
Do you know Russ Meyer? You should. The jury is out - auteur or dirty old man?
For those unaware of the late Russ' work it is hard to quantify. He wrote, shot, directed and edited his own films. They feature odd experimental techniques, adventurous angles and non-linear narratives. Importantly, they all share a style that is instantly recognisable as his. This description would seem to put him in league with Kubrick, Goddard and Beat Takashi. However - his films also centre on the adventures on numerous busty girls running around and are shot on 16mm with limited sync sound.
Is Russ a genius?
Is he a perv?
Did he manage to turn his low-tech resources into a positive?
Did his small crew help more than hinder?
Could we learn from him and try to place daring shots above technical flashiness?
Russ came to mind when my colleague 'The Uncle' described to me the ending of Russ' film Beyond the Valley of the Dolls. In the last 2 minutes we see images of every character in the film (however small their part) and hear from the narrator about what that character learnt. What a way to end! It's massively effective, fresh and costs nothing. Tarantino et al are always ripping off films from that era - the 70s. But I think they've been looking in the wrong place and at the wrong things.
Couldn't find the exact scene anywhere. But check out this trailer. This trailer is so direct its amazing. I wish I'd seen it before we shot this one for Circumference.
It's all here; love, rape, murder, dope, grass, abortion, suicide - something for everybody! If you've been waiting for something new, waiting for a film to shake you into a freaked out, mind blowing scene of 'right now' then come and see it man!
Technorati Tags:Russ Meyer,Trailer,Tarantino.