 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
Horror Business (2005) |
Posted on 30 June, 2007 by
Princess Jolene
Writer and Director: Christopher P. Garetano
Year of Release: 2005
Horror is a huge part of my life, so Christopher P. Garetano’s documentary, Horror Business tickled my fancy and my brain. Filmmaker Garetano sets out to show the trials and tribulations of making a horror film and shows that these filmmakers truly put their heart, soul, and all the money they have (and don’t have) into their work on horror films.
Throughout this 2005 film that Garetano wrote and directed, he follows these filmmakers including Ron Atkins, Dave Stagnari, and Mark Borchardt (of “American Movie” fame in 1999) around and documents them making films and speaking about filmmaking. He also interviews people at the Fangoria convention in 2003, editor Tony Timpone from Fangoria Magazine, editor Rod Gudino from Rue Morgue, and Lloyd Kaufman from Troma Films, amongst other filmmakers and fans. One of the best clips of these interviews was of a Japanese fan at Fangoria who attempts to reenact a scene from his favorite horror film, “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.”
I wasn’t sure what exactly Garetano was trying to prove with this documentary or what exactly he was trying to document, but he did give a good view into the horror filmmakers’ minds. I was definitely intrigued by all of the filmmakers he followed. In addition, I found that the score was pleasing to the ear.
Atkins was interesting to watch because he was obviously extremely proud of his work. Clips of his work were shown and were of interest just because they seemed to be quite out there. Clips of his film “Sins of the Government” kind of freaked me out. This film is actually two short films entitled “Rites of the Illumnati” and “Ultra.” It deals with the American government and according to a synopsis I found online, it hits on if our politicians are actually shape-shifting reptilians cloaked in human form and is the CIA engaging in mind control experiments on US Citizens. Sounds like some of the X-Files shit that I’ve always loved. In addition to this film, Atkins also made the films “Necromaniac” and “Eyes of the Chameleon.”
Garetano interviewed Atkins and his wife several times and his wife was just as passionate about their filmmaking as Atkins was. It was refreshing to see these two people so into their work that they really don’t give a shit what people think of what they do, as long as they get their message out. This really is the connecting tie between all independent horror filmmakers. They do it because they believe in what they do not for money or to please others.
Filmmaker David Stagnari is also highlighted. I loved listening to Stagnari speak about why he makes films and how he loved them as a child, which seemed to be a recurring message--horror filmmakers make these films because they loved them so much as children. Generations feed the next generation. Filmmakers influence filmmakers. I love it. After watching him speak about horror films and his short “Catharsis,” a very David Lynch/Eraserhead looking art film, I wanted to meet him.
Also making an appearance was actor Sid Haig from the films “Spider Baby” and “House of a Thousand Corpses.” He explained that films that have violence for the sake of violence and sex for sex sake instead of violence or sex that actually moves the plot forward aren’t true horror films. But then again, isn’t it our fist amendment right to show what we want?
Timpone said something I liked. He said, “Violence is all around us. Horror films reflect society.” Which really is true and maybe that’s why so many filmmakers find that they’re the easiest to make. It was said in the film that horror films are like the “lowest common denominator,” but maybe really they are just the easiest for us to do because they are all around us every day. They are what lurk in the media, in the world around us, and in our brains.
Horror Business is definitely worth investigating. Garetano followed up this documentary with another called “Son of Horror Business.” I’d be interested in checking it out to see what other discoveries he’s found.
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
