Playback with Julie Strain: An e-mail Q&A
Headbangers are in hog heaven right now. Though “Heavy Metal 2000,” the long-awaited sequel to the 1981 animated adult sci-fi classic, doesn’t open in theaters until this summer, Restless Records released the soundtrack album on April 18.
Among the fast and furious tracks are Monster Magnet’s “Silver Future,” Insane Clown Posse’s “Dirt Ball,” Pantera’s “Immortally Insane,” Coal Chamber’s “Wishes” and the reemergence of Billy Idol (“Buried Alive”) and Bauhaus (“The Dog’s a Vapour”).
“Heavy Metal 2000” was adapted from the graphic novel “Melting Pot” by Kevin Eastman, who patterned the main character, Julie (aka FAKK2), after B-movie queen and former Penthouse Pet of the Year Julie Strain.
Strain, who provides the voice of Julie in the film, recently sat down to play “10 questions” with Pause & Play via e-mail, discussing the film, the soundtrack album and other subjects.
Pause & Play – How did you meet Kevin Eastman?
Strain – “I met Kevin in a comic book store (The Golden Apple in L.A.). He stood in line, joined my fan club and bought a Polaroid picture of me. It was love at first sight! I love his innocence; I could tell he had never been to Vegas or been with a hooker.”
P&P – Every time I see your name, you’re described as the “queen of the B-movies.” Is this fine with you or would you like to be known for more than just that?
Strain – “I don’t mind being called the Queen of B-movies. I’m happy here and I answer to my fans. A ‘star’ answers to suits and that’s not any kind of lifestyle for me, to be a pawn on a chessboard. I’m not into hiding out and backpedaling.”
P&P – “Heavy Metal 2000” took years to complete. What kept everyone motivated through the long process?
Strain – “We were in too deep for anyone to bail out on this project. It was too important, and we all had invested so much of ourselves. For me, it was like being pregnant for five years. Doing photo sessions, costume fittings, interviews, voice lessons, rehearsals, you name it. I’m now finally ready to spread my thighs and push this puppy out! Besides, the fans would stampede us if we did not deliver soon.”
P&P – There, no doubt, are critics of the sex and violence depicted in the comic book and movie. What are your thoughts on the subject?
Strain – “It’s fantasy, folks! This kind of stuff always comes under fire from some uptight critic or power-hungry pulpiteer. Relax and stop taking life so damn seriously. My character is a smart, sexy, strong female heroine. It’s empowering! Give me a break, the movie’s rated PG-13, not XXX. It’s based on a graphic novel by Kevin Eastman called ‘The Melting Pot.’ The comic book, on the other hand, is pretty aggressive and risque and definitely not for the meek. If you don’t like it, then don’t buy it!”
P&P – What’s your favorite song on the soundtrack album?
Strain – “My fav is the Billy Idol song ‘Buried Alive’ because that’s what I eventually do to his character in the movie. He tricks me and uses me to try and destroy all carbon-based life form, so, of course, I put him 10 feet under!”
P&P – Who has your vote in November: Bush or Gore (or maybe even someone else)?
Strain – “I don’t vote. Politicians are like Hollywood pigs, I don’t give them a glance or even a courtesy peek. Look on my site, www.juliestrain.com, and see my version [before 2000] of Monica Lewinsky ‘doing’ a cardboard cutout of Clinton.”
P&P – Elian Gonzalez: Should he stay or should he go?
Strain – “Well, the FBI just came in and got him. The kid should be where he wants to be.”
P&P – What was the first record you ever bought?
Strain – “It was a Beatles 45, maybe ‘fixing a hole where the rain came in.’ I also remember an 8-track laying around of ‘American Woman.’ Who did that song? The Carpenters?! Ohhhhh, wait, Ricky Nelson was my first, yep – and first love too! His son was in the movie I directed called ‘Lingerie Kickboxer.’ Funny how life is. Okay, okay, I suppose my first record was The Guess Who.”
P&P – What was the first concert you ever went to?
Strain – “Day on the Green with Heart, Fleetwood Mac and more. It was such a rush (combined I’m sure with the psychedelics!). I went to every concert I could … no parents, yeahhhhhh!”
P&P – What was the last CD you bought?
Strain – “Not sure, but it’s a female rapper. The song I like says, ‘Oooh, you gotta be a bad girl in this world ….’ I strip-dance to this song to keep my legs tight!”
About the Author
Gerry Galipault Gerry Galipault debuted Pause & Play online in October 1997. Since then, it has become the definitive place for CD-release dates — with a worldwide audience.
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