Purple Violets is a 2007 American independent romantic comedy film written and directed by Edward Burns, who also co-stars. It is set in lower Manhattan, about four friends from college who unexpectedly meet again after twelve years apart. The film stars Selma Blair, Patrick Wilson, Debra Messing and Burns. It also features Dennis Farina, Donal Logue and Elizabeth Reaser. Purple Violets became the first feature film to debut on the iTunes Store.

Purple Violets
Theatrical film poster
Directed byEdward Burns
Written byEdward Burns
Produced byMargot Bridger
Edward Burns
Becky Glupczynski
Aaron Lubin
Nicole Marra
Pamela Schein Murphy
StarringSelma Blair
Patrick Wilson
Edward Burns
Debra Messing
Music byP.T. Walkley
Release date
  • November 20, 2007 (2007-11-20)
Running time
101 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$4 million[1]

Plot summary

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Patti Petalson (Selma Blair) is a promising writer, but her marriage and conventional job keep her from her dream. She longs to return to her writing, especially after running into her first love, Brian Callahan (Patrick Wilson), a successful crime novelist. Kate (Debra Messing) is Patti's best friend since college. She's a tough-talking schoolteacher who plays therapist to all Patti's problems, while she's got a few of her own.

Despite Brian's gorgeous Tribeca loft and perfect house in the Hamptons, he longs to write works of greater literary value. Michael Murphy (Edward Burns), his lawyer and best friend from college, still carries a flame for former girlfriend Kate, even though their relationship ended badly. Since he spotted Kate at a restaurant, she has become all he can think about. She holds a grudge, but he will go to any length to win Kate back.

When Patti sells Murphy a new apartment, and Brian publishes his personal novel, these old friends reconnect in unexpected ways.

Cast

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Actor Role
Selma Blair Patti Petalson
Patrick Wilson Brian Callahan
Edward Burns Michael Murphy
Debra Messing Kate Scott
Dennis Farina Gilmore
Max Baker Mark
Donal Logue Chazz Coleman
Elizabeth Reaser Bernadette (Bernie)
Peter Jacobson Monroe (Cameo)
Bill Hader Bookstore Fan (Cameo)

Soundtrack

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Purple Violets′ soundtrack mainly includes songs by the alternative rock band "The Blue Jackets", notoriously the indie-rock ballads "Do You Remember" and "You Send Shivers"; the latter is played during the final scene and end credits.

Distribution

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Purple Violets became noteworthy for being the first feature film to debut on the iTunes Store. It was released on November 20, 2007. The movie was exclusive to Apple Inc. for one month after release. Subsequently, Purple Violets was released on DVD through The Weinstein Company.

References

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