It Came from Kuchar

It Came from Kuchar is a 2009 documentary film directed by Jennifer Kroot which pays homage to the influential yet often overlooked work of twin brothers George and Mike Kuchar, who became iconic figures in the underground filmmaking scene. With their offbeat, zany, and sometimes irreverent DIY film style, the Kuchars carved a niche for themselves in the world of underground cinema, inspiring future generations of filmmakers.

The film chronicles the lives and careers of George and Mike Kuchar from their early beginnings in the Bronx, New York, where, as young teenagers, they developed a passion for cinema. Growing up in a post-World War II era with the boom of Hollywood, the twins began crafting their own 8mm home movies, which were distinctive for their camp aesthetic and low-budget inventiveness. As they grew older, their films evolved, and they became prominent figures in the 1960s New York City underground film scene, rubbing shoulders with other avant-garde artists and filmmakers.

It Came from Kuchar delves into the Kuchars’ filmography, showcasing a slew of their experimental and often eccentric works, including titles like "Hold Me While I'm Naked" and "Sins of the Fleshapoids," and investigates how their films challenged norms of both mainstream and art-house cinema. Their movies, filled with melodrama, satire, and a distinctive sense of humor, juxtaposed with a lo-fi aesthetic, became cult classics and have been credited with influencing prominent independent filmmakers such as John Waters and David Lynch.

Through a combination of interviews and archival footage, director Jennifer Kroot offers a portrait of George and Mike Kuchar that is as eclectic and engaging as their own films. George and Mike, along with their actors and collaborators, share their memories, bringing insight into their creative process and their passion for storytelling. These narratives are interwoven with scenes from their films, highlighting the imagination and ingenuity that went into constructing their distinctive style, as well as the constraints and freedoms conferred by low-budget filmmaking.

A key part of the documentary captures George Kuchar in his latter role as an influential art teacher at the San Francisco Art Institute, where he mentored and inspired new generations of filmmakers. His untraditional teaching methods, quirky assignments, and nurturing approach are highlighted as pivotal in shaping the creative ethos of his students.

Furthermore, It Came from Kuchar explores the personal lives of the Kuchar brothers. It touches upon their shared journey as first-generation Americans of working-class parents, their parallel yet diverging career paths, and how they managed to maintain a fraternal bond despite their differences. Mike Kuchar is depicted as eventually transitioning into a career as a visual artist, while George continued to churn out low-budget, homegrown movies with the help of his students and an ensemble of colorful, recurring characters.

In addition to George and Mike, the documentary features appearances by various artists and celebrities including Atom Egoyan, Buck Henry, and John Waters, who share their thoughts and experiences about the Kuchars' influence on their work and the world of independent cinema. This pantheon of admirers, along with critics and historians, helps contextualize the impact of the Kuchars and situates them within the broader spectrum of American film and cultural history.

The documentary itself is a tribute to the Kuchars' dedication to their craft and highlights their legacy as pioneers who managed to operate outside of the commercial film industry, embodying the true independent spirit. It captures the endearing quirks, the creative chaos, and the communal experience that surrounded the making of their films, offering a candid and lively picture of what it meant to be part of the Kuchar brothers’ creative circle.

It Came from Kuchar is a celebration of artistic freedom, individual expression, and the love of cinema. It resonates particularly with those who have an affinity for the independent film scene and is an illuminating exploration into the lives and works of two of its most intriguing and lesser-known contributors. The documentary ensures that the Kuchar brothers' colorful legacy will not only be remembered but cherished and studied by film enthusiasts and cinema students for generations to come.