Popatopolis

My first viewing of 'Popatopolis' was mildly entertaining as it was supposed to be. A light exploration of those sometimes likable T&A flicks & a well known b-movie director. This documentary traces Jim Wynorski's career, actresses within his films and isn't a bad watch for fans of this genre. It's "talking heads" format and a little too much industry back patting I could have done with less though.

Thru clips & interviews you get a quick picture of his start before boobs took over his movies. Back when he wasn't exclusively pumping out softcore romps and also working with a bit more money, imagination. This leads to the loose narrative at the heart of this doc as we follow along as Jim shoots his T&A flick 'Witches of Breastwick' in three days. Thankfully filmmaker Clay Westervelt shows this mock "challenge" to ultimately be a maneuver to make a flick with the least amount of effort, cost in all regards.

Most interesting pieces come courtesy of facts. Technology changed everything. Better cheaper cameras. The internet and more accessible porn. Much smaller b-movie market. Acting "talent" gone and budgets disappear. Sex even more important to sell. A paycheck is a paycheck. 'Popatopolis' hits all these notes and it's edited to be an easy watch.

You wouldn't expect a documentary to have a twist in it, but for my viewing experience, I can truly attest to the film going to a place that I did not expect. Up until about 20 minutes left in the film, I thought I was watching a mockumentary. I truly never for a second believed I was watching a documentary about a real man named Jim Wynorsky. I didn't think Jim couldn't not be a written character, and all his antics, whether just reflections of his personality or his let's say questionable decision making when it comes to filmmaking could represent reality in any true sense. Boy was I wrong. The documentary took on an entirely different reality to me when I looked the film up and discovered that everyone featured was not playing a part, but was a real person going through real experiences on a 3 day movie shoot. With that information in mind, this documentary takes on a whole new meaning and can't be rated high enough as an examination of the state of the "B" movie and the impact one Jim Wynorsky has had on it.

Jim Wynorski is a character in himself. This documentary is more than a notorious B-Movie director attempting to film a movie in three days, its about the director behind it all. Jim is funny, angry, talented, and some might say a bit crazy. His famous catch phrase, "Hate It!" is a definite theme throughout the film. Watching this short-tempered director bark orders at his crew of two, and D-list actors is often uncomfortable but also entertaining. You learn about Jim's past from his adorable mother who says,"He was always a loner." and "He's a director..right?". I found this documentary absolutely hilarious and interesting. The film maker in me really needed to know HOW was this man going to make a feature, even a B-movie, in THREE DAYS?! And with a two man crew?! The concept seemed so absurd to me, and probably most people. But to see how resourceful he is was a learning experience. The documentary will definitely make you laugh and is a must see for anyone who is into the now dying genre of B-Movies. Popatopolis is also perfect if you are a aspiring or even successful film maker.

Popatopolois places the audience in the exciting world of film production... well, not the big Hollywood, multi-million dollar productions many dream of, rather the crude, low budget, desperate talent, minimal time, and no hope of stardom or producing a blockbuster. Within this dying world of B-films one man stands apart from the rest, Jim Wynorski's. An obsession for filmmaking and large breasted women catapulted Jim to the top of the B-film world, yet that has done little for the man's personal life.

The concept is simple; Jim is a man who can produce a product for market when all the odds seem to be against him. But, when he is given two days to shoot a feature tension pushes everyone to their limits. The film itself builds a certain fondness for Jim, who comes across as a misunderstood artist, who has made a way for himself but has yet to make it out of the low budget industry. The film is rough and raw, much like Jim. The film will keep you laughing, and keep you questioning the film making tactics of the "legendary" Jim Wynorski.

Jim Wynorski is a uniquely expressive human being in every way possible. As a reigning b- movie director he's gifted, easily irritated, your best friend at times, and a bit crazy. For Wynorski's sake, who wouldn't be a bit crazy after trying to repeatedly make movies with three days or less? But somehow, someway he does the impossible.

Popatopolis lets you take a front row journey of the production for, "The Witches of Breastwick" and just how Wynorski directs the incredible task of creating a film in three days with a three-man crew and a selection D-list talent. Through the movie you will find yourself laughing and learning from his infamous line, "I hate it, I hate it" to his views on life, "Here is a lesson for all you stupid, stupid chicks out in Hollywood… and there's plenty of ya." Prior to Popatopolis, I had minimal understanding of the b-movie world and have gained an appreciation for the art form. It's a great insight on the b-movie genre and anyone who admires the work of production and filmmaking.