Documentaries on films what are some good ones

[retrorussell]

My Best Fiend (1999).  Great film about the movies Werner Herzog and Klaus Kinski worked on together, and their volatile relationship.  Klaus was one screwed up dude.

[Rev. Powell]

Just watched Nightmares in Red, White and Blue: The Evolution of the American Horror Film. Pretty good movie. It goes from early black and white films to the present day, looking at the various trends and putting them in historical context. Lance Henriksen narrates, and it is full of movie clips and interviews with people like Roger Corman, George Romero, Joe Dante, John Carpenter, etc. To its credit, the film delves pretty deeply into the genre, highlighting not just the obvious examples, but also some more obscure films, and looking at them from the perspective of the horror directors and film historians interviewed. Some interesting insights.

Heads up for those withe Netflix: NIGHTMARES is available streaming, along with a companion film called AMERICAN GRINDHOUSE that covers the exploitation movie beat.  I haven't seen either but there's a good chance I'll get to them soon.

[Jack Slater]

Just watched Nightmares in Red, White and Blue: The Evolution of the American Horror Film. Pretty good movie. It goes from early black and white films to the present day, looking at the various trends and putting them in historical context. Lance Henriksen narrates, and it is full of movie clips and interviews with people like Roger Corman, George Romero, Joe Dante, John Carpenter, etc. To its credit, the film delves pretty deeply into the genre, highlighting not just the obvious examples, but also some more obscure films, and looking at them from the perspective of the horror directors and film historians interviewed. Some interesting insights.

Heads up for those withe Netflix: NIGHTMARES is available streaming, along with a companion film called AMERICAN GRINDHOUSE that covers the exploitation movie beat.  I haven't seen either but there's a good chance I'll get to them soon.

I was going to mention this late last night but forgot. As I watched it yesterday on netflix. Thanks for the heads up. I enjoyed it very much so. They did a decent job handling the material and going threw quite a bit of horror film history. While I didn't agree with everything the interviewees had to say. The presentation was appealing enough to keep you in your seat for the 1hr 30min length.

I will have to give Grindhouse and gander.

[JayJayM12]

Best Worst Movie - all about Troll 2 made by the people who starred in it.

Couldn't agree more with this one - such a great doc.  You won't learn a whole lot of in depth info about the actual making of (besides great recollections from cast/crew) and there isn't any on-set footage really, but it is still VERY good.  It breaks down the movie in ways that most docs don't - what is the cast like?  What effect has the film had on them?  How is the movie recieved by audiences?  What effect does THAT have on the cast?  Great stuff...

[AndyC]

Best Worst Movie - all about Troll 2 made by the people who starred in it.

Couldn't agree more with this one - such a great doc.  You won't learn a whole lot of in depth info about the actual making of (besides great recollections from cast/crew) and there isn't any on-set footage really, but it is still VERY good.  It breaks down the movie in ways that most docs don't - what is the cast like?  What effect has the film had on them?  How is the movie recieved by audiences?  What effect does THAT have on the cast?  Great stuff...

I keep meaning to watch that one, and I still haven't. I really must make a point of it.

[66Crush]

I too like GOING TO PIECES, AMERICAN GRINDHOUSE, NOT QUITE HOLLYWOOD and NIGHTMARES IN RED WHITE IN BLUE. It's good to see so many people like those, you should see them. Here are some others I would recommend:
1. EMPIRE OF DREAMS -The bonus disc in the STAR WARS box set. Very detailed history.
2. GALAXY OF TERROR -The special features doc goes really in depth about Hollywood politics and how James Cameron is a jerk!
3. ANY DOCTOR WHO DVD -If you like this show grab a DVD. There are unlimited special features. Making of docs, multiple commentaries, production notes as an alternate subtitle setting. Choice of original efx or new CGI efx. Unedited and alternate takes and more. No other TV series puts out DVDs with this much stuff!
4. INSIDE DEEP THROAT -Not for everyone, but a fascinating look at how the film changed the adult industry.
5. FANTASTIC FLESH -Great doc on monster makeup efx, cool interviews with Tom Savini, Rick Baker and Dick Smith.

[SaintMort]

I have to also stress agreement with the following previously stated docs

1. Going to Pieces: the Rise and Fall of Slasher films = also a really fun read if you can get the book for cheap
2. Never Sleep Again = I never thought I would watch a 4 hour documentary 6 times... but this has proven me wrong
3. The Snowball Effect - I watch this every time I have writers block and it normally inspires me.
4. Best Worst Movie - My favorite film of last year. It's absolutely heartwarming and touching... now if you don't mind my first of two plugs (listen to my interview with George Hardy* on my podcast www.saintmortshow.com

I also highly recommend Divine Trash if you're a fan of John Waters and want to know the history of the making of Pink Flamingos

I'm looking forward to eventually seeing The Shark is STILL working the documentary about the making of Jaws.

* - To get to the specific episode with George Hardy - http://geekscape.net/shows/the-saint-mort-show/mustaches-and-pro-wrestlers

[66Crush]

Yeah, I gotta give an additional shout out to "Best Worst Movie."