still have to kind of discover, you know, of his. And I don't think it's quite as to the level of his like 80s output, which like his run in the 80s is one of the best of any musician of all time. And so you're never going to maintain that level. But it's exciting that there's like all this music out there.

[A]

I hear you. I mean, you're like. I kind of did start slipping off in the mid to late 90s. I mean, I. I remember when like Rave unto the Joy Fantastic came out.

[B]

Rave into the Joy. Fantastic. Yes.

[A]

I was just like, okay, again. It's kind of that feeling like we talked about when we were discussing Elendalon movies where you're just like in this run of good shit and you're like, I don't want to leave it. It's so good. It's like a warm bath, you know? So I. And I feel bad about that because I want to be A real Prince fight. I want to be comprehensive, but, you know, let's get serious. Like, I. Yeah, I like what I like, and I like my nostalgia for him. I love. I. This is a question I want to ask you, actually. Do you remember when you first discovered him?

[B]

Yes. So I wrote this. It wasn't published anywhere, but I wrote. When he died, I wrote this really long letter on Facebook, which maybe I'll post it as a result of just what Prince means to me.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And my mom had the. Which is. This is a really great. This is a great, actually entry point to get into Prince is the Hits SL. BSides compilation. And, you know, the Hits are the first two albums, but then there's, like, the BSides, which has, like, a lot of the albums, a lot of the great songs that just weren't on an album. Like 17 days, which is one of my favorite Prince songs, and, like, Erotic City Classic. And, you know, I really like the song Kiss. That was, like. That was the first song that I, like, loved as a kid. And so I put on my mom's hits, slash, B side. Do you know how when you're a kid, you, like, pretend to have, like, a radio station and so you're like. I was trying to find Kiss on the Hits album. I didn't know where it was on the tape, you know, And I put on the song Sexy mf, which has, like, the lyrics like, you sexy. And my mom. I hear my mom running down the stairs and then turns off the. The stereo and is like, do not listen to side two of this tape. And so it was kind of a moment where I was like, ooh, Prince is, like, scandalous or, like, dangerous or something, you know, because my mom was like, do not listen to side two. You know, so he was always kind of like, you know, this interesting, dangerous figure in some ways.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So that was how I first sort of discovered him.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know, but he's my hometown guy, too.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah. You know.

[A]

I'm with you. Kiss was absolutely the first time I ever saw Prince.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And I remember because that song came out in 86, so I was like, maybe I was probably, like, 7 or 8 years old. And I remember watching it on MTV. They used to play the shit out of it on MTV in the music video. And it was this, like, moment I. You know, I talk about being a young woman and being, like, activated by, like, certain gentlemen, older gentlemen. You know, it's like when you're a young person and you see you're kind of developing your, like, I Don't know your sexual feelings or your romantic feelings. And you see, like, people on TV or in movies or, like, musicians, and you're just like, whoa. They're like, really, like, forming me right now. And I remember seeing the video for Kiss and there was just so many, like, weird emotions that I was having because the song itself is. One is fun and danceable and, like, you know, like, has some weird, weird. And so many classic, weird, funny lines. If you think about it, like, you don't have to watch Dynasty to have an attitude. Like, I was like, oh, Dynasty is on TV right now. I know exactly what he's talking about. My mom's obsessed with Dynasty. So it was that feeling of, like, kind of the lyrics, but then the video, because it's like, okay, first of all, you've got Prince himself, who is, like, in that, like, little titty top, like, the little crop top with the, like, breakaway kind of bolero pants. And he's, like, dancing sexually with this woman in, like, a veil and sunglasses. And she's, like, wearing bikini black bikini bottoms. And you're just like, holy fuck. I feel like I'm watching a porno right now. I don't know why. And then it cuts to, like, Wendy, who is, you know, Lisa and Wendy of the revolution, and she's kind of playing the guitar. And there's, like, this moment where he, like, gets in her ear and she, like, winces. And I thought that was so cute when I was growing up. Like, she kind of, like. They kind of have this, like, playful relationship in that.

[B]

Yeah, there's a moment that happens in Purple Rain, too, where he goes up to her and she kind of, like, is like.

[A]

Yeah. Which is so. I'm going to say the. The term that Gen Z kids use, which is. It's so me coded.

[B]

I love so me coded.

[A]

It is. I, like, wincing or, like, rolling your eyes when this guy is, like, coming up to you and, like, you know, trying to riz you, basically, but in a very playful, fun way. And that's like. I love that. I, like, love that moment. And that was the part of the video which I was like, oh, that's. That's what's making it fun for me as, like, a kid, like, seeing this kind of interaction. But then there's also this, like, heavy sexuality. And, you know, Princess has so much body confidence. Yeah, it's this, like, he just knows how to work his shit. And I think that that was a very 80s thing for men. Like, 80s masculinity in a lot of rock and roll and, like, in, you know, R and B music was very much about, like, men who were pretty much in their underwear, I think about, like, people like David Lee Roth, similarly, where it was like, these are people who are in very tight clothing who are just owning sexuality. And the men have, like, a countenance to them or sort of a confidence to them. That was very alluring to me as a child. And I feel like that kind of felt. Fell by the wayside, like guys are not wanting to. You know.

[B]

It's goofy, too. It's like, yeah, silly, like. Like that. That got really lost along the way.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Like, being silly. Like, men have to be so stoic now.

[A]

Well, but their silliness is in a different way. It's like their silliness is like Jim from the Office. They're like, okay, goofy, making jokes. There's not like, guys out there that are kind of, like, licking their index finger and, like, rubbing their nips or anything, like, in fun, playful, but also, like, sexual way. Yeah, it's very, like. I mean, it seems kind of aggressive, I guess, from a long lens, but at the same time, it's. It really is not. It feels very, like, seductive, but with a wink kind of feeling. And that's like Prince to me in a nutshell. And this is why I became like, obsessed with him as a kid, because I just. I loved people like that. I loved these, you know, kind of sexual performers, like Madonna and Prince and George Michael and people who were just really, like, putting it on. So I. Yeah, I. I loved Prince. That's kind of like when I discovered him as that Kiss era. So.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah. Well, should we get into the movie Purple Rain? Should I give a little synopsis?

[A]

Yeah, this is me. I'm clapping like I'm in the audience, so go ahead.

[B]

Oh, man, wouldn't you. Don't you just wish you were in one of the people with crazy makeup and hair in the audience of First Ave? Like, I love the intro sequence of this movie where it's just kind of like these faces of audience members in this, like, new wave scene. Just like, it's amazing.

[A]

I. Listen, I was going to talk about this, but it, like the shots of the crowd, especially at the end, like during the Purple Rain sequence, I was like, can you fucking imagine being there, seeing.

[B]

God, I'm getting emotional just thinking about it. I'm getting chills. Okay, so Purple Rain came out in 1984, directed by Albert Magnoli, which is. This is like, kind of one of the only things he Ever did. It's kind of wild, but we're in Minneapolis, baby. It's 1984. First Ave. Is the hottest club in the world. It's where people go to make it in Minneapolis. Who knew? The Kid, played by Prince, is one of the biggest stars of First Ave. But he's getting on everyone's fucking nerves. There's ongoing conflict in his band, and his biggest rival, Morris Day, is looking to take him down. Enter the beautiful Apollonia. Prince is smitten, but is unwilling to help her music career. So she teams up with Morris, his rival, to start the girl group Apollonia 6. This pisses off the Kid. Tension is rising in his personal and professional life. Will the Kid come out on top? Who knows? That's Purple Rain.

[A]

Very well done.

[B]

One thing I love. You know, I'm gonna just talk about Minneapolis.

[A]

Let's go.

[B]

And Prince.

[A]

Let's go.

[B]

You know, I think when people think of Minneapolis for the longest time, they think of Fargo and they think of the Coen Brothers and they think of white people and, like, stupid white people. Like kind of hick, rednecky, kind of doofus white people, you know, Like Rose.

[A]

Nyland from the Golden Girls.

[B]

Yes, exactly. Or like, Drop dead Gorgeous. But for me, as someone who grew up in Minneapolis, the city were you born. Sorry, I wasn't born here. I was born in St. Louis, but my family's from Minnesota.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

And so my parents were briefly in Missouri, and I was born in St. Louis. And so when I was 3, we moved to Minneapolis.

[A]

Oh, I see. Okay.

[B]

And growing up there, I always thought of it as more of, like, a cultural cool city.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

That's artsy and diverse and interesting. And so Purple Rain and Prince fit that vision of the city a little bit more for me. And it's cool watching Purple Rain because it feels kind of like a mini New York or something. It feels like a cultural hub.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

In the movie. Now, some of this film was shot in la. Like, some of those scenes where he's, like, under bridges on a motorcycle. And there's, like, an exterior shot of a hotel.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

But for the most part, it was shot in Minneapolis, in downtown Minneapolis. And I think Prince has done so much for Minneapolis because I think he really. He's like Bruce Springsteen and that he, like, is proud of being from here. He holds it up.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

He celebrates it. He lived here, and it's cool to have someone to lead the way like that. And I. He was always a hero of mine, just sort of artistically, even, like when I moved to Los Angeles. I could kind of point to Prince and be like, yeah, we're from the same place.

[A]

Right.

[B]

And he's someone from my hometown that's, like, weird and celebrated and isn't a hick. You know, I hear it. And so Prince, for me, I hold incredibly near and dear to my heart. He is the only. When he died, I cried. I've never cried because a celebrity died.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And he just. Because he just really meant so much to him was such an inspiration and, like, kept me going. A lot of the times when, you know, it was. It's so easy to, like, doubt yourself in any sort of creative field and to feel like, well, Prince did it and we're from the same place. Yeah. And so I just love him, and I love that he's from my hometown. And I'm so proud that he's from my hometown, you know?

[A]

That's so cool. Yeah. I mean. Yeah, I do think I cannot separate his. I can't separate your town from him, which is, I think, important because then it does anchor him into it, which is why you feel so much pride and so much love for him. But. So Purple Rain, the movie.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Do you, like. Is there any kind of, like. I'm sure there's so much mythology around it, like, where you are, like, in terms of the people, like, filming. Like, do you know people that were in it? Do you know, like.

[B]

You know, that's interesting. I don't know. I don't know. You know, it was filmed 1984. I was born in 1988. So it's a little bit. You know, it's obviously happening before my time. But, you know, I think that First. Most of this movie takes place at First Ave.

[A]

Right.

[B]

And so, like, all of the kind of, like, energy and mythology that this movie, you know, emanates, it's. It's still connected to First Ave. Like, First Ave is still the place. Like, it is the venue. So that's sort of like the legacy, I think, of the movies, mythology.

[A]

Yeah. Is it still the kind of thing where, like, a person like Apollonia would travel from New Orleans to, like, play it for.

[B]

See, that's so interesting. Lizzo is from Houston, but she moved to Minnesota. I don't know if it was because of First Ave, but she, like, got her musical start here, so people are still moving to Minneapolis to, like, do music in that way.

[A]

Wow, that's fascinating.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah. Well, listen, I. I'm just so fascinated by the idea of you, like, being such a Prince fan and having him be kind of your hometown hero. And the idea that this movie, Purple Rain, like, I should know a ton about the backstory of, like, how. I mean, I know that Prince really wanted to be in a movie. Like, wasn't that the story where he was basically like, I'm gonna make a movie about me or else I'm out of here?

[B]

Yeah. He was like, I'm not making another record until, like, there's a movie about me. And this is sort of. It's sort of a crossroads, like, Britney Spears, similar backstory where he kind of came up with the bones of a story. And then Albert Magnolia, like, wrote a script and directed it sort of based off of that.

[A]

Do you know if there was a lot of his, like, personal story in the movie? Because there is some sort of, like, it feels anchored to his life, his real life. But then there's also, like, things that are not. Like, I wanted to ask you about this. So, like, his parents were both black.

[B]

They were both black. And I know Prince's mom was upset that there was a white woman playing her in this movie.

[A]

Well, and then that's maybe gonna come up again as I sort of walk around with my feelings about Purple Rain, because I was like, I mean, yeah, I would be upset, too, by the way, if, like, this movie just put a white lady in my place.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know. Well, and there's so many, like, real light. Like, his real band is in the movie, right?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

And there's this whole, you know, backstory or, like, B story about his band basically hating him.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And, you know, Wendy and Lisa, who are, you know, the two women in the revolution who were like, hey, we wrote a song. You should accept it, and let us play it. And he's like, fuck, no. You know, it is interesting because I.

[B]

Think he is known as, like, in real life, was known as a perfectionist and a little bit of an asshole.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And so to have him be that way in the movie is interesting. But then it is also interesting. And I said this to Tricia when I was watching it. In the movie, Wendy and Lisa essentially write the song Purple Rain, but that's not accurate. In real life, Prince wrote Purple Rain.

[A]

Right.

[B]

But to have that. That depicted in the movie that they, like, wrote the song is kind of a selfless act by Prince. Like, I feel like some artists would be like, I don't even want it insinuated that I didn't write that song.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know?

[A]

Yeah. Yeah.

[B]

So it's kind of interesting that he allowed that to be in the movie.

[A]

Well, it's interesting that you say, you know, sort of like the way Prince was sort of in real life in terms of being a musician and artist, because I literally just read or I listened to it on a podcast on the New York Times podcast app. But there's an article that came out in the New York Times Magazine, I want to say is like late last year about this documentary that Ezra Edelman had made about Prince. You know Ezra Edelman who made the OJ Documentary and he won an Oscar for it. Yeah. So it's this wild story about basically how he made this like nine hour documentary about Prince and it's like done and it's finished, but there's this fear of it being released because it's showing Prince allegedly having not seen it in his human form, which is imperfect. And it shows him maybe in ways that we're not ready to accept at this time. And I think that that is so interesting to me because it's like this thing is finished. It's in the can, and yet we'll probably never see it because it's too.

[B]

Real or something because the state won't allow its.

[A]

Right. And so there's this moment where I'm just like. I mean, I can see two sides of it. Like, that's the part where I'm like, oh, yeah, I can see that. I can see feeling some type of way about not being able to access this. You know, I mean, this is like probably the best document of his life that exists. Right. And he has. He was very mysterious too, in a lot of ways, you know, during his life. And yet I'm also like, but yeah, maybe I don't want to see how the sausage is made. I'm not ready. Maybe. I don't know.

[B]

Well, I mean, there's all these. I mean, the lore of Prince. I have a million stories about how he is like an eccentric in his real life. And some of them are unflattering. I mean, have you ever heard the song I hate you off the Gold Experience by Prince?

[A]

I think so, yeah. Yeah, yeah.

[B]

So it's about Carmen Electra, who was a Prince girl.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And she says that they were kind of like dating and. But she went out with another guy and Prince found out. And Prince was like, I have a song I wrote for you. And the song is I hate you. And he like performed it for her and they were like, done after that. Yeah, I'd say, like, so, like. And he could be kind of like cutthroat with people. He had high expectations of people you know, because he's such a perfectionist and that.

[A]

That shows. This is the thing about Purple Rain, though, that is in the movie, right. As we just alluded to. There's this part, you know, again, this B story, of him sort of being this, like, relentless band leader. He doesn't listen to his band members. You know, they're all. They all hate him. You know, he has, obviously, like, a lot of confidence. And he's very cocky. And he's going back and forth with Morris Day. That's like, you know, we're gonna touch on Morris Day. Trust me.

[B]

Oh, we are definitely going to.

[A]

But it is this. There is this complexity to Purple Rain that I feel like is interesting from a film perspective. In terms of the way we see these, like, musician movies, right? Like Crossroads. Right. We talked, you know, ad nauseam about Crossroads being sort of this, like, kind of. I don't know, like, kind of slightly unrealistic, kind of terrible film where we felt like we could have. It could have been so much more for Britney Spears. And it.

[B]

You know, I think we were like, she should have done a Purple Rain, which is performing more.

[A]

Right, right, right. But that's the thing, is that a lot of these musician films are that. And they're not Purple Rain. Do you know what I mean? Like, I mean, maybe 8 mile would be close, but even an 8 mile, it's not like this. It's not showing, you know, Prince as this kind of, like, mercurial, salty and sweet type of person. And it certainly doesn't show, like, the trauma that his character, the kid, obviously faces in the movie. Which is that he's got this incredibly hardcore home life, right?

[B]

Never get married.

[A]

Jesus. Can you. Like the dad smoking a cigarette, crying, telling his son, never get married. I'm like, yo, that would. I would be remembering that moment for the rest of my damn life if that happened.

[B]

Yes. Oh, my God. That's an intense scene.

[A]

So he's got this. So the kid obviously traipsing around Minneapolis performing, you know, fall in love with, you know, the character of Apollonia, who's played by Apollonia, you know, kind of in this sort of constant battle of the bands with Morris Day in the Time. Who are kind of this, like, beloved house band or whatever at first act, right? But yet he comes home and his father is abusive to his mother. Violently abusive. And sort of like, is a failed musician. There's kind of that storyline where it's kind of like the son is. Is sort of looking up to the father. But knows that the Father is kind of a failed man type of thing and wondering if he's gonna be like him. And in certain ways he is like him in the movie. But yeah, I feel like that there's a complexity to that storyline that makes Purple Rain better than.

[B]

That's. I. That's the thing. It's better because it is more complex and it shows. I mean, Princess beats Apollonia.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Which, like, can you imagine a modern day pop star being like, oh, yeah, my character, who's essentially me is going to beat this woman in the. Like.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

That takes a. That makes the movie more interesting and better, you know, to. That it is showing Prince in such a negative light in this movie.

[A]

Well, and that's. I think this is kind of a thought that I was having when I was watching it again. I mean, I've seen Purple Rain like a hundred times. Right, sure. And. And actually anytime I see it in a movie theater, it's like raucous as. Have you ever seen. You've probably seen Purple Rain in movie theater.

[B]

You know what? I don't think I ever have.

[A]

Holy. You've never been to like a revival midnight screening or something like that?

[B]

They have them all the time. I should, you know.

[A]

Oh, it's like the last time I saw it in the theater, it was in Atlanta and people were like dancing in the aisles like maniacs. It was awesome. But this time, you know, I was kind of like going on a deep dive because I knew we were gonna talk about it on the podcast and, you know, was reading kind of these different takes about sort of the. The treatment of women in Purple Rain. Right. Because I mean, you've got a lot of bad things happening to women in this movie. This, like, really. I always like cringe when this happens, but like when Wendy goes off on Prince about. Or the kid goes off about, like, you know, come on, dude. Like, you're being a. Like, why you gotta hurt people? That kind of stuff. And then it cuts to the surgeon and he's just like, oh, Wendy's got the period thing, you know, like, he starts talking about her period.

[B]

I'm like, Dr. Fink. That's Dr.

[A]

Doctor.

[B]

I don't know if he's a surgeon or not.

[A]

Well, I think he's a surgeon because he wears a mask.

[B]

Oh, that's true. And it's got green scrubs. I don't know if that.

[A]

Yeah, I mean, he's.

[B]

Anyways, continue his.

[A]

He's some kind of surgeon. I don't know if he's like a brain surgeon, but Anyway, he. But, like, he kind of makes this, like, stupid. You know, it's like one of these, like, stupid guy jokes about women's periods. I was like, yeah, that's so stupid. And then, like. I mean, obviously you've got, like, the whole thing about hitting Apollonia which, you know, I. I feel like is related to something else. But it's also just the idea of more state being this, like, philandering, like, calling women bitches, that kind of stuff. Right?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I mean, a lot of that is the time period, obviously. I mean, this was kind of humor back in the. In the 80s. I mean, whether or not you like it, it is. But I also think, like, I started really sitting with all this because I was just like, okay, yeah, like Purple Rain. There's a lot of stuff going on here. And a lot of, like, the women. Like, the woman that gets thrown in the dumpster is white. You know, like, Princess mom is white in the movie. And so there's this, like, kind of racialized component to it. That's really interesting, too, to me, from, like, a long lens, but. But also, like, I feel like the thing about the movie, the narrative structure of the movie is that it really talks about Prince as being, like, he's experiencing trauma in his. In his old life. And there's this whole, like, sequence of after he hits Apollonia. I mean, that happens right after he sees his father basically beat his mother again. So there's this feeling of, like, okay, well, this isn't just like. This isn't Morris Day just being like, where my bitches at? This is, like, Prince. There's a little bit more thought to, like, these violent sequences because it's being attached to other parts of the story which is that here's a young man experiencing violence in his life. And how does he, like, process that? Is he gonna, like, repeat the sins of the father or is he gonna become his own person? So it's very interesting to me. I just think it's, like, off the cuff, you would be like, oh, this is so gross towards women. But then I think it's doing a little bit more in the. In the story to make that a little bit more complex. Do you know what I'm saying?

[B]

Yeah, 100%. And I think, for me, it feels like it elevates slightly above sort of the misogynistic humor of the day. And it feels like it's at least giving a little bit of reason for it. And, like. Like, you're saying, like, meaning behind it. Like, we can attribute the. This abuse of women to something that's happening to the characters, you know, so for me, it wasn't as disturbing as so many like re. Watching so many movies from this time.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Is, you know.

[A]

Yeah, well, yeah, like I said, I just. I think I. Ultimately my point is that I feel like I appreciated the movie more because it wasn't just like a throwaway thing.

[B]

Yeah. Do we want to talk about Prince's acting?

[A]

I mean, I do. Do you want to?

[B]

Yes. Well, so watching Purple Rain the first time, I remember watching it being like, Prince sucks as an actor. But this time I was like, actually this is working a little bit. And maybe, you know, maybe this is informed by me watching under the Cherry Moon, his follow up film film to Purple Rain, which we both rewatched this week too.

[A]

I have so many thoughts about this dude because that's. I think what we were alluding to in the opening is that I feel like over the course of his filmography, like there. There are certain movies where his acting is incredibly charming.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And under the Cherry Moon, I haven't seen it since I was young and when I first saw it, I was like, I don't know what this is. It feels like an episode of the Monkeys.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

It feels kind of like A hard day's night, but it's also bad. That was like my impression of it as a kid.

[B]

Well, I remember my mom being like, yes, Prince made an incredible film. And then he made another one that was terrible. That was like the narrative growing up that I had, you know. And you know, Prince's acting style in Purple Rain is, I would say, muted.

[A]

Sure.

[B]

He's much more like emo and like kind of quiet and, you know, more of a loner where an under the Cherry Moon, which is like black and white, it's sent, it's set in like the French Riviera, I guess. And he's like a gigolo, basically. He's like a seducing old women to get money from them, you know?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And his character is like a total goofball. And he is very similar to kind of like Morris Day in Purple Rain. He's like this goofy, silly, kind of like expressive little weirdo. I don't know. And it's like a totally different type of character than from purple rain.

[A]

Oh, 100%. Okay, first of all, Jerome is in it.

[B]

He plays his like Jerome, who is in Purple Rain as Morris Day's right hand man. He's the guy who holds a mirror up to Morris Day while on stage. He's kind of his, like, dancing man.

[A]

His. His boss Stone, if you will.

[B]

His boss Tone. Yes. Who is that guy who would hold an umbrella on in Outcast Videos?

[A]

Bentley.

[B]

Yeah. Fonworth Bentley's kind of like that.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So he is, like, the number two guy in under the Cherry Moon.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And they're both goofballs, and.

[A]

Well, like, to me. Did you not think this? They kind of have this weird. Like, they were kind of, like, bisexual.

[B]

You can take kind of. They were, like, so gay and, like, very bisexual and, like, flirty with each other.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And, like, there's, like, a scene where, like, Prince is in the bathtub and, like, Jerome comes in and they're naked and they're kind of like. There's a lot of, like, eye movement. Like, ooh, googly eye acting in that.

[A]

Yeah. And he's like. Like, Jerome is above him, like, throwing rose petals in the bath or whatever. Like, fl. And I'm just sitting here going, okay, here's two men taking a bath together. Meanwhile, they're out there, there being two old French hoes. That's what this movie is about, is, like, you want to watch Prince and Jerome being a couple of French hoes. And, you know, maybe it's because it's set in France, maybe it kind of reminded me a little bit of, like, a Fellini movie. It was very, like.

[B]

Yeah. I mean, it definitely had, like, French New wave vibes to it, too. It felt very. There is, like, some Godard sort of stuff.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Just in terms of, like, being silly and running around and causing a scene and like an aristocratic event, you know?

[A]

Yeah. And I want to say the movie was written by a woman and.

[B]

I don't know, Becky Johnson, I believe her name was.

[A]

Yeah. But there's this, like, very easy, breezy, kind of bisexual energy in that. In under the Cherry Moon that I actually really appreciated. I was like, this is kind of cool. And I was.

[B]

When I watched at the time, I was like, am I an idiot for thinking this is good? I was, like. I was, like, enjoying it. I mean. I mean, obviously, I do think Prince doesn't quite. He can't quite go all the way with his performance. Like, there are some moments where I feel like he doesn't quite know what he's doing in front of the camera, but for the most part, it was kind of working for me.

[A]

Yeah, I thought so, too. It felt. I think it was because. I don't know. When I first saw it, I was young. I just didn't really have the cinematic language to really, like, Understand what this movie was about or what it was trying to sort of invoke or whatever. But like now as a much older person, I was like, yo, this is like really fun. This is like this gorgeous black and white. Prince is super charming. Jerome is really funny and charming. And then you've got like Kristen Scott Thomas, who plays kind of her first movie. Yes. The love interest. And she's kind of got this like, I don't know, this kind of like Breakfast at Tiffany is Audrey Hepburn kind of feeling to her. Well, I thought it was.

[B]

I was like good on Prince to be. Because this movie is like silly and not deep and it's not really trying to be, you know, it's like it. And I appreciated that about Prince because I could totally see him taking himself way too seriously. And this movie does not like take itself seriously, but it's still stylish.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

You know, and so I really, I. On, on Rewatch, I really like had a blast watching it.

[A]

Yeah, I did too. And I. It made me like. I think there's a reevaluation of under the Cherry Moon because there's. I mean, when I looked at my letterboxd and saw like a couple of my friends had seen it, there was a big portion of my friends that were like. And then there was like this group that had rated like five stars. Like, this is a brilliant movie. Like it was like. Yeah. So I feel like it's. It's either been reevaluated or is about to be. And I loved it. I actually loved it. Obviously I didn't like it when I was a young person, so I. Yeah, it's different.

[B]

But I could see why people were disappointed because there actually aren't any musical performances in it. Like, he plays a musician.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

But he's not. I guess there's like one or two. But it's not like Purple Rain where it's like wall to wall music.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know, it's more of just like a store, like a straight movie. Yeah. Than Purple Rain.

[A]

Yeah. It kind of feels like, you know, one of these like Jacques Tati meets Felitti meets like kind of like a screwball comedy type of feeling. So I don't know, I appreciated it and yeah, it was good. But I. I actually think Purple Rain is a well shot movie, don't you think?

[B]

Oh, yeah, no, 100%. I thought it was like really well directed and like, like I talked about those opening shots of the audience. It really establishes the vibe.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So efficiently. And like when. Let's go crazy which is the first song on the album, first song of the movie. When that starts with the dearly beloved, I mean, I was. I was on my feet. I was so. I was amped up. And it's like such a great way to introduce the movie and the world. And. Yeah, I thought it was really well shot. It looked fabulous.

[A]

Yeah. I think from, like, a pacing perspective, it's perfect. Like, it. Literally every musical sequence that happens makes you feel so keyed up, like. And then, of course, you know, it kind of crescendos to this unbelievable, like, Purple Rain, you know, like, the. The whole, like, intensity of it. And then it's like, baby, I'm a star. You're. You're just like, holy shit. This is perfectly paced. But there's, like, actually some great shots. There's that one shot, I guess it's like a Steadicam shot of him, like, right after he does Purple Rain. And he's like going through the hallways of the back of First Ave. And it's like, man, that is fucking great. That's a great.

[B]

Emotional. Yeah, it's emotional because he's like. He's like, I suck. I suck. And then it's like, no, you don't. Like, it's just like, so. It's so good. It's. And it's really emotional, that shot.

[A]

Yeah. And it ends like. Like, he approaches that, like, waitress with the blonde. The bleach blonde, like, kind of short hair, and she's, like, crying. And I was like, that's how we feel. We.

[B]

That's me.

[A]

We feel that way after seeing him do Purple Rain in honor of his father in the movie. And then the. The classic shot of During Baby, I'm a Star, where it's that circle shot of him and he's kind of, like, doing his whole life.

[B]

He's rubbing and, like, shuffling his feet. I do that in my house alone. No, that's not. Baby, I'm a Star. That's. I would die for you.

[A]

Oh, that's right.

[B]

During the I would die for you. But the I. But Purple Rain into I would die for you into Baby, I'm a Star is. It's. It's amazing in the movie. Yes. It's so good.

[A]

Yeah. I mean, it was like they had to basically shoot him from the middle, and he's just kind of. It's like the camera circle. I mean, God, dude, I was like, yo, they really nailed this movie. Like, they did really well.

[B]

I will say, the one part of the movie where I'm like, I don't know if I. There's like, this whole part where they're like, man, Prince sucks tonight. And they're playing, like, Computer Blue and Darling Nikki, you know? Like, that's the one part where they're like, he's not up to his normal game, but I'm like, these songs are, like, the best songs I've ever heard. Like. You know what I'm saying?

[A]

Yeah. Who's the. Who's the guy that plays the club owner in the purple?

[B]

Oh, yeah, what's his name?

[A]

I forgot his fucking name. Where he's just, like, caught. He's like, you got one song. What the fuck? You know, he's just really, like. He really begrudges the revolution. I'm like, I don't know who else you can get here, honestly.

[B]

You think Des Dickerson is gonna play the stage as well as Prince? I don't think so.

[A]

Yeah. I mean. I mean, to be completely honest with you, when Apollonia 6 gets in there, finally after they've been practicing and they do Sex Shooter, I'm like, you're telling me that you'd rather have this than Darling Nikki? Where basically Prince is shirtless and he's, like, sweating, and he's wearing that mask, and I'm like, so as a club.

[B]

Owner, you're saying that sucks more than Apollonia 6? That sex shooter song was. Is not good. And that was a real single. That wasn't just, I've played it in the club, so Sex.

[A]

Okay, so this is the thing about Apollonia, too. I want to talk about this because I love Apollonia. She's sexy, but she's also cute.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Very hard to nail. It's very hard to be sexy and cute at the same time. And when you see somebody who is both, you're like, how is it possible? And I had read that, you know, obviously vanity was supposed to be part of it. That's kind of its own little mythology or legend. And then they had actually asked Jennifer Beals to be in the movie. And, you know, both of these women are extremely attractive as well. So it made me think about Prince and about his women. Like, the women that Prince gravitates towards. And I'm like, is there a Prince lady? Is there, like, an archetype of a Prince lady?

[B]

I mean, think about Carmen Electra, too. They all are kind of a similar, kind of racially ambiguous, sort of futuristic type of woman that he likes to have around.

[A]

Like, I also think about Susanna Hoffs from the Bengals. Who. There was a very famous story about how Prince was kind of obsessed with her too. And I'm like, oh, yeah, this is a woman who.

[B]

He wrote Manic Monday for her too.

[A]

Yes, yes. But even the women that he has in his videos, you're not seeing any Sabrina Carpenters in there. I feel like you're. These are women who are. You're exactly right. Racially ambiguous. Usually brunettes. Usually kind of a heavy eyeliner, kind of like a mysterious sensuality to them.

[B]

These are not virginal women. These are sexual women.

[A]

There's no blondes. There's no perky blondes. It feels like there's no collegiate perky blonde in the Prince multiverse. It's like a. Yeah, it's kind of like a mysterious siren from maybe another country, but we don't know where.

[B]

Yeah, you're. You're. You've gone through the Stargate, and you're on this sand planet with, like, an alien race. And that is where, like, Prince finds these women. I feel like.

[A]

I mean, I gotta be honest with you, as. As a semi racially ambiguous woman myself, I appreciate that shit. Rob kind of like, okay, maybe a little something for us once in a while. Okay. Like, I appreciate that. You know, the world gravitates to around, you know, the Britney Spears and the. And the perky blondes in, like, you know, the cute little outfits. So I like. I like a little heavy coal eyeliner. Look.

[B]

See, this is why. This isn't one of his women, but in his band. I can't believe that Prince allowed there to be a guy dressed as a doctor. Like, that is. So, like, everyone else is, like, has the uniform. Wendy Lisa Brown, Mark. I can't remember the drummer's name.

[A]

Bobby.

[B]

Yeah. They all are dressed as if they're in Prince's band. And then the doctor's like, I'm dressed like a surgeon and I've got a stethoscope around my neck. I just think it's, like, kind of outrageous.

[A]

But they all have the same hair.

[B]

They all have the same hair.

[A]

Yeah, it's this, like, real poofy Aqua Net. But then there's like a side that's smoothed down, maybe shaved on the side, like, a little undercut. So even the doctor has that hair, which. I'm just saying, as. As a surgeon, you wouldn't be able to rock that look. You'd have to put that back in a. In a hair net. So.

[B]

Oh, man. Millie, is there anything else to talk about with Prince?

[A]

You know, I don't know. I feel like we went so hard, which I appreciate I'm sorry. I don't care if this isn't interesting to anybody else. I needed to, you know, basically get these feelings out of my body. I don't know about you.

[B]

Absolutely. No. I mean, I have so many feelings. Have I told my plane story with Prince?

[A]

No.

[B]

It was my freshman year of college, and I went to Loyola Mary Mountain, Los Angeles. Stop me if I've said this before.

[A]

I won't.

[B]

And I'm going back home for Christmas break. It's the first time I'm going back to Minneapolis after being at college for the first semester. And I'm a terrible flyer. I do not. I, like, I really have a hard time flying. We take off, and immediately the captain is like, we are dumping fuel and returning to lax. The flaps are malfunctioning on the wings. So we land hard.

[A]

Oh, God.

[B]

And there's, like, fire trucks around. I'm, like, dying.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[B]

We're fine. We get off and I'm like, damn, I want to go home.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know, and the next flight available is the next morning. So it's like 24 hours later. So I go and spend a night at a friend's house in la. Then I go back the next morning, and they're like, this flight is canceled, too. Jesus. The next flight that's available to go back to Minneapolis that you can get on is the Red Eye tonight. So I stayed in the airport all day.

[A]

Oh, my gosh.

[B]

And I'm like, I'm never fucking getting home.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

It just felt like I'm not getting home.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I get on the Red Eye, it is, like, empty. I feel like there's, like, five other people on the entire plane. I have a whole row to myself. And I'm in the front row of coach.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know, And I'm like. I just was like, this flight isn't taking off. We're not getting home. Prince walks on board the flight in a turquoise suit. He looks at everyone on the plane. He bows to everyone on the plane. Sits on the fir. The first class. And I'm like, I'm going home, baby.

[A]

Holy shit.

[B]

Prince is getting us home. So that was. That was the only time I saw Prince in person.

[A]

Holy fucking shit. That felt like a dream. But that actually happened?

[B]

Yes, that actually happened.

[A]

Did anyone speak to him? Did he. I mean, I'm sure.

[B]

No, it was like. I can't emphasize how few people were on this plane. And, you know, I'm. I'm, like, close enough to be like, I think, you know, we may have made Eye contact, I'm sure, because he kind of, like, came in and, like, looked at everybody bowed and then sat down. And I could tell the. The flight attendants were, like, very, like, everything okay, can we get, like. They were. I can tell they were, like, checking in a lot on him, you know?

[A]

Do you know what snacks he ate? Could you see.

[B]

I would love to have. I should have asked.

[A]

Did he have a couple of biscoff cookies? And maybe there's, like, pretzel thins.

[B]

I, I, I. One can only dream, really. I have no concept of what he was. What do you see? But that was very exciting.

[A]

Holy shit. I can't even imagine him being on a plane. It feels like he just teleports to places.

[B]

It seems like he would have his own private jet. That's purple. Yeah, but he was on the flight.

[A]

And it's like the shape of the guitar from Purple Rain or something. I don't know.

[B]

Yes, exactly.

[A]

Wow. Dude, that's an incredible story.

[B]

Thank you. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[A]

I honestly, you know, I could. We could probably go on another couple hours on this because. Yeah, I mean, this movie is a legendary film. And it's probably. I would say it's probably the best movie. Like a narrative film about a musician featuring a musician. Featuring the songs of a musician that I've ever seen. And also, like, great character work. Great. I mean, there, obviously. I think we just talked about there being sort of a complexity to the storyline that is engaging and interesting. I mean, Morris Day. We haven't even really talked about Morris Day. All I know is that he's this, like. He's this like, perfect Batman villain the entire time.

[B]

He really is.

[A]

You know, he's just like. Like his little. Whatever it is, his little scream that he does every so often, which I can't replicate at all. But he's. He's so stupid and funny. I love the part where he's, like, sitting with Apollonia and he buys, like, a bottle and he tells the waitress, like, keep the change. And then he, like, pulls Jerome down. It's like, make sure I get my change or whatever.

[B]

Like, go get my change. Oh, my God. Outrageous. Outrageous. And Jungle Love is a great song.

[A]

Oh, yeah. Another. Another club banger. But I gotta say, I'm really actually. So I'm really, actually happy that I got to hear, like, your kind of personal take on this. Because I know how much Prince means to you. And you gotta publish that Facebook post. I mean, I just feel like.

[B]

Yeah, I'll post that somewhere. Maybe we can post it on Our dear movies, I love you Instagram so people can see that.

[A]

But this is, I think, a perfect example of the concept of this podcast, which is a movie that you're just in love with and have been in love with forever and you just have deep feelings for. So, yeah, I've had a good time.

[B]

All right, now it is time for employees picks where we recommend a movie based off what we talked about today. This is gonna be a little tough because there's kind of a few options, but what do you got, Millie?

[A]

Well, I know. Did you say you hadn't seen Sign of the Times or you have?

[B]

I have seen, like, I've watched a lot of it, you know, like songs, but I haven't seen it all the way through.

[A]

Well, okay, so I. This is going to be a very softball pick as an employee of this podcast this week because I'm going to actually recommend Sign of the Times because. Well, for two reasons. Number one, it's fun as shit. I actually saw it in the. In the theater when it was re released because that's the second thing about it was that it was unavailable for a while. I hadn't seen it at all until I saw it in the theater. And I don't really know why it happened. I mean, I think that there was like some weird kind of like. Like it was released on dvd, like in another country or like a Blu Ray or something, but it was unavailable in the US For a long time.

[B]

I only knew of it on VHS for a long time.

[A]

Yeah. And it's not a narrative film. It's basically a concert. But there's like, you know, kind of these, like weird, you know, skits happening through it throughout the movie. And it's like this big stage set that kind of looks like a town or something like that, but it's like, it's fucking awesome, dude. Like, and there's actually like a bit in the middle where it cuts to the video for. You got the look with.

[B]

Got the look.

[A]

Yes, yes. Boy versus girl in the World Series of Love. Would you not want to go to that World Series that year? But it's. It is so fun. Like, the songs that are in it are incredible. Like, I'm sorry, but Hot Thing is one of the best Prince songs ever. I period.

[B]

I've said it. I remember when we were really getting. I really got into Prince in college. I was into Prince in high school, but, like, really going into his catalog. And I remember my friend Dave, when we were listening to Sign of the Times, we both went to Catholic School and we'd have to do these like stupid religion presentations all the time. And my friend Dave was like, I'm so mad I didn't know about the song the Cross while we were in Catholic school because I would have used it in like every one of our religion classes presentations.

[A]

Yeah, it's like, I mean, this, this shit is like wall to wall bangers, obviously.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But like there's like, at the time when they were doing that side of the Times tour, it was like Sheila E. Was playing with them. And so like she's in the fudgeing movie and you're like, God damn, she's the best. Sheila is absolutely one of my heroes. Another one of these Prince women that I admired as a child. But honestly, there's this female dancer named Cat Glover that's in. It's like on stage, maybe the boss tone of this tour. And she is unbelievable. Like, she is working it so fucking hard. She sells every single moment and you really just can't take your eyes off of her. So she's kind of like interacting with Prince and, you know, doing the whole thing. But I'm just like, like it's really fun. Like, if you're gonna watch like a straight up concert film, this is super fun. So if you can find it, which I feel like it's maybe on Amazon prime now and stuff, it's like available.

[B]

Yeah, I think it is.

[A]

So I would watch that. Especially if you're a big Prince fan and you love this era of Prince. Yeah, Sign of the Times, 1987, I think. Yeah.

[B]

You know, there's a few options here. I could go Graffiti Bridge, which is the sequel to Purple Rain, but I've actually never seen it, so I'm not gonna suggest that. Could suggest Batman. Cause they did the soundtrack for that movie. He also did the soundtrack for Spike Lee's Girl 6, which I also haven't seen. So what I'm gonna recommend is everyone go to YouTube and watch the tribute to George Harrison while my guitar gently weeps Prince. They play this song, you know, in honor of George Harrison. And it's like Tom Petty, Steve Winwood, Jeff Lynn, and George Harrison's son, Danny Harrison. And it's kind of like, oh, why is Prince there? But he does this solo that is so crazy. He completely takes over the performance and it's almost inappropriate. What that is, performing that outrageously at a tribute for George Harrison. But you can see George Harrison's son laughing at what Prince is doing. Like, I think it just showcases how good of a musician Prince was. Because I don't think people quite realize how talented and prolific and how he was, like, an incredible technical musician.

[A]

Oh, yeah.

[B]

And it's just kind of showcases that, and it's cool. And he does a very silly move where he, like, falls back off stage and his security guard catches him and, like, pushes him back onto the stage. It's kind of wild. And then he throws his guitar into the air at the end of the performance, and it never comes down. And so check it out. It's a great. It's not a mo. It's cinematic in its own way.

[A]

Yeah. Oh, yeah. I gotta watch that immediately.

[B]

Have you not seen it? Oh, it's amazing. It's amazing.

[A]

Oh, God. I gotta check it out.

[B]

Yeah, so check that out.

[A]

That's a good employee pick if I've ever heard one. Making US Go to YouTube. I love it.

[B]

Go to YouTube, Millie. Can you believe it? What an episode. I feel like we really let it all hang out. We did this one.

[A]

I feel like I've exercised my demons, which are awesome. Demons that love Prince and will dance to Housequake every time it gets played. Housequake. Shut up already.

[B]

Damn.

[A]

But, yeah, no, this is great. I love it. I love talking about things that we both enjoy equally, maybe together. And. Yeah.

[B]

Prince is such a unique person. I don't even quite understand. He's so silly, too. It's like there's such a silliness to what he's doing. It's. It's unbelievable. I just. I. It's endlessly fascinating.

[A]

I know it's hard to be cute and sexy at the same time, and I feel like he. He nails that pretty good. Rip. Rest in peace, King.

[B]

Rip.

[A]

All right, so listen, next week, we. We teased you. We tickled you a little bit, I think, in the film diary about what we might be doing next week, which is that we're going to talk about the director, Michael Mann.

[B]

Yeah, yeah.

[A]

Who directed Manhunter, but he also.

[B]

Thief.

[A]

Thief. Did he direct Last of the Mohicans? I can't remember.

[B]

I think he did do Last of the Mohicans. I've never seen that. But he also directed heat from 1995, which is what we're going to be talking about.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Because it's the 30th anniversary of that movie.

[A]

Oh, my dear Lord. Are you kidding? Oh, yeah, it is 95.

[B]

I'm. I'm not joking.

[A]

That makes me sick, dude. Holy. I'm old. He is absolutely one of my favorite movies. Like, it's so fun. And we're gonna talk about it. We're gonna talk about Michael Mann as a director, what he brought to the table stylistically in terms of, like, I don't know, crime films. And, you know, he created a Vibe. He's a Vibe creator, a Vibe curator. So he is.

[B]

Yeah, no, absolutely. I think you're totally right. He Very Vibey. Very Vibey. I was trying to remember the name of that horror movie he directed where it's like a big. The Keep. That's what it is. From the 80s. But that's our show. We give out film advice in this show sometimes. So please write in to Dear Movies at exactly right Media with your film gripes, your questions, your. You know, if you need advice from us, please write in. Or you can leave us a voicemail by recording it on your phone and just emailing it to DearMoviesactlyRightMedia.com. we'd love to hear your voices.

[A]

I would love to hear your voice. Yeah. And if you want to follow us on socials, we are at dearmovies, I love you on Instagram and Facebook. You know, I feel like I create. No, maybe I didn't create a Blue sky account. I did the thing again where I was like, yo, I'll get on Blue Sky. I forgot I had an account. And then I just forgot. Just forgot that I have it. So if you're on there and you see us, give us a follow. If you're on there and we're not on there, that means I forgot to create the account is what that means.

[B]

More to come on this.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And watch this space.

[A]

Watch this space. And then we are also on Letterbox. Our handles are at Casey Le o' Brien and at M. De Cherico. So find us there.

[B]

That's right. And listen to Dear Movies. I love you on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And please rate and review our show. It helps get the word out there. And when people are looking at our show, they're like, oh, people like this one. I should listen to this show. So if you like it, let the. Let the world know. You know, it's so easy on Yelp, you know, to not give a good review when you like a place. So think about that, you know?

[A]

Well, all right. On that note, thanks, everybody, for listening. Casey, thank you for being from Minneapolis.

[B]

You're welcome.

[A]

And for being a cool white guy in a Prince.

[B]

I try really hard. I really try. But thank you, Millie.

[A]

You're so welcome. Bye, everybody. Bye. This has been an exactly right production, hosted by me, Millie de Chirico, and produced by my co host, Casey o' Brien.

[B]

This episode was mixed by Tom Breifogel. Our associate producer is Christina Chamberlain. Our guest booker is Patrick Cotner, and our artwork is by Vanessa Lilac.

[A]

Our incredible theme music is by the best band in the entire world, the Softies.

[B]

Thank you to our example executive producers Karen Kilgariff, Georgia Hardstark, Daniel Kramer and Millie Dicerico.

[A]

We love you.

[B]

Goodbye.