Milius

Milius is a compelling 2013 documentary focused on the life and career of one of Hollywood's most influential and controversial screenwriters and directors, John Milius. The film features, among others, John Milius, his son Ethan Milius and his daughter Amanda Milius, and comes as a creative tour de force presenting the ins-and-outs of his career along with the highs and lows of his personal life. The film is a delightful romp into the often misunderstood figure that gave us some of the great moments in cinema history.

Directed by Joey Figueroa and Zak Knutson, this isn't a typical example of a filmmaking documentary. Instead, it takes on its subject's unique, unabashed persona that some may find inappropriate and others might find invigorating. This richly layered and incisive documentary is as much an engaging investigation into the allure of Hollywood and the craft of filmmaking as it is an intimate portrait of the charismatic, larger-than-life figure at its center.

At the heart of the movie is John Milius himself, the man behind a plethora of Hollywood hits such as "Apocalypse Now," "Dirty Harry," "Conan the Barbarian," and "Jaws." Milius presents a multifaceted character study of a man who is at once a genius and an enigma, a maverick and a provocateur. He's known for his predilection for machismo, his veneration for military and warrior culture, and his political conservatism, which often set him apart from his peers in the industry. Yet, behind the tough facade is a passionate artist with an exceptional talent for storytelling and an unwavering commitment to his unique creative vision.

The film offers an in-depth view of Milius's life and career, shedding light on his literary talent, his admirable determination, his bracing individualism, his famous friendships with Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, and Francis Ford Coppola, and his confrontations with Hollywood's heavyweights. It delves into his early days as an aspiring writer, his successes and failures, his rejections and triumphant comebacks. Through these engaging narratives and captivating anecdotes, the directors reassemble the mosaic that was Milius's unique contribution to cinema.

Not stopping at their father's professional life, Ethan and Amanda Milius are also interviewed, giving the viewers a glimpse of John Milius, the family man. These personal insights add a tender proof to the robust figure he is known as, showing the audience his love for his family and the different dichotomous aspects of his persona which have remained out of public view.

Milius is littered with interviews from industry heavyweights who have either worked with John or are aware of his impact on the industry. Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Martin Scorsese all feature in interviews, adding an extra level of credibility and insight to the documentary. Their collective voice acts both as a tribute to Milius and a testimony to his genius, spanning across generations of Hollywood filmmakers and acting talent.

What's immensely admirable about Milius is not just its charming subject but the tone and format of the documentary. The filmmakers' approach is a never-ending journey of curiosity, offering viewers a chance to question the accepted narratives, to see through controversies, and to find substance beyond public image. The directors avoid making this a purely laudatory exercise and include some critical aspects. They don't shy away from showcasing Milius's failings and controversies, thus making the documentary all the more human and relatable.

In a nutshell, Milius is an engaging documentary, the inherent joys of it entirely derived from peeling the layers of a vivid movie persona. It's a warm, accessible, and ultimately rewarding exploration of a rebellious creative spirit, of a man who both embraced and defied Hollywood's norms to define his own path. It's about courage, conviction, and the ability to hold one's ground in an industry that doesn't always make it easy, hence celebrating Hollywood's ultimate rebel.

This film is, above all else, a love note to one of cinema's most fearless mavericks, all while serving as a fresh and inspiring take on the relentless drive and passion required to tell stories on the big screen. Fans of Milius's work, and cinema history buffs in general, will find this documentary an engrossing, essential viewing. If you've ever loved a Milius film, this documentary is pure gold. And if you are yet to explore his work, this might just be the perfect introduction!