An Interview With Brinke Stevens - By Heidi Martinuzzi

Interviews: An Interview With Brinke Stevens - By Heidi Martinuzzi
Posted on Thursday, July 01, 2004 @ 08:26:27 Mountain Daylight Time by Duane

Brinke Stevens is an enigma wrapped in fake blood that screams a lot. She’s also a strong female character that has transcended the traditional images of women in horror. Without Brinke, there would be no such thing as a woman being taken seriously in the b-movie horror scene. Brinke, always down to earth, is always ready to talk about everything…

What’s the First horror movie you ever made, and your opinion of it now?

"SLUMBER PARTY MASSACRE" (1981) was my first horror movie. I played the second victim of a crazy driller killer. Falling into the popular slasher trend of the early '80s, it stands out as being written by noted feminist Rita Mae Brown and directed by another young woman, Amy Jones, who went on to do bigger budget fare. Also, the main protagonists and survivors were females. It was way ahead of its time, by virtue of having such strong female characters and filmmakers behind it.

Last horror film you enjoyed watching?

I really liked "CABIN FEVER", because it was a small indy production that dared to push the dreaded PG-13 envelope. Too many horror films have been watered down by the ratings board in recent times. That movie showed you things that you couldn't believe you were actually seeing, like the woman shaving off her skin, or the guy who's inadvertently digging a hole in his girlfriend's thigh. Gross and icky, yes, but I applaud their guts to show it.

How are you different from other actresses? I mean, what is it about you that leads people to respect you in the genre. It’s so hard for women to get respect in this business…

Besides my dark exotic features, I have set myself apart by perfecting a Jekyll & Hyde switch in films. I often start out normal -- an apparent victim -- and then something happens to transform me into a villain. Like, I get possessed by demons, or go insane and become a homicidal maniac, or I get bitten and turn into a blood-sucking vampire. (Examples of that are "HAUNTING FEAR", "SPIRITS", "GRANDMOTHER'S HOUSE", and "TRANSYLVANIA TWIST".) I've also played a lot of strong female characters, despite my petite size (like "HYBRID", "CORPSES ARE FOREVER") -- and I've fondly been dubbed "The thinking man's Scream Queen" because of my college degrees.

What is your definition of an icon, and are you one?

An icon is a timeless image of someone unique, not quite like anyone else. I regard women like Betty Page, Elvira, and Sigourney Weaver as icons. And yes, I would consider myself one, as well. After 25 years in this business, I have filled a niche in the horror genre that is completely unique to me. The abundance of work I have done will live on long after I have gone: 120 film roles, plus my model kits, comic books, trading cards, posters, magazines, etc.

What makes a good actress/director/writer?

Experience, training, integrity, a solid work ethic, and attention to detail.

Where do you see yourself in 10-15 years?

I will continue to be an actor and writer. I soon intend to add directing and producing to my resume. And in 15 or so years, I would like to be semi-retired from the film industry to focus on my hobbies, such as painting, mosaic tile, and stained glass.

Of all the projects you’ve worked on, what was the one you liked the most and are most proud of?

I've had a great time on almost all my projects. Many are shot on location, so I get a chance to travel around the world and see new sights. I loved working in Vancouver, Canada, on "CARMILLA" (now available under the title "VAMPIRES vs. ZOMBIES") -- it's a fabulous little city, and the countryside is so gorgeous. I just returned from filming "XELINE" in Kansas City, MO, where their hospitality was awesome. I had my own fully stocked, luxury apartment and was totally catered to during the shoot. I always enjoy it when filmmakers become your new "family" for awhile.

You must have some horror stories for me about the ”business” as it were….

Long hours, especially all-night shoots, are the absolute worst! After 18 hours in front of the camera, I become virtually useless. I think it's ridiculously counter-productive to work your actors and crew to death... nobody does their best under those trying conditions.

Does one have to be sexy to make it in horror? Especially a woman? Not fair really, is it….

It doesn't hurt. We live in a very visual, youth-oriented, sex-appeal type of culture. A sexy body or a pretty face will capture the audience's attention right away. What you then do with it depends on what else you've got inside you... a successful actress is always more than just good-looking. She has to have an inner beauty or charisma, as well.

What are you currently working on and what are you doing next!

This summer I'm working on "NIGHTWALKERS 2: Dead Things" for Gallows Hill Productions. I play a woman who turns to witchcraft for revenge when her daughter is murdered. I just finished shooting "XELINE", wherein I start out as a soccer mom who's secretly a black-ops government agent. I had some wonderful "macho" scenes, such as chasing a mutant creature through snake-infested woods while lugging a big honking gun. Last month, I was in Virginia for "APOCALYPSE", playing a female priest who battles the forces of darkness on a college campus. New releases include "DEAD CLOWNS" (a scary tale shot during a hurricane in Biloxi, Mississippi), "EXPENDABLE", and "CORPSES ARE FOREVER" (co-starring Linnea Quigley and Debbie Rochon). I also hostess an entertaining horror documentary called "SOMETHING TO SCREAM ABOUT". Plus there's a new sci-fi audio book out, titled "The Adventures of Red Cloud" (co-starring Traci Lords). [Some of these titles are available on my website.]

What women in horror do you look up to?

I admired Linda Hamilton's physical transformation for "TERMINATOR 2", and Sigourney Weaver's maternal strength in the ALIEN films. I love watching Christopher Walken in anything he does. And I think Johnny Depp is a national treasure!

Betty Page or Vampira?

Definitely Betty. She brought us a sense of fun, whereas Vampira always seemed so serious.

What’s the best scene you’ve ever done?

One of my most favorite, balls-to-the-wall scenes came from "HYBRID" (written by Sean O'Bannon, 1998). Unfortunately, it ended up on the cutting room floor. In it, my character, Dr. Leslie Morgan, and her nemesis (played by Peter Spellos) have guns trained on one another, while they indulge in a screaming argument. It was pretty over the top, but it really showed off my range as a performer.

What do you think of the term "Scream Queen"?

Technically, I'd say it really only refers to a handful of actresses (including myself, Linnea Quigley, and Michelle Bauer). And it relates mainly to a certain time in independent horror film history, like the late 1980's and early '90s.

Scream Kings?

Naw, I don't think guys should be screamers. It's just not very sexy!

You can find out more about Brinke at the Brinke Stevens Fan Club, PO Box 7112, Van Nuys CA 91409-7112 (Send SASE for free catalog and trading card.)