The Creep Behind The Camera

The Creep Behind The Camera from 2014 is a biographical drama that merges documentary narrative with old-school horror and an underpinning of dark comedy. Directed by Pete Schuermann and starring Josh Phillips, Jodi Lynn Thomas, and Bill LeVasseur, this movie provides a deep and unnerving dive into the life and days of one of the most intriguing characters in the world of B-movie history - A.J. Nelson, real name Vic Savage, the director of the 1964 cult classic, The Creeping Terror.

The Creep Behind The Camera kicks off with a narrative element that explores Savage's journey and experiences in the world of low-budget filmmaking. The story begins in the early 1960s when Vic Savage packs up his family and moves them to Hollywood, California, with dreams of fame and fortune. Driven by ambition that overshadows his thin veil of talent, Savage dives headfirst into the scuzzy world of B-movie production. Josh Phillips plays the colorful character of Savage to the hilt, capturing the charm and ruthlessness that allowed the director to swindle his way into making his less than stellar, but ultimately unforgettable movie, The Creeping Terror.

Jodi Lynn Thomas plays Lois, Vic’s long-suffering wife, who serves as the story’s moral compass. Thomas convincingly portrays the tortured soul who remains loyal to her husband despite his increasingly outrageous behavior. This includes his overblown dreams, abusive behavior, and manipulative techniques to gather funding for his less-than-successful movie projects.

Supplementing the dramatized story, the director, Schuermann, merges in actual interviews with people who were involved with Savage and his now infamous sci-fi schlock, The Creeping Terror. Interviews with Savage's family members and actors who worked on the original film meld seamlessly with the dramatic narrative, offering a compelling and unique fusion of biopic and documentary.

Bill LeVasseur embodies the role of William Thourlby, Savage's friend, and unknowing accomplice in his low-budget film escapades. LeVasseur’s portrayal provides an interesting perspective on Savage’s life, offsetting the central character's sinister traits with moments of sympathy and complexity.

Built on a foundation of sleaze and silliness, The Creep Behind The Camera doesn't glamorize B-movie filmmaking. Instead, it paints a gritty and unflinching portrait of the often exploitative and underhanded tactics used to get such films made. The film's unique blend of real-life interviews, dramatic narrative, and recreated scenes from The Creeping Terror itself provides an enjoyable and unique experience unlike any other.

The movie's dark humor is hard to miss, with the over-the-top nature of its central character and the sheer absurdity of The Creeping Terror's production serving up plenty of comedic material. At the same time, the film doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of Savage's persona, making for a unique blend of comedy and horror.

Apart from the compelling narrative, the technical elements of The Creep Behind The Camera are just as terrific. The cinematography beautifully captures the essence of the 60s, displaying an impressive attention to detail. The edited in black and white sequences are nostalgic homages to the era of B-movie filmmaking and add comic relief within the narrative. Meanwhile, the musical score provides the perfect backdrop for the film's creepy and often absurd scenes.

In the end, The Creep Behind The Camera does more than simply recount the tortured making of one of history’s worst films. It also illuminates the strange allure of schlock cinema and explores the darker side of a would-be auteur's relentless pursuit of his dreams. This movie is a must-watch for fans of cult cinema, exploring the intriguing and disturbing figure behind one of the most infamous B-movies of all time.

Schuermann's film ultimately provides an insight into a fascinating chapter of cinema history that is often overlooked. The Creep Behind The Camera stands out as a testament to the power of passion, the seductive lure of Hollywood, and the eerily captivating tales that can stem from even the most disastrous of film productions.