If you’re a mainstream
movie fanatic, you might be surprised to find out that one of the most
influential people in Hollywood is the prolific master of B-movies, Roger
Corman.
‘Who? What? Why?’ asks
a man wearing a ketchup-stained Transformers t-shirt. Well, Transformers fan,
Corman is one of the great pioneers of modern cinema. Without his
groundbreaking efforts in guerrilla filmmaking and expansion of genre pictures
into adult territory, the first blockbusters – Jaws and Star Wars – might
have been made differently, or not exist at all.
In a career spanning
over 50 years, Corman has produced and/or directed around 400 films, including
a series of Edgar Allen Poe adaptations, the ‘first LSD movie’ The Trip, and a bikie movie starring Nancy Sinatra and Peter Fonda (Wild Angels). His influence on directors
such as Martin Scorsese helped bring counter-culture into the light, and out of
the shadows of post-war US conservatism.
Another indelible mark
he made on the cinematic landscape was his distribution of art house films to
the American masses through his small studio ‘New World Pictures’. Akira
Kurasawa and Ingmar Bergman (among others) finally gained exposure and the
potential of art house was recognised by other industry movers and
shakers.
But it wasn’t all
subtle and arty cinemaaahh. Exploitation films of every variety, brimming with
sexual liberation and advocating civil rights, were produced by Corman – a fact
not lost on Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez, who recently paid homage to
the legend in their ‘Grind House’ double feature.
‘Corman At Ya’ is the late night
showcase of Corman’s very best bits – a collation of ‘B’ cinema in ‘A’ form.
Compiled by Mark Hartley (director of brilliant ‘Ozploitation’ documentary Not Quite Hollywood) and Jamie Blanks
(who recently remade the classic Aussie thriller Long Weekend), trailer after trailer will inspire you to raid
garage sales in search for trashy treasure.
For some interesting
facts about Corman’s impact on modern Hollywood, check out this link: http://www.wired.com/underwire/2011/12/roger-corman/all/1
What? Corman At Ya!
When? Friday 25th of May – 11pm
Where? The Astor Theatre
Check the St Kilda Film Festival website for
updates on ticketing information in early May!
