Full Tilt Boogie (1998)

Full Tilt Boogie (1997) *** (out of 4)This fascinating documentary was shot on the set of FROM DUSK TILL DAWN and takes us behind-the-scenes of the making of that film. Through interviews with the cast and just about every member of the crew, you really get a good idea of what it was like being on the set and making a film like this one. We go from week to week as we get into various parts of the production including an early appearance by Robert Rodriquez and Quentin Taratino at the 1995 Fangoria convention, getting into a battle with union workers and then just about every party that was thrown after hours. FULL TILT BOOGIE is mainly going to appeal to fans of the film because of all the behind-the-scenes footage but even if you're not familiar with the movie you might find some mild entertainment because it focuses on certain aspects that aren't often covered in documentaries. We get interviews with Tarantino, George Clooney, Richard Roundtree, Juliette Lewis and countless others from the cast but we also get dozens of interviews with the crew. This includes assistant directors, engineers, lighting experts, assistants to the stars and countless others. Getting to see the production from the crews eyes is a major plus here because often they're either not filmed or just edited out of the feature. It was great getting to see them do their jobs as well as interact with the cast members after hours when all the work was done and they're kicking back with some beers. The documentary really gives one a great idea of what filmmakers do once the cameras are off and it's time to settle back

There isn't really much to say about this From Dusk Till Dawn accompaniment. It can almost be considered a DVD extra, which it kind of is if you bought the From Dusk Till Dawn 2 disc edition, which I didn't. I picked this up for about $6, knowing that it came with FDTD, and being a fan of the film. It is a 'documentary' in a different kind of sense that most would be used to, though it does 'document', so that's all good. The thing about F-TB is that most of it is just footage of the cast and crew doing other stuff like eating, or dancing, but there are a few interviews, though what you could call the bare minimum of an interview. It's not always entertaining, but what I find interesting about it is how it presents the actors and how they really are off camera. Particularly Juliette Lewis; she seems a lot less innocent than she looks in the film. So if you like to see what really goes on away from the actual film making, then you will appreciate this. And if you are a FDTD or Tarantino or Rodriguez fan, then you'll like it. If you can find it in a store for under $10, then I say buy it, but anything more probably isn't worth it.DVD FEATURES: Full-Tilt Boogie (Main Feature) Subtitles

This film comes included with the From Dusk Till Dawn Collectors Series DVD and it is quite a find. This isn't just about how someone did this or blah blah blah did that, this film is a real tribute to the entire crew of the film and the comradry that forms between them all on the set as well as off it. The film is basically a journey through the production of From Dusk Till Dawn from problems with the unions to sandstorms and burning sets to dealing with George and Quintin on set, which I might add, make one crazy pair (God I love that opening scene). Will you learn anything important about film-making? I'd say it's hard not to walk away from this a little more knowledgeable about the sheer heart and determination put in by people who's names you'd probably never give a second glance to but they deserve more than just a crawl by mention in the end credits and that's what this film gives them. So if you liked From Dusk Till Dawn... that doesn't necessarily mean you'll like this, BUT if you like going behind the scenes and hanging out with a film crew as they get drunk by a pool, I say you can't do any better than to go for the Full Tilt Boogie.

I did not even know that this movie existed until I recently rented From Dusk Till Dawn. I began watching it and was totally won over by it. If you've ever wondered what is all involved in the movie making process, this movie is a must see! =)