Movielogr
Popatopolis (2009)
Directed by Clay Westervelt
Twitter Facebook Google+Most recently watched by seanCduregger, sensoria
Overview
In 20 years, he’s directed more films than Martin Scorsese, He’s produced more profitable movies than Jerry Bruckheimer, And he’s infuriated more actors than Alfred Hitchcock. The ultimate B Movie Documentary, focusing on B Movie Giant Jim Wynorski (and B Movie Celebration Mentor) and his attempt to make a feature film in 3 days. He’s directed seventy feature films, but he’s never made one… in THREE DAYS. Jim cuts the shooting schedule, has the actors cook their own food. A documentary featuring B-Movie legends Roger Corman, Andy Sidaris, Julie Strain, Julie K. Smith and Stormy Daniels, Popatopolis follows Jim Wynorski as he begins to film one of his many opuses “Witches of Breastwick” Jim’s frenetic pace demands 100 setups per day (the Hollywood standard is 20), and he reduces his electric package to just two lights so he can concentrate on the task at hand.A great overview of a true master at work and in many ways a laser sharp dialectic on the state of B filmmaking today.
Length 75 minutes
Actors
Monique Parent | Glori-Anne Gilbert | Jim Wynorski | Julie Strain | Lloyd Kaufman | Julie K. Smith | Antonia Dorian | Stormy Daniels | Andy Sidaris | Paul Coufos | Joe Souza | Roger Corman
Viewing History (seen 1 time)
| Date Viewed | Device | Format | Source | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/23/2010 | Movie Screen | DVD | Theater | 8 stars |
| (Average) 8 stars |
Viewing Notes
Second film up at HSFF was a documentary I’ve been wanting to see all year: Popatopolis (2009), directed by Clay Westervelt, who flew in to introduce the film and give a Q&A afterwards. I’ve held off watching this on home video expressly to see it in this environment. I only wish more people were in attendance. The doc is great as it covers Jim Wynorski as he attempts to direct an entire film in 3 days (The Witches of Breastwick 3). It’s a fascinating look at not just b-movies but also the decline of b-movies because of how these films are produced so quickly and sold to direct-to-cable. Very enjoyable.
Afterwards I moderated the Q&A, which was also very good for the line of questions asked. Really great to finally meet Clay and spend some time with him this way. Only wish there was more time to hang out!
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