Russ Meyer

Russ Meyer is the quintessential exploitation director. Unlike other purveyors of third-class schlock that toil in this genre entirely for the dark-hall benefit of the one-armed spectator, Meyer is a first-class director who manages to make his films look much more glamorous than their budget would suggest. Casting buxom pretty ladies also does not hurt. Although today his films won't even deserve an NC-17 rating, they caused quite a bit of scandalous stir at the time. Incredibly, most of this films have aged very well, probably because the strong domineering insatiable sexy female is still a lively fantasy for many men. Here's the list of Meyer films in my collection.

The Films

The films are arranged in chronological order, with a brief description and a rating (1-10). Some movies have more extensive reviews, which (WARNING) reveal substantial parts of the plot. I intend these primarily as a reminder for myself, and a basis for discussion with others. If you want to maintain the suspense, don't read the long reviews until after you've seen the film.

Beyond the Valley of the Dolls (1970)

The crazy horror-sex-musical-exploitation extravaganza penned by Roger Ebert. Universally reviled or admired with excuses, this is the rare film that delivers on the main thing cinema must: fun. Watch how three "innocent" capitalist hippies travel to LA become a famous rock band only to live (or not) through heartbreak and the occasional bad trip. Rated 8/10.