Watch Donald G. Jackson: Confessions
- NR
- 2014
- 37 min
Donald G. Jackson: Confessions is a documentary film that tells the story of the life and career of filmmaker Donald G. Jackson. Jackson was a cult filmmaker who is best known for his work on low-budget action and sci-fi films. The film features interviews with Jackson himself, as well as with his friends, family, and colleagues. Through these interviews, we get a sense of Jackson's upbringing, his early forays into filmmaking, and the inspiration behind some of his most well-known films.
The documentary also covers some of the more controversial aspects of Jackson's career. For example, the film explores the accusations of misogyny that have been leveled against him over the years. It also discusses his controversial decision to cast Conrad Brooks, an actor best known for his work in Ed Wood films, in a lead role in one of his movies.
Despite these controversies, the film makes it clear that Jackson was a beloved figure in the world of cult filmmaking. Many interviewees speak fondly of his passion for filmmaking, his dedication to his craft, and his willingness to take risks in order to make the movies he wanted to make.
One of the most interesting aspects of the documentary is the way it delves into some of Jackson's lesser-known projects. For example, we learn about a documentary he made about the "Great Central Sun" and its influence on human beings. We also get a glimpse of some of his unfinished projects, including a film about a superhero who battles monsters with the help of a giant robot.
Throughout the film, we see clips of Jackson's movies, which provide a fascinating window into the world of cult filmmaking. We see scenes of over-the-top violence, absurd dialogue, and bizarre special effects. These clips serve as a reminder of the kind of films that can only be made by a dedicated group of filmmakers working outside the Hollywood mainstream.
The film is not without its flaws. At times, it can feel disjointed, as it jumps back and forth between different periods of Jackson's life without much narrative cohesion. Additionally, some viewers may find the film's pacing a bit slow, as it spends a lot of time on relatively minor details.
However, these flaws are minor in the grand scheme of things. For anyone interested in the world of cult filmmaking, Donald G. Jackson: Confessions is a must-see. The film provides a fascinating portrait of a man who dedicated his life to making movies on his own terms, no matter what the critics may have said.