CORMAN’S WORLD (Anchor Bay, 2011) D: Alex Stapleton. Rating: NNNN DVD package: NNNN Rating: NNNN
Every article about Roger Corman starts with the list of major stars and directors who got their first break and/or learned their craft from him. They include Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, Jack Nicholson, Francis Ford Coppola, Ron Howard, William Shatner and many more.
But Corman’s real legacy is the movies he produced and/or directed in a 56-year career that’s still going strong. They include The Little Shop Of Horrors, House Of Usher, The Wild Angels, The Trip, Boxcar Bertha, Death Race 2000, Hollywood Boulevard, Piranha, Rock ‘N’ Roll High School, Sharktopus… over 400 and still counting.
None of his movies cost over a million, and only one lost money. He talks about that, his filmmaking philosophy, low-budget tips and tricks and lots of other things. The notables and others, including Corman’s wife and working partner, Julie Corman, chime in with detailed recollections and enthusiastic endorsements. What emerges is a portrait of a smart, happy and fulfilled man.
The extended interviews provide excellent anecdotes and insights, but avoid the “messages to Roger” extra unless you enjoy the embarrassment of people trying to ad lib something pithy and profound.
EXTRAS Extended interviews, messages to Roger. English audio. English SDH, Spanish subtitles.
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