Watch It Came from Kuchar

It Came from Kuchar is a 2009 documentary film about the life and work of pioneering American underground filmmakers George Kuchar and Mike Kuchar. The film was directed by Jennifer M. Kroot and produced by Elizabeth C. Searle. The film takes the audience on a fascinating journey through the lives and careers of the Kuchar brothers. Born in the Bronx in the 1940s, the Kuchar twins began making films together as teenagers in the 1950s. Throughout the years, their unique style of cinema, which combined the absurdity of B-movies with a heartfelt sincerity, has gained cult status among film enthusiasts around the world.

The documentary features interviews with the Kuchars themselves, as well as with friends, family members, and fellow indie filmmakers. The film explores their early influences, their struggles to break into the film industry, their creative process, and the impact they have had on the world of underground cinema.

We learn about the Kuchar twins' early teenage years in the Bronx, where they discovered their love for cinema while watching horror movies and science fiction films. In the early 1960s, they began making short films with friends in their neighborhood, using a 8mm camera. These early films, which often featured crude special effects and over-the-top acting, set the tone for the brothers' future work.

The Kuchars' later short films showcased their experimentation with music and psychedelic imagery. They produced some of their most memorable work during this time, such as "Hold Me While I'm Naked" and "Sins of the Fleshapoids." These films blended their love of camp with a sincere approach to storytelling, often featuring relatable characters grappling with everyday problems.

Throughout the documentary, we learn about the many challenges the Kuchars faced as underground filmmakers. Their low-budget productions often lacked the resources and staff of a larger production studio, forcing them to be creative in their approach. However, this lack of resources also made them more inventive, using everyday objects to create their unique set designs and special effects.

In addition to their own work, the Kuchars also taught film classes at the San Francisco Art Institute for over 30 years. Many of their students went on to work in the film industry, including directors like Brian De Palma and Kathryn Bigelow. The film features interviews with some of their former students, who share stories of the Kuchars' unconventional teaching methods and the lasting impact they had on their lives and careers.

It Came from Kuchar is a fascinating exploration of the unconventional career of the Kuchar twins. Through interviews with family, friends, and colleagues, we get a sense of their creative process and the impact their work has had on the world of cinema. The film also serves as a tribute to the Kuchars’ unique approach to filmmaking, which challenged the conventions of mainstream cinema and inspired a generation of independent filmmakers.

Overall, It Came from Kuchar is a must-see for anyone interested in the world of underground cinema or the pioneers of indie film. With its mix of interviews, archival footage, and clips from the Kuchar's films, it offers a comprehensive look at the life and legacy of two of America's most influential underground filmmakers.