Not Quite Hollywood

Not Quite Hollywood is an excitingly enlightening 2008 motion picture that pulls back the curtain, presenting a fascinating analysis and homage to the prolific and influential era of Australian exploitation cinema, better known as "Ozploitation". Directed by Mark Hartley, this fast-paced roller coaster ride features an engaging cast including Phillip Adams, Glory Annen, and Christine Amor, among other noteworthy figures.

The movie is a documentary-style exploration that delves into the untapped depths of the Australian film industry between the 1970s and 1980s. It features a collection of interviews, behind-the-scenes footages, and a comprehensive collection of snippets from various movies created during this era. Typically ignored by the film journals and historians, Hartley sheds light on the marginalized films which are unusual, audacious, and wildly entertaining, giving them the recognition they rightfully deserve.

Phillip Adams, a prolific broadcaster, journalist and filmmaker, provides remarkable insights into the narrative with his wealth of experience and knowledge about the industry. Glory Annen, renowned for her roles in numerous exploitation films of that era, adds a unique perspective, sharing candid accounts of her experiences within this rebel genre and about the Australian film industry of the time. Christine Amor, an accomplished actor, also lends her voice to the discourse providing a nuanced and compelling perspective about the unconventional era of cinema.

Not Quite Hollywood works on multiple levels. As a historical docudrama, it informs, educating the viewer about a mostly unexplored aspect of film history. The movie navigates with ease through, horror, action, comedy, and sexploitation films produced during the Ozploitation era, explaining their cultural importance. It balances the seriousness of its academic endeavor with entertaining humor, making it an engaging experience for the viewer.

The film effortlessly ties together the multitude of interviews, clips, and analyses to reveal a dynamic era of Australian cinema that pushed the boundaries of what was then considered acceptable. It maps out how these films, although often deemed as trashy or sub-par at their time, were brave, groundbreaking efforts that played a crucial part in the growth of the Australian film industry.

Tarantino’s presence as one of the contributive voices in this documentary is significant with him being a self-admitted fan and enthusiast of the Ozploitation genre. His enthusiasm further underscores the dynamism and enduring influence of these films on global cinema. This further accentuates the value of the Ozploitation movement beyond its local Australian context.

Hartley’s direction takes the viewer on a thrilling artistic journey that graciously celebrates the daring spirit of the Ozploitation filmmakers. The film is meticulously researched, featuring vibrant graphics and a punchy soundtrack that complements the unique style of the films it discusses. The movie's pacing is breathtaking, keeping audiences entertained with its rapid-fire delivery of footage and commentary.

Not Quite Hollywood is both entertaining and informative, filled with anecdotes and inside stories that make it enjoyable for casual viewers and film enthusiasts alike. It is an affectionate and funny tribute to an underground genre that held undeniable importance in defining Australian cinema's identity.

In summary, Not Quite Hollywood stands as a captivating documentary that offers an intriguing and nostalgic journey into an often overlooked era of Australian film history. It bears testimony to the ingenuity and indomitable spirit of Australian filmmakers who defied the norms to etch a distinct space in cinema. It provides proof to the fact that classifying cinema as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ is subjective; it largely depends on how the work contributes to the art form’s evolution. Whether or not you are familiar with Australian cinema and its fearless exploits, Not Quite Hollywood promises to be an enthralling watch.