Pop Quiz: Do you know what an American Grindhouse is? Is it…
A: A Double feature released in 2007 by Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez.
B: A giant warehouse where coffee beans are crushed into a fine grind.
C: A movie theatre specializing in showing trashy exploitative cinema that multiplexes wouldn’t touch with a certain John Holmes body part.
If you chose C congratulations. You my friend, at least have an idea as to what an American Grindhouse is. If you chose A or B, don’t feel too bad, luckily for you Elijah Drenner‘s new feature-length documentary, American Grindhouse exists.
This informative and in-depth exploration of all things exploitative discusses what it means to be labeled ”Grindhouse”. From the century long history and evolution of this underground and considerably less-than-mainstream film market to the definition of the actual word, American Grindhouse leaves no stone unturned. After watching this film you will see the enormous impact Grindhouse cinema, and all of its sub-genres (Nudie Cuties, Roughies, Naziploitation, Blaxploitation, etc.) had on its Hollywood more popular releases.
The film is narrated by Robert Forster. Sure, he was nominated for an Oscar for his role in Jackie Brown, but the man is no stranger to the exploitative world of Grindhouse Cinema. Who remembers Alligator or The Delta Force? Yeah, me neither, but he was in them.
Anyway, American Grindhouse is told in traditional documentary style, with a slew of filmmakers and historians sitting in front of a painted background or a bookshelf of some kind. This style, although generic, is effective in part because of the timely editing of countless old footage and the many humorous insightful notions of John Landis (An American Werewolf In London). While there are many other prominent names featured, it is John whose charisma keeps you hanging on his every word.
I hate to end a review of a good film on a negative note, but I feel it must be said that one major problem I had with this film was the voiceover narration taking place while facts such as court rulings and definitions were being displayed. I found this to be very distracting and was unable to pay attention to what Mr. Forster was saying while simultaneously reading the words written on the screen. It was like trying to rub your head and pat your belly while tap dancing to Singing In The Rain. Easy for some, hard for me.
Like I said in the last paragraph, I hate to end a review for a good film on a negative note, so I won’t. Whether you are or are not a fan of ”underground cinema” it should matter not, American Grindhouse is essential viewing for fans of ALL film.
Showtimes for American Grindhouse:
7/18/10 Sunday 5:00PM Roxie Cinema (3117 16th Street)
7/25/10 Sunday 5:00PM Viz Cinema (1746 Post Street)
7/27/10 Tuesday 5:00PM Viz Cinema (1746 Post Street)
