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Reviews
It's All True: Based on an Unfinished Film by Orson Welles (1993)
A refreshing look at a controversial genius
I loved this examination of Welles' South American misadventures, because it challenged and successfully overturned my prejudices towards Welles; namely, that in his early years he squandered much of his talent and potential while becoming Hollywood's "bad boy," partying in the streets of Rio on RKO's tab until they had no choice but to pull the plug on his project. Instead, the filmmakers paint a much more sincere portrait of Welles as a committed filmmaker and artist, with circumstances beyond his control ultimately destroying not just his hard work, but the hopes of an entire oppressed underclass.
Amazingly, the filmmakers were able to locate the survivors (and their relatives) to piece together, first the chronology of Welles' stay in Brazil, and eventually the raw footage itself, to give us at least a glimpse of what Welles had planned to release. It's also a fascinating look at the early documentary tradition pioneered by Robert Flaherty and John Grierson (though ultimately I think the evidence suggests Welles may have been more influenced by Eisensteinian agit-prop).
For anyone interested in a sympathetic portrayal of American cinema's most praised and controversial director, I highly recommend IT'S ALL TRUE.
Attack of the Bat Monsters (1999)
A great movie to go along with ED WOOD and MATINEE
Highly recommended! I loved this film when I saw it at a film festival last year and desperately want to see it again. I can't believe someone hasn't picked it up yet! The film is clearly referring to ATTACK OF THE CRAB MONSTERS, or maybe LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, since it was made in only three days. What I loved about it was that, aside from being generally hilarious, it has moments of real pathos. I also loved the fact that I didn't recognize any of the actors, though they were all excellent. It really added to the film's authenticity. My goal is to buy the DVD and do a drive-in triple feature some night with my friends - ED WOOD, MATINEE, and ATTACK OF THE BAT MONSTERS!