The Creep Behind the Camera (2014)

I saw the Creeping Terror years ago... who knew all this crazy stuff went on behind the scenes?! Josh Phillips as Vic Savage makes on of the all time great despicable characters of all time. It's quite a roller-coaster ride! I got to see it in Montreal as part of Fantasia Fest and the audience loved it. I'm pretty sure it went on to LA too. Great music score and photography. The story, which kind of goes all over the place, follows this scumbag AJ Nelson from some goofy bingo hall all the way to Hollywood. When there he abuses his sweet wife (wonderfully played by Jodi Lynn Thomas) in all manner imaginable. Then he makes the Creeping Terror. The whole thing is a great look at how the Hollywood system attracts the worst sort, and how they can convince people they know what they are doing even though the writing is clearly on the wall. I really, really recommend this film!

Stylistically dynamic. Unique narrative combining true doc (1/3) and re-enactment (2/3). A very compelling storyline. Solid acting, sometimes breakaway good. Fantastic set design and costuming. Self- aware and darkly comedic. Better effects than the original Creeping Terror, which is ironic. A brave overall effort that entertains throughout. All the while, the theme shines through so wonderfully. And visually, the DP and Director create a seamless creation. Intriguing and forward moving, it is rare to see a movie that does all this. For those who love classic sci-fi, this will be a wonderful experience. For those who don't, this is still a fun movie. You will walk out with a smile, a smirk and head-shaking disbelief all at the same time.

This film is a must see. I was pleasantly surprised how it took on an almost new genre of film making. The Creep Behind The Camera was not a documentary or a re- enactment of real life events, but a combination of both. There were interviews with real people who actually experienced the terror of Vic Savage/Art Nelson and also well placed areas where they showed the story unfolding before your eyes. The craziest part is that this film tells a true story! It's not exaggerated and that makes this film so much better! There were definitely parts where I could not believe this story actually happened... however, the further you dive into this movie, the stranger and stranger this true story of the creep behind the camera gets. This movie is an absolute MUST SEE!

Even though I had seen trailers for this film and had firm expectations walking into the screening, I still found myself surprised and dumbfounded by the story told and the way it was revealed. The directions the film takes by careening back and forth between interviews with the people involved in the original production of "The Creeping Terror" and the behind-the-scenes reenactments had me laughing out loud at the sheer Hollywood absurdity while I was cringing in abject revulsion.Josh Phillips's portrayal of the psychotic creep, Art Nelson, was haunting and dark, while Jodi Lynn Thomas and Bill LeVasseur shine on screen.This film is a fun, eerie, outlandish, weird retro ride through the darkest valleys of the Hollywood hills. I recommend it.