A light browsing session on a popular streaming website unearthed these two gems, which I gleefully watched for free. The 1960s were a fertile time for new movements, including underground art and cinema. People were inspired and motivated to take on DIY projects and to have them received by the open-minded audiences of their time. The two films below offer a look into the lives of individuals who were immersed in this pioneering era of cutting-edge filmmaking. A wonderful common thread is that John Waters appears in both films.
Pie in the Sky: The Brigid Berlin Story
Pie in the Sky: The Brigid Berlin Story (2000) is a documentary about Brigid Berlin, directed by Vincent and Shelly Dunn Fremont. Brigid grew up in a very wealthy and conservative family. Her rebellions and curiosities eventually led her to become a fixture in Andy Warhol’s New York City studio, Factory, during the ’60s. She is an artist in her own right, and has appeared in multiple films for her friend Warhol. Later, Brigid Berlin would also appear in films made by self-confessed fan John Waters.
It Came From Kuchar
It Came From Kuchar (2009) is a documentary about the filmmaking twin brothers, Mike and George Kuchar, and is directed by Jennifer Kroot. Aside from effectively chronicling their humble beginnings, the documentary has some really good interviews and commentaries throughout. Some notable personalities weighing in are filmmakers John Waters, Guy Maddin and Cory McAbee, to name only a few.
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