King Cohen: The Wild World Of Filmmaker Larry Cohen

King Cohen: The Wild World of Filmmaker Larry Cohen is a 2017 feature-length documentary that delves into the fascinatingly unique, yet relatively untold story of American film director, producer, and screenwriter Larry Cohen. This documentary offers a captivating exploration of Cohen's remarkably distinct and eclectic career in the film industry. Directed by Steve Mitchell, the movie features renowned personalities such as J.J. Abrams, Rick Baker, and Eric Bogosian.

The film portrays Larry Cohen as an auteur who arguably never got the credit he deserved, but who nonetheless has managed to create a substantial body of work that is massively respected and admired for its distinctiveness, unpredictability, and sheer audacious creativity. Known for his versatility, innovation, and dauntless independence, Cohen has created a widely varied canon of work that defies categorization and has broken ground in many different genres.

Mitchell's documentary is a high-energy retrospective that proposes an engaging and insightful perspective on Cohen’s career, showcasing the director's unconventional sense of freedom and his staunch independence in a highly collaborative and often stifling industry. The viewer is given a glimpse into the process, struggles, and milestones that have marked Cohen's journey.

Viewers are treated to a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the making of Cohen's most memorable works, such as the alien invasion satire "The Stuff", blaxploitation classic "Black Caesar", and the cult horror franchise "It’s Alive." King Cohen doesn't shy away from showing the director's unorthodox production tactics — such as shooting action sequences on the streets of New York without permits — and it celebrates his persistent rebellious streak and boldness.

Mitchell, a fan of Cohen's work himself, skillfully weaves intimate, concise interviews with a plethora of influential industry veterans along with an abundance of behind-the-scenes footage, photos, and clips from Cohen's filmography to create a comprehensive insight into the man's life and work. This picture of Cohen is painted by his collaborators and contemporaries, including film director and producer J.J. Abrams, special make-up effects creator Rick Baker, and actor and playwright Eric Bogosian, among others. They share personal anecdotes and professional reflections, creating a well-rounded, colorful portrayal of this talented auteur.

What sets King Cohen apart from other documentary features is the film’s successful evocation of Larry Cohen's creative and unapologetic spirit. The documentary is not only an exploration of Cohen's films and his status as a cult figure but also a microcosm of Hollywood and the evolution of American cinema. Viewers will appreciate the film’s deep dive into this underappreciated genius’s world, mirroring Cohen's own trenchant dissection of American culture and human nature broadly.

Imperative to the movie's appeal is Cohen himself, who remains a vibrant and energetic storyteller. His charismatic personality and storytelling skills give factual depth and emotional range to the narrative. His sense of humor and laugh-out-loud anecdotes lighten up the tone, making the documentary a thoroughly entertaining watch.

Also, notable is the documentary’s approach to presenting Cohen's journey. It neither idolizes him as a veracious genius nor victimizes him as an overlooked savant. Instead, it fortifies the image of Cohen as a perseverant individual, who stayed true to his vision and ideas despite financial limitations and industry pushbacks and paved his path in the ever-evolving film landscape.

King Cohen: The Wild World of Filmmaker Larry Cohen is more than merely a biographical documentary. It serves as a tribute to a maverick filmmaker, as an analysis of a complex and ever-evolving industry, and as an inspiring story of determination and artistic vision. It's an exhilarating dive into Cohen's world - one filled with crazy, sometimes hair-raising stories and a relentless passion for cinema. This film comes highly recommended to not only fans of Cohen but also to cinephiles and anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes workings of the film industry. It is a testament to the unparalleled determination and undying passion of an underdog who dared to dream bigger and refuse mediocrity in an industry that often tends towards predictability.