We all love a good documentary, with everyone having their favourite topic. For me, you can’t beat a documentary on the movie industry. From movie star turmoil, to failed projects, if it revolves around the world’s most glamorous industry, I’ll gladly watch it. Today’s list is going to focus on documentaries devoted to specific films, genres or fandoms:
5. Comic Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope
Rather than focus on a specific fandom, Morgan Spurlock chooses to instead cover the biggest meeting of fandoms ever put together; Comic-Con. Shifting away from the big studios and celebrities, the documentary focuses on some of the smaller people of Comic-Con. From Holly, an aspiring costume-maker hoping to win Comic-Con’s biggest costume event, to James, a man hoping to propose to his girlfriend in the middle of Kevin Smith’s panel. Whilst it might sound mundane, Spurlock manages to tell these (and many more) stories in an extremely engaging way.
4. Not Quite Hollywood: The Wild, Untold Story of Ozploitation!
In the ’70s and ’80s, Australian cinema received a monumental push that made it the most popular it’s ever been. The cause? A slew of B-grade movies, dubbed “Ozploitation” films. Combining footage from these B-grade classics with interviews from the men behind the scenes, director Mark Hartley manages to craft an incredibly fun and entertaining documentary that will having you chanting “Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi” long before the credits roll.
3. Jodorowsky’s Dune
Alejandro Jodorowsky is one of the most revered cult film directors of all time. His directorial debut, El Topo, was one of the films to kick-start the midnight movie phenomenon. In the ’80s, Jodorowsky was given the chance to adapt Frank Herbet’s classic book Dune. This documentary details the pre-production of that film and it’s inevitable failure before the cameras even rolled. Anchoring this film down is Jodorowsky, who has such a passion and energy about him that you inevitably get swept up in his stories. Combine that with the infinite amounts of information available on the failed project and you get a great way to spend 90 minutes.
2. I Am Divine
Whilst not technically about a specific film or genre (although John Water’s films are essentially their own genre), I felt the need to include this one. I Am Divine is a simultaneously heartbreaking and heart-warming tale, documenting the life of Glenn Milstead, better known as drag performer Divine. Featuring interviews with all of those closest to Glenn, this documentary tells his story in an amazing way – never pulling any punches, but always having a sense of humour. It transports you into Divine’s world, and by the end you feel as though he was your best friend. I Am Divine is not just one of my favourite documentaries or movies, it’s simply one of my all-time favourite documentaries, period.
1. American Movie
American Movie details Mark Borchardt’s attempts to make his masterpiece film, Coven. Haven’t heard of it? Borchardt is essentially the Ed Wood of the 21st century; a man with an incredible passion for film who just can’t translate that passion into a decent film. American Movie, although covering the makings of Coven, is also a snapshot of a man’s life. A fascinating man who has put everything on hold to pursue his dream, but just doesn’t have the resources or talent to deliver. In one scene we see him tirelessly editing his film in a public facility, all whilst his children sleep on the floor. Then we see him getting upset about having his credit card cut off, only to be overjoyed to discover a new one 30 seconds later in the mail. Overflowing with realism, American Movie is a once-in-a-lifetime film that is indescribably fascinating. If you’re to see no other film on this list, I implore you to check out this one.
Written by Joel Male
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