The Insufferable Groo

The Insufferable Groo is an award-winning 2018 documentary that highlights the raw, passionate determination of Stephen Groo, an almost-fanatical independent filmmaker who has produced nearly 200 low-budget films in just under 20 years. The documentary is an amusing yet enlightening study of ambition, tenacity, and audaciousness in unexplored echelons of the indie film scene.

Stephen Groo, the movie’s eponymous character, is a Utah-based filmmaker not widely known to major mainstream cinema, but he holds celebrity status in particular niches, primarily because of the audacious and odd nature of his countless low-budget films. The documentary introduces Stephen as an unstoppable force, a rough diamond in the uncanny world of indie cinema. Despite facing various hurdles — including limited finances, lack of high-end equipment, lack of professional crew, and sometimes even lack of a script, Groo's vision never falters.

The Insufferable Groo successfully unveils Stephen’s persona, exhibiting a character that is as unusual, lovable, and outlandish as the films he creates. With his characteristic mullet hairstyle, unparalleled confident nature, and earnest work ethic, Groo becomes a figure that the audience cannot help but root for throughout the film. Neither critical failure nor few commercial successes have dented Groo's love for filmmaking.

By all conventional standards, his movies are typically considered poor and amateurish. Despite the painful feedback, Groo carries on, seemingly oblivious and, at the same time, stubbornly ambitious. He is tenacious yet kind-hearted, daring yet humble, sparking interest and empathy while showcasing what it takes to be an indie filmmaker who never throws in the towel.

Beyond Stephen's character study, The Insufferable Groo is indeed a tale of ambition. This narrative is reinforced when Stephen decides to make his most ambitious project yet - a remake of one of his fantasy movies. The documentary captures his quest to raise the necessary resources while gathering professional actors to participate in the project. His quixotic mission leads him to pursue celebrity Jack Black, convincing him to star in his project.

The extremely humble, low-budget productions led by a defiantly nonconventional director might stand in striking contrast to Jack Black’s high-profile Hollywood roles. Yet, this unlikely collaboration represents the heart of the documentary. You get to see Black enters Groo's world of indie cinema, providing a compelling subplot that is humorous, moving, and reflective.

Lourie Bloomfield, an ardent believer in Stephen's unique talent, aids his vision in this docudrama. Sherry Groo, Stephen's supportive wife, is also featured. Her robust backing is crucial while Stephen goes after his dreams, unswayed by the quirky, chaotic filmmaking process.

The Insufferable Groo captures not only the eccentric world of non-mainstream cinema but also the adventure of being human with substantial dreams. Directed by Scott Christopherson, the film strikes a fine balance between being humorous and moving, spotlighting an underdog’s journey through the lens of empathy.

The documentary is entertaining for both film aficionados and regular viewers alike, striving to imbibe what it means to pursue a passion relentlessly, despite the hardships. The movie serves an upfront depiction that challenging the norms can be exhilarating, even if not always successful.

The Insufferable Groo offers an insightful tour into the ups and downs of low-budget filmmaking, the protagonist’s eccentricity, and an intriguing subplot of celebrity collaboration. While it may be seen as the chronicle of a man ceaselessly chasing his movie dreams only to fall short repeatedly, it is also a testament to the power of resilience, peculiarity, and an insatiable love for one's craft.

The film prompts contemplation about the zeal that passionate creators like Groo embody, where the joy of the creative process itself is worth more than the acclaim or criticism that follows. The journey is the destination for the resilient souls, and perhaps, that is the hidden genius in Stephen Groo's eccentricity, making The Insufferable Groo a worthwhile watch.