The "PURPLE RAIN" Appreciation Post

I was up late and stumbled across the first movie during which my parents made me cover my eyes: Purple Rain.  This film, Prince's acting debut, was created mainly to showcase his musical talents.  I don't know if it was just sleepiness, or watching the film in my 30's, but I had a heightened sense of awareness in the wee hours of the morning.  A bunch of things either became clear to me and/or made me laugh.  Here's a few of them:

• The outfits, Prince's especially, but everybody's in general.  I tweeted while watching, "Prince pulled more hoes in a ruffled blouse and heels, than you have in your regular clothes."   It's no lie.  Watch the scene where he storms off stage to his dressing room after singing "Darling Nikki."  When he starts pacing back and forth, it was so funny to me that he's obviously wearing heels.  No man can walk like that otherwise.
• I've always been a fan of Morris Day, I mean, how could you not?  When they did their song, "The Bird" near the close of the movie, I'd say that was one of the best concert performances in American film.  The energy was real, not just staged for the scene.  Check out the guys in the rafters, flapping their arms like they were getting ready for take off.  Morris and his valet/hypeman, Jerome Benton, were totally in sync doing their choreographed dance steps.  Mid 80's funk at its best!

• I mentioned my folks making me cover my eyes.  This was due to the hot Mexican sexiness that was Apollonia.  Remember when she purified herself "in the waters of Lake Minnetonka?"  Well, I didn't get to see those titties until the mid 90's.  Real talk, I still can't recall what happened in that one sex scene when her and the purple one were getting it in because I had my paws over my peepers.  Somebody please fill me in!  I don't know how much real talent any of Prince's women ever had, but they made up for it in sex appeal.  However, a Wikipedia search says that Apollonia originally recorded "Manic Monday," which later became a hit for the group, The Bengals.  Who knew?
• Watch this scene.  Those people in the audience had to be the biggest collection of freaks prior to Ludacris filming the "Tip Drill" video.   The 80's man... leather, spiked hair, eye shadow, men that look like women.  Wait.  That sounds like now! 
• Wendy and Lisa could GET IT! Preferably, at the same time.  No really, I wonder how they're looks have held up?  Another example of things I just noticed 25 years later: during "The Kid's" guitar solo in "Darling Nikki," Lisa (I think, I always get them confused) was on her knees in front of him simulating fellatio.  Never noticed that. 
• Jerome Benton > Fonzworth Bentley.  Nuff said!
• And finally, Clarence Williams III acts the same in every damn movie, video, or any place I see him.  He played the abusive husband/musical genius and was Prince's pops. He probably screams at the cashier in Target, "I WANNA PAY CASH! NOT DEBIT! OR CHECK! CAAASSSHHH!!!"  I'm suprised Dave Chappelle never spoofed him.  It would have been funnier than the Samuel L. Jackson jawn.

Photo Credits:
http://www.criticaljunctions.com/ (Prince)
http://gmsguidetostyle.files.wordpress.com/ (Apollonia)