Mr. Perry,
I would like to take a few moments to comment on the work you did on WICKED SPRING. I loved it !
I have been a student of civil war history since the age of eight and I'm now 37(a really old feeling 37), I have been a civil war reenactor and living historian since `97.
Never have I been as impressed by a movie depiction of the civil war as I was by WICKED SPRING, its slower pace and steady commitment to authenticity were commendable to say the least.
My unit is the 19th TN Knoxville Grays... I have passed your movie through the entire unit and we all love it.
Thanks a mil
Your pard in TN!!
Gregory Wright
Date: Aug 23, 2006 7:44 PM
So yeah I'm sort of in the independent film industry and bottom line is I LOVE movies. Anyhow, I just saw judges and loved it because of the style it was filmed and your style of acting.
Anyway yeah I'll definately check you out all your films.
As I was watching "Judges" I'm like "that actor is awesome" so I waited till the credits roll up and I saw DJ Perry and I'm like "cool."
I just hope you continue to make films!
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Thanks Mike! The hard work is for the fans like yourself that keeps us all striving to make better and better films. It is nice to know when someone really enjoys something!
Sincerely,
DJ
Hi, it's John Pycior from "Justice For All" (Ruben Becker). Just saw the premiere of "Judges" (in celebration of the DVD release). Very nice performance! Loved the story line, the action, the feel and the style of the film. I sincerely hope there is a sequel.
John,
Thank you sincerely for the kind words. I know the entire cast and crew put a lot of hard work into the project. I will confirm that a sequel to Judges is underway. A script is being developed as we speak.
DJ
My thoughts on "Figure in the Forest". I really did enjoy the movie. Being a mother I was definitely bawling during the scene when Rita first glimpsed her son in the forest and then he disappeared. That evoked powerful mama emotions from me that I never explored before. I really enjoyed the idea of communicating with her deceased child. I thought it contributed to her healing. I was, however, disappointed that she took her crummy husband back. I'm all for forgiveness and trying to work things out. But this guy is an a**hole! Just because he develops a little insight about how horrible he has bee, she goes right back to him. In my opinion, she should have hooked up with Brad (hello, hotty!) and started something new. But I suppose that wouldn't have been as wholesome and "family" focused. Overall, I connected with the actors/actresses and felt that the theme of the film was a unique idea to explore. I would definitely recommend it to friends, especially those who have children.
Love and Light!
Roz
Speaking of pics, the one of you on the journal page at Pepper's site is just beautiful. It's a perfect pic to remind viewers of the "Wicked Spring" scene with you and Brian at the campfire. I'm telling you, DJ, even when I saw the film again on ABC, it made me weep. The whole campfire chat is the kind of moment that touches women's hearts, even in a 'war film'. I know I'm an exception as a female loving war movies. Can't figure it out since I'm a gentle person - for some reason I love writing & watching battle scenes. I think I like the strategy.
Karen Shelby
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Karen,
I'm deeply touched that you "feel" that scene, that look, that moment. I honestly have to say that the letter writing scene from "WICKED SPRING" was a proud moment. A dress maker and father of three (almost 4) who tried to make the world a better place. That scene is a favorite of mine and I'm glad it is one of yours.
Sincerely,
DJ Perry
I just finished watching your movie, WICKED SPRING. As a Civil War buff, I was impressed with the different aspect of the War. Thank you for presenting this movie.
Sincerely,
Ruthann Cross
prattcross@aol.com
Saw your website and Thank you. Working with you was an honor and a pleasure. And as for teaching you to throw a knife... you were a natural. You, Colin and I should get together and throw some. If you ever need a native in any of your movies let me know. It would be grate to work with you again.
Your Indian,
TwoFeatherz
DJ often replies to the mail, this one made it to my desk.
TwoFeatherz,
My friend the honor was all mine. I get up every day and thank the greatness around us each day that I can live to work with other talented artists like yourself and be storytellers. As for the knives... anytime.
DJ
Mr. DJ Perry,
If this letter is long and rambles, I'm sorry but I have to say what I want to say. I watched the history and progress of "Wicked Spring" since its early years and watched with high hopes and an excitement of seeing a civil war movie historically accurate and not "Hollywood-raised" as I call it.
When the movie was complete, I watched for some sign of it to show up on the big screen in my area (which of course it never did). I wrote to the director on many occasions for updates on its release and what the status was. When it was finally released on DVD, I kept looking for a copy every place I tried to order it from and could not get hold of it.
This past week, after many years of waiting and searching, the years of searching came to an end, I finally got hold of a copy. I have just finished watching the movie I have been waiting for 4 years to see. I had to write you and tell you what I thought.
Mr. Perry, the movie blew me away, it was everything I wanted it to be and more. I even recall a tear falling down my check at the end. I know how much it means to people who work on a movie so long and hard (especially independent) to know their work is liked and loved. I am truly at a loss for words. I wish I could meet everyone who made this movie and shake their hands and thank them for taking me on a very human journey and a historical trip.
I only wish I could write to everyone who was a player in the movie and tell them what a fan I am now. If you have any addresses or email addresses I can get from the cast of the film I would like to have it so I may write them personally.
I do not know what else to say sir but thank you. I am now aware of a new movie by the director of "Wicked Spring" called "No Retreat From Destiny". I do not know what your link (if any) is to this new film but I plan on watching its progress like "Wicked Spring" but this time I can actually pre-order the movie.
I will let you get back to the wonderful work you are doing. As I said before, if you can give me any addresses or email addresses to the "Wicked Spring" cast, I would love it so I can write them.
Thank you,
Cliff Mapes
everquester74@earthlink.net
Dear Mr.Perry,
I wanted to tell you that I am a great fan of this movie. Being a hardcore CW reenactor, I have seen many in-accurate Civil War movies, whether it be the uniforms, or something political. This movie, I'm happy to say, out did what I expected.
The uniforms were correct, you did not have overweight middleage guys trying to act like 18-25 year old skinny troops, and as you said in an interview, there were not politics, and no good or evil. Just good men in a horrible war. I thought killing all the men off in the end was brilliant, stating that men you grew to love in war might not make it.
I thought you and Brian Merrick's performances were excellent. You did not overact like so many actors in historic movies do. You didn't play some "big cheese" like usually, just regular soldiers, which I feel people who see this movie could relate to. This is a brillant movie that I plan on recommending to our local art movie house.
I was also wondering about what other Civil War movies Lionheart has planned to film in the future? I am very interested in film and have several ideas for movies, one of which is about the Christmas Truce of 1914.
Once again, I enjoyed this movie very much and plan on seeing more Lionheart films in the future.
Sincerely,
Cullen Smith
I cannot even begin to tell you how thrilled I am to be able to share my love and appreciation of DJ Perry with other fans!
DJ is one of the most wonderful young actors that I have seen grace the silver screen in quite some time! From his wickedly funny performance in Tangy Guacamole to his tragically moving role in Wicked Spring, Mr.Perry in one that we are going to be seeing things from for a long time to come!
Being a native of Lansing myself, I am extremely proud to have such a wonderful hometown hero as an inspiration to look up to. I look forward to the day when his name gets dropped during Oscar season, when I can comment that I was a huge fan back in the day.
Bravo to you, DJ and keep the great work coming!
Lauren S.
Lansing, MI
DJ Perry is such an incredibly underrated and fantastic actor! His performance in Wicked Spring moved me to tears, and his performance in Tangy Guacamole made me crack up! I can't wait to see the next movie from this talented man, and I wouldn't be surprised to see his name pop up on the Oscar ballot a few years down the line!
Lani G.
Massachusetts
Hi DJ,
I just rented and finished watching your movie "Wicked Spring" and I have to say that it is one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. You give a great performance, and I think you guys definitely captured something significant about how pointless war and fighting can be and how in the end we are all basically the same.
I was shocked to see that you have received some terrible messages from people, so I felt compelled to send you one about how great I thought your performance was as both an actor and a producer. Don't pay attention to what people say, especially when they are just out to hurt you, and don't let it get in the way of your work because it is obvious to me that you have a great talent and you need to continue in this business sharing your talents with us, your fans who will go see your movies. I intend suggesting "Wicked Spring" to my friends.
I hope you get this message, and I also hope that it in some way makes up for the unecessary negative messages you had received before from others. I really look forward to seeing more of your work. One question, what is the picture from of you holding what looks like and axe?
Take Care,
Rob
I didn't know what else to call you. I played the sniper you wasted in "And Justice for All" in case you're wondering.
What is your website address? I cannot find it amongst my email messages. I was able to pull it up once and briefly read up on you a bit. Just thought I'd try to keep up on the progress of your career so that maybe one day I'll be able to say "I worked with that dude once".
I enjoyed working with you all, even though we never really talked much. If you're ever in the area again and need a bad guy to kill, or even a side kick to make you look good, drop me a line and if I can help I will.
Actually I did study acting briefly under a woman named Sylvia Harman, but came to the realization that being a professional firefighter brought me about as much fame and fortune as I care to have. Well the fortune part still sounds good.
Anyhow, best of luck to ya DJ,
Tom Lang
aka "Yukon Tom of the Pungo Posse"
Hello DJ,
Just wanted to let you know that it was great working with you on "And Justic For All". I look forward to working with you again.
Let me know what you and Billy had in mind for the horror movie.
I wish you continued success.
Your Indian,
TwoFeathers
Dear Mr. Perry:
I just saw "Wicked Spring" this morning, and I wanted to tell you how deeply moved I was by the experience. Everything about it -- the story, the setting, the acting -- seemed so perfect, so real.
As a member of the Civil War Round Table of New York City, I look forward to telling all our members about this great film.
Thanks for producing this powerful movie.
Marty Smith
Dear DJ Perry,
I just wanted to thank you for making such a good Civil War movie as Wicked Spring. My son rented it for me last week for my birthday and I was just amazed how it captured the Civil War soldier's life and fears. It was a movie that is hard to get out of your head. I am a big Civil War buff. Until I saw your movie, Gettysburg was my favorite movie but yours is now. I live in PA but, I love Virginia. I am good friends with JEB Stuart IV from Richmond. The way I sign my letters to him is: Your PA Rebel. It is from General Stuart Having a friend who was a gril and he called her his New York Rebel. It amazed me that in the credits you stayed at the Howard Johnson's at Chester, VA. My sister in law lives there.
I just wanted to tell you your movie was great and you did a good job. I hope you do more Civil War movies. I am going to go find Wicked Spring to buy so, I own it. If you have time drop me a line so, I know you got this.
Thank you,
Vicki Boyer
