Alex Stapleton has the only documentary in Park City at Midnight, CORMAN’S WORLD: EXPLOITS OF A HOLLYWOOD REBEL, a love letter to the quintessential independent filmmaker behind such classics as THE LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, HOUSE OF USHER, THE WILD ANGELS, and DEATH RACE 2000.
Sundance Program Description:
Independent film maverick. Trailblazing writer/director who takes chances with style and script. Inspirational humanist. Box-office success. Indie filmmaker from the 1970s or 1990s? No—Roger Corman!
While known for working fast—some of his films were made in two days—and wallowing in the B-movie world of monsters, bad special effects, schlocky acting, and plentiful nudity, Corman is also a respected rebel of cinema. He dealt with hot-button social topics like race and feminism. He created his own production and distribution company, tagging it “America’s Biggest Independent.” And he taught the next generation of film greats, including Scorsese, Demme, even Ron Howard. From Corman’s first 1955 feature to the set of his new film, DINOSHARK, this entertaining documentary has all the blood and guts of Corman’s lurid and fascinating career, with essential insights from contemporaries and students. Learn the roots of indie filmmaking, laced with boobs and violence!
Some Background:
Stapelton previously produced the doc JUST FOR KICKS, but CORMAN’S WORLD marks her directorial debut. Joining her is a panoply of experienced producers, including, among others, Stone Douglass and Mickey Barold (Producers of SPIN and BARRY MUNDAY), Jeff Frey (Co-Producer of Ondi Timoner’s Grand Jury Prize-winning WE LIVE IN PUBLIC, and Associate Producer of similar prize-winning DIG!, as well as JOIN US), and Executive Producer Jared Moshe (previously at Sundance wih DESTRICTED and LOW AND BEHOLD, and at Slamdance this year with SILVER TONGUES).
Why You Should Watch:
While some might be quick to label Corman a schlockmeister, the impressive fact remains he has been able to sustain a profitable business for more than half a century, without being beholden to the studio system, producing in the neighborhood of 400 features. He clearly engenders the respect and admiration of many “big names” that learned at his side, including, in addition to the directors named above, actors Jack Nicholson, Peter Fonda, and Bruce Dern. Of particular interest is Corman’s savviness with regards to promotion, especially reaching out to the teenagers in the 1950s and 1960s, long before the studios caught on.
Screening Info:
For screening dates and times at Sundance, click the link in the first paragraph above. The film also has an official Facebook page to help keep audiences updated on future screenings and other developments.
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