MARK MOORE ON RUSS MEYER
MARK MOORE ACHIEVED FAME AS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THE DANCE/SAMPLING PIONEERS S-EXPRESS WITH THE NUMBER ONE HIT ‘THE THEME FROM S-EXPRESS’ WHICH HAS BEEN CITED AS KICK-STARTING THE UK HOUSE SCENE.
Mark is also a long time fan of Russ Meyer – the one-man film industry. He directed, wrote, edited and shot over 20 films. His trademarks were violence and down right bizarre plot lines, but mostly Meyer’s films revolved around the large cleavages of his leading ladies, such as Tura Satana, Lori Williams, Haji and Kitten Natividad. “I love big-breasted women with wasp waists,” he told interviewers on every occasion. Fair play!
Mark tells us how his fascination started with King Leer.
What was the first Russ Meyer film you saw, where were you and what reaction did you have?
‘Supervixens’ at The Scala cinema. I used to wander around Soho in my teens and see all those fantastic posters for Russ Meyer films in those trashy old skin-flick cinemas. Soho was much more aesthetically pleasing before they cleaned it up. When I was finally old enough to see ‘Supervixens’ it fulfilled my wildest expectations and more.
What is your favourite film and why?
A draw between ‘Supervixens’ and ‘Up’. Both are like a Tex Avery cartoon come to life with women who, attitude wise, are perfect role models. Plus they could be worshipped by men – gay and straight. ‘Supervixens’ is a barrel of laughs which suddenly includes one of the most shocking and violent scenes I have ever witnessed. I like directors who can create their own worlds.
Have you got a favourite actress/character from a Russ Meyer film?
I love Russ’ ex-wife Edy Williams. I love the tales of her appearing naked every year at The Cannes film festival. After a couple of years of this, the press became so blasé they would ignore her as soon as she took her clothes off. I have a copy of Playboy magazine from the 70’s with her nude shots taken by Russ. Shari Eubank is another fave who I would love to have seen in more movies.
What influence have his films had on you?
All my S-Express videos were influenced by Meyer. Him, John Waters and Andy Warhol/Paul Morrissey. People said my videos were like orgies with clothes on. I tried to get the S-Express girls to do a softcore porn video for one of our tracks but they declined. All of them tell me how much they regret not doing it now. This was before Madonna did ‘Erotica’ and her ‘Sex’ book.
What’s your take on the soundtracks to his movies?
They’re fun. I have quite a few of the albums including an original of ‘Beyond The Valley Of the Dolls’. That has to be my favourite with some really good songs. ‘Look On Up At The Bottom’, ‘Come With the Gentle People’ and ‘In The Long Run’ are my faves.
Do you have a favourite line of dialogue?
“I’d like to strap you on sometime”. Edy Williams again from ‘Beyond the Valley Of The Dolls’. All the lines in that movie are great.
Have you ever had the chance to meet any of his stars?
No, but I am in e-mail contact with Lynn Lowery from ‘The Crazies’ and ‘Shivers’. She’s making music and we were discussing a collaboration.
If you could what would you like to ask them?
Why the hell aren’t you doing cameos in movies now? John Waters and even the Farelly Brothers should be casting them all as eccentric head mistresses and mad old nurses. Although I must confess I haven’t seen ‘The Double-D Avenger’ which re-unites many of the aging Meyer girls. I hear it’s a good ‘bad’ movie.
How do you think they compare to the more hardcore sex films?
You can watch them without the need to fiddle with your private parts. Most hardcore films are too dull to just watch. With Russ you can do either! My fave hardcore are ‘The Opening Of Misty Beethoven’ and ‘Beyond The Green Door’. Marilyn Chambers should have been a huge star.
Previously appeared in Fused Magazine issue 22
