Herschell Gordon Lewis: The Godfather of Gore

Herschell Gordon Lewis: The Godfather of Gore is a documentary film from 2010 that delves into the life and career of one of the most influential figures in the history of horror cinema. Directed by Frank Henenlotter and Jimmy Maslon, the film features interviews with Lewis himself as well as his collaborators, family, and fans.

The documentary begins by exploring Lewis's early life and career in advertising. With a talent for writing and a flair for the dramatic, Lewis quickly made a name for himself in the world of advertising before turning his attentions to the burgeoning world of independent filmmaking in the early 1960s.

It was in this world that Lewis would make his mark as a filmmaker, pioneering a new subgenre of horror cinema that would come to be known as "gore" or "splatter" films. Using innovative special effects techniques and a wild sense of humor, Lewis's films pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable on screen and became cult favorites among horror fans.

Through interviews with Lewis's collaborators and fans, the film explores the impact of Lewis's work on the horror genre and on popular culture more broadly. Despite being widely dismissed by critics and ignored by mainstream audiences, Lewis's films have had an enduring influence on horror cinema, inspiring generations of filmmakers and continuing to attract new fans even today.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the documentary is the way it explores Lewis's own feelings about his legacy. Despite being widely praised by horror fans and filmmakers, Lewis has always struggled with the way his work has been received by the wider world. In interviews with the filmmakers, he expresses a sense of disappointment at the lack of recognition he has received from mainstream audiences, and a frustration with the way his films have been dismissed as mere exploitation.

Despite these feelings, however, Lewis remains fiercely proud of his work and fiercely dedicated to the horror genre. Through archival footage and interviews with Lewis himself, the film paints a vivid portrait of a man who has devoted his life to scaring audiences and pushing the boundaries of what is possible on screen.

One of the most interesting threads of the documentary is the way it explores Lewis's collaborations with his longtime producer, David F. Friedman. Through interviews with Friedman and other collaborators, the film reveals the intense creative partnership that existed between Lewis and Friedman, and the ways in which their collaboration helped to shape the horror genre.

Despite the often lurid subject matter of Lewis's films, the documentary treats its subject matter with a great deal of respect and affection. Through interviews with Lewis and his family, we get a sense of the man behind the gore, of his creative process and his life outside of filmmaking.

Overall, Herschell Gordon Lewis: The Godfather of Gore is a fascinating and thought-provoking documentary that offers a thorough and engaging look at one of the most important figures in the history of horror cinema. Through interviews with Lewis himself, his collaborators, and his fans, the film paints a vivid portrait of a man whose work has had a lasting impact on the genre he helped to create. For horror fans and cinephiles alike, this is a must-see documentary that offers a compelling glimpse into the mind of a true original.