Long time no see, kids and cadets. I know it's been a while since my last foray into the world of obscure documentaries but here's the best bit of news you'll hear all day; I'm back and ready to share some documentaries with you all. Now that the introductions have been made once again, let's dive right on in.
Best Worst Movie (2009)
My love for bad cinema knows no bounds, just ask my fiancé. Growing up on a steady stream of 1950s and 1960s B-cinema as well as the hijinks of Joel, Mike and the Bots on Mystery Science Theater 3000, has infused me with a love for some of the strangest and worst Hollywood has to offer. If you've never seen Troll 2, I can only feel sorry for you. The 1990 horror film, Troll 2 is without a doubt, one of the worst movies ever made. This film, much like The Room, defies belief. Many a scientist has sat down with complex scientific equipment to try and understand what makes Troll 2 so lovably bad, only to never be seen again. Best Worst Movie is a loving look at not only the rabid fans of this cult film, but at the actors who helped to bring this epic story to the big screen. Directed by Michael Stephenson, the young star of Troll 2, we follow George Hardy, a dentist turned actor (and another of film's stars) as he and others involved with the film come to terms with the movie's cult status and rising popularity. This film is both hilarious and touching. I suggest you try watching Troll 2 before watching this documentary and then maybe watching Troll 2 again afterwards, if you can handle that much Nilbog.
The People Vs. George Lucas (2010)
Alexandre O. Philippe is a bold, bold man for provoking the ire of Star Wars fans the world over. In this documentary, he dares to pit George Lucas, godfather of the Star Wars Saga against his fans and those who grew up with his iconic films. Passions flare as nerds (not unlike myself) duke it out when it comes to the Prequels, Special Editions, and all the other decisions Lucas has made in his one-man attempt to ruin something so beloved by so many around the world. Just as the film's title implies, this is truly the fans against the man who gave them their very reason for geeking-out in the first place. The love/hate relationship of the fans is what truly drives this film. You can argue about the artist's rights to continue to change their work until the Banthas come home, but you cannot deny the passion of a Wookie scorned.
The Atomic Café (1982)
This collection of propaganda and safety films from the 1940s to 1960s is a fascinating and very often, creepy look at America's fear of a nuclear holocaust during the height of the Cold War. Presented without narration, this film quite literally speaks for itself. If you take anything away from watching this documentary, it's this; duck and cover and you'll be a-okay when the a-bombs start to drop.
The Devil and Daniel Johnston (2005) This film follows the life and career of one of the most prolific singer/songwriters in recent musical history and you've probably never heard of him. Musician and artist, Daniel Johnston is a genius and manically-depressed. At the height of his popularity, even Kurt Cobain, wore a shirt featuring one of Johnston's most iconic drawings. Never has a film so strongly reaffirmed the notion that genius and madness are two sides of the same coin. This film can be hard to watch at times, but observing Johnston's slow decent into madness collide with his steady rise to stardom, is like watching a train wreck you can't turn away from. This is a film worth looking into, just be sure to keep a box of tissues on hand.
I think that about wraps it up. There will be more documentaries soon, so keep your chins up and keep watching the screens.
I think that about wraps it up. There will be more documentaries soon, so keep your chins up and keep watching the screens.
- Colin (the Devourer of Worlds)
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