Russ Meyer, Great American Filmmaker!

The recent 2-disc release of Russ Meyer's BEYOND THE VALLEY OF THE DOLLS is a true cause for celebration! Not only is the film an absolute comic gem (and yes, the screenplay is by Roger Ebert, and it's a great screenplay, and he provides a delightful audio commentary for the film), but it will hopefully bring more recognition to Russ Meyer as one of the great American filmmakers.

Yes, that's right - Meyer is a great director. Get over the stuff you always hear about his obsession with big-busted women. The guy's movies fulfill all the requirements of the true auteur: They all express an overriding personal vision and they are extremely well made. FASTER PUSSYCAT, KILL KILL has become something of cultural touchstone; BEYOND THE VALLEY OF THE DOLLS has been quoted to death and referenced in other films; and VIXEN became famed for being an early exploration of race relations. In fact, throughout his career Meyer made exceptional use of black actors, and I also think he almost qualifies as a feminist director, since his female characters are always proactive and drive most of the action.

I just watched Meyer's documentary (I think it's his only one, isn't it?), MONDO TOPLESS, and found that as delightfully bizarre and instantly identifiable as his other work. It begins with a tour of San Francisco: While a narrator who sounds as if he should be dubbing crime newsreels shouts out facts about San Francisco, Meyer intercuts footage of the city with a naked blonde driving a car as if she's careening through the city. Sheer comic genius!

Also saw Meyer's first film, THE IMMORAL MR. TEAS, which at least one prominent critic labeled one of the best American movies of the year. Although more primitive than Meyer's later films, it's still witty, extremely well shot, edited and scored, and rich in period detail.

This guy's a true original, I'm tellin' ya! Now I need to track down BENEATH THE VALLEY OF THE ULTRA-VIXENS...