Cinema Crazed

2007

Rated: Unrated

Genre: Documentary

Directed By: John Paul Kinhart

Running Time: 1:15

Review by: Felix Vasquez Jr.

Review Date: 3/14/07

BLOOD, BOOBS & BEAST:
A DOCUMENTARY ABOUT B-HORROR FILMMAKER DON DOHLER

“It’s like they told you: you need boobs, blood, and beast,” says production partner Joe Ripple to Don Dohler. One of the best aspects of being a film buff is that you’re able to discover so many different artists who may never or will never achieve mainstream notice. Don Dohler has created some of the most tedious pieces of film, with some of the most awful acting, and atrocious writing. This is a man whose films have been seen mostly on late night television, and achieved notoriety by being lampooned on “Mystery Science Theater 3000.” But, he’s okay with that. And that’s because it’s really not about the abundance of cinematic contributions, but the strength of these cinematic contributions. What makes Don Dohler such a worthy subject for one of the better documentaries I’ve seen in years is that he’s humble. And he doesn’t mind that his films are considered to be awful by a general audience.

You’d never suspect he has a fan base of hardcore followers, including the likes of Tom Savini, JJ Abrams, Robert Crumb, Art Spiegelman, and Lloyd Kaufman. Kinhart doesn’t just explore the experience of Dohler facing the basic general consensus that he’s taken part in some of the worst movies ever made, but it’s also a wonderful exploration of the independent filmmaking process. From actors who drop out at the last minute, to limited shooting locations,

“Blood, Boobs & Beast,” is one of the best depictions of the B-Horror movie genre and the turmoil’s of making films on a limited budget you can see. If you want to discover the true plight of the independent filmmaker, look no further than documentaries from actual filmmakers. “Blood, Boobs & Beast” is an utterly fantastic documentary about a filmmaker that also shows the family man within the filmmaker. Fans of Dohler will be able to see him in a completely different perspective as a man who loves his children, and takes care of his mentally disabled little sister who has had a tough life. Truly amusing are two hardcore fans that comment on Dohler’s production of his different films with pure passion, and even speak in synch with his infamous “The Alien Factor.” Don Dohler is a very mild mannered man who isn’t one who’s used to ruffling feathers, which does contribute to one of his most successful films “Vampire Sisters,” which ends up being looked down on by him for the pressure by his partner Joe to include gratuitous sex.

But, the conflict remains, as Joe insists upon the golden rules for their productions. You must have blood, boobs, and beast to produce a profitable and entertaining horror film, in spite of Dohler’s irritation. Kinhart doesn’t manipulate his surroundings, nor does he cloud the production with ridiculous commentary, or narration, instead he’s intent on viewing what is unfolding before the camera. Don discusses his production troubles while never being able to truly admit his role as an underground icon, even in the face of his character ProJunior’s success. Meanwhile, you can sense the love he holds for his family over his films, and you tend to respect his art more in the process.

“Blood, Boobs & Beast” is one of the most heartbreaking and heartfelt explorations of a cult icon, that remains a wonderful footnote in horror movie fan’s hearts. With a wry sense of humor, and wonderful direction, Kinhart pays homage to a great director.

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