Purple Violets (2007)

Patti Petalson (Blair) struggles with the pressure of becoming the next important American writer.

Director:

Edward Burns

Writer:

Edward Burns

Stars:

Annette Arnold, Max Baker, Selma Blair

1 win.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Annette Arnold	...	Annette - Bookstore Fan
Max Baker	...	Mark - Nature Writer
Selma Blair	...	Patti Petalson
James Biberi	...	Elevator Operator
Edward Burns	...	Michael Murphy
Dara Coleman	...	Silent Movie Actor
Rosemarie DeWitt	...	Murph's Hampton's Fling
Dennis Farina	...	Glen Gilmore
Spencer Fox	...	High School Kid #2
Heather Goldenhersh	...	Sassy Party-Goer
Bill Hader	...	Bill - Bookstore Fan
Sarah Hudnut Brody	...	Scare-a Sara (as Sarah Hudnut)
Peter Jacobson	...	Monroe
Donal Logue	...	Chazz Coleman
Debra Messing	...	Kate Scott

Storyline

In New York City, thirty-three year old Patti Petalson is unhappy with her life. Her passion is literature, she having published one book of short stories ten years ago, but not having written anything since. Instead to earn a living, she sells real estate, a job and for a boss she hates. And although unspoken, she hates her husband, self-absorbed restaurateur Chazz Coleman, who doesn't listen to her and does whatever he wants regardless of her. While out for dinner, Patti and her BFF, schoolteacher Kate Scott, run into Brian Callahan and Michael Murphy, who were once Patti and Kate's respective boyfriends, the four who used to do everything together while they were in college, with both relationships ending twelve years ago as they were graduating. Kate has never forgiven self-described lowbrow Murph, now a successful lawyer despite his lack of academic smarts, for what she believed was a sexual indiscretion, while Murph outwardly just wants the opportunity to apologize. However, ...

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Plot Keywords:

written and directed by cast member | directed by star | 

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Taglines:

A second chance for a first love.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Did You Know?

Trivia

"Purple Violets" became the first feature film to premiere exclusively on iTunes.

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Goofs

When Edward Burns' character, Michael is eating pizza during one of the montages, he's wearing his wedding ring. Burns probably forgot to take it off before shooting the scene.

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Quotes

Michael Murphy: There are no second acts.

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Connections

References Spider-Man 2 (2004)

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Soundtracks

Caught by the River
by Doves

User Reviews

Fans of Burns' work will enjoy it, even though its not his most sharply-worded work

Patti (Selma Blair) and her best friend, Kate (Debra Messing) are meeting for dinner at a Manhattan restaurant. Patti is an aspiring writer who has detoured into selling real estate, to pay the bills, and is married to a smug chef while Kate, a lovely schoolteacher, is still single. Lo and behold, the two women are amazed to see a pair of their ex-flames having dinner at a table not far away. Brian (Patrick Wilson), who was once very much in love with Patti, is now a very successful detective novelist who yearns to break free from the genre. Michael, Kate's past boyfriend, is, at present, a lucrative lawyer, since he sobered up and got serious. Naturally, the chance meeting is a heart stirrer. Patti's marriage is on the rocks and her still-strong attraction to Brian is real. Opposingly, Kate wants nothing to do with Michael, given his past infidelity, but it soon becomes apparent that the lawyer is ready to court her again. Will there be a second chance at love for either of these couples? First, let me state that I am a huge fan of Burns, who is first rate as a writer/director. His past work, including Brothers McMullen, She's the One, No Looking Back and, especially, the hard-hitting Sidewalks of New York, are exemplary examples of independent successes. However, this one is not quite on their level, which doesn't mean it is not worthwhile. It is. To begin, the four principal actors, Blair, Wilson, Messing, and Burns himself, are all attractive, capable thespians. They are a pleasure to watch. The supporting cast, which is includes the razor-tongued Dennis Farina, is also fine. The Manhattan setting, Burn's obvious home turf favorite, is nicely shown while the costumes, photography, and Burns' skilled direction are pluses, too. Most of all, the script, which is uneven, has some good messages about creativity and commercial success, which sometimes do not go hand in hand. Some of the film's best moments come from Wilson, at his book signings, who shows exasperation at some of his one-dimensional fans. No, its not "Misery" but the philosophy presented is the same. In short, if you like romantic comedy and Burns' smooth style, grab this one off the shelf, too.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 February 2009 (Mexico)

Also Known As:

Purple Violets

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$4,000,000 (estimated)

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$126,897

Company Credits

Production Co:

Wild Ocean Films, Lucky Day Pictures, Marlboro Road Gang Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

103 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1