Review of Herschell Gordon Lewis: The Godfather of Gore

This film is truly one of the best documentaries I have ever seen! Not only does it give you the history of Herschell Gordon Lewis and his wide range of films but it also gives you a history of a form of film making that is basically a lost art today. Several sub generes of the exploitation film industry (which in itself is a dead art today)are covered when you talk about Lewis and his films including the "Nudie Cutie" films of the early 60's, The Biker Films, The "Roughies", and yes the film style Mr. Lewis invented with his 1962 classic "Blood Feast"...the "Gore" film! Between the film itself and the over 60 minutes worth of 'deleted' scenes included on the DVD version (which by themselves can be considered a separate movie)every single one of Mr. Lewis over 37 films are covered (save his latter efforts "Blood Feast 2" and "The Uh Oh Show"). There is even footage from rare Lewis films such as the never completed "Eye for an Eye" and "The Magical Land of Mother Goose". The film makers even go so far as to recreate footage from an "Eye for an Eye" by remastering it and adding a soundtrack so that Lewis enthusiasts can finally see, at least part of, this never before seen Lewis film. Many different Lewis alumni are interviewed for this film and there are some terrific segments featuring Lewis and his partner for many of his films, the great exploitationeer David F Friedman. In one of these scenes, the film makers completely recreate the town of "Pleasant Valley" from Lewis' notorious gore epic "2000 Maniacs". To top it all off the film is directed and produced by one of the greatest exploitation film makers in history...Frank Henenlotter ("Basket Case") and includes interviews with John Waters, both of whom were influenced to begin their careers by the work of Herschell Gordon Lewis. An excellent piece of work, well worth repeated viewings but you really have to have an appreciation and previous knowledge of Lewis' work to fully appreciate it!