Herschell Gordon Lewis: The Godfather of Gore

Herschell Gordon Lewis: The Godfather of Gore is a feature-length documentary that premiered in 2010. This pulsating, nerve-racking, and emotionally compelling documentary catapults viewers into the weird and wonderful world of Herschell Gordon Lewis, the filmmaker renowned as the godfather of the horror, gore, and exploitation genres. Featuring phenomenal performances from Mal Arnold, John Bloom, Jerome Eden, and David F. Friedman, this narrative paints a comprehensive, true-to-life portrait of one of the film industry’s most intriguing yet relatively unknown entities.

Directed by the talented filmmaker duo, Frank Henenlotter and Jimmy Maslon, The Godfather of Gore transcends the conventional documentary structure with its bold storytelling style and unique approach, much like Lewis's filmography itself. It mirrors the audacious and genuinely accessible spirit of Herschell himself, who, despite having a polarizing career, straddled mainstream acceptance and cult adoration brilliantly.

Herschell Gordon Lewis was the man who created the ‘splatter’ genre; a cinematic category so bleedingly, bone-crackingly graphic, it pushed the envelope of what was acceptable on screen. This documentary examines Lewis's cultural impact and leaves no stone unturned as it delves into his path-breaking cinematic journey. From his early Orwellian ads to his cult horror flicks, the filmmakers have spared no effort in showcasing the enigmatic persona constructed by Lewis.

Mal Arnold shines brightly in the documentary, providing insightful exposition and commentary. He is most known for his role in Lewis's The Blood Feast. The other key contributors also include John Bloom, an accomplished actor and writer; Jerome Eden, a familiar face in several of Lewis's films; and David F. Friedman, a long-term collaborator and friend of Herschell.

The film successfully balances appreciation of film art and the commercial feasibility of film industry. Through interviews with Lewis's collaborators, actors, industry insiders, and critics, the directors create a mosaic of a man who was far more than just a gore-enthusiast filmmaker. What emerges is a complex, rich figure who was always true to his artistic vision no matter how unconventional it was.

Herschell Gordon Lewis: The Godfather of Gore is as much a trip down memory lane for veterans of the industry as it is an introduction for newcomers and fans interested in deep-diving into the history of genre films. Using a range of interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and clips from Lewis's extensive body of work, Henenlotter and Maslon weave a tapestry of his life and career, striking a balance between reverence and critique.

One of the key highlights of the documentary is it’s cohesive, dynamic structure. It follows an organized sequence, starting with Herschell's early days in the film industry and gradually progressing to how he became a paradigm in the gore cinema. Each interviewed personality not only shares their personal experience working with Lewis but also helps build an understanding of why his work continues to influence and captivate audiences.

The craft of the documentary is meticulously done –it’s splendidly punctuated with Lewis's film excerpts and accompanied by riveting discussions. Further, it also incorporates footage from the original movie sets, offering glimpses of what went on behind the scenes. The conversations with Herschell Gordon Lewis are peppered throughout the movie, making it a truly intimate depiction of his life.

Interestingly, the documentary also delves into Lewis's life outside of filmmaking. His exploits as a renowned academic, successful marketer, and advertising exec supplement the primary narrative, painting a holistic picture of a multifaceted personality.

The camerawork and editing are superb. Each frame and transition reflects a cinematic sensibility that both Vera West and Jessie Pridemore deserve applause for. Meanwhile, Mike Vraney's unmatched prowess as a producer is conspicuous in the organized, smooth unraveling of the story.

Herschell Gordon Lewis: The Godfather of Gore is more than just a documentary. It is a dissection of cultural phenomena, a tribute to grit and vision, and an unabashed love letter to an unacknowledged genius. It is a must-watch for fans of the genre and cinephiles intrigued by the charms and challenges of indie film-making.