Watch Not Quite Hollywood

Not Quite Hollywood is an Australian documentary film that delves into the fascinating world of the Australian exploitation cinema of the 1970s and 1980s. Directed by Mark Hartley and released in 2008, this film explores the raw, outrageous and often shocking films that defined a generation of Australian cinema. The movie opens with a montage of classic Australian films, setting the tone for the journey into the world of Australian exploitation cinema. The documentary features interviews with filmmakers, actors, and critics, who reminisce about the wild and crazy days of Australian cinema. The interviews are interspersed with clips from classic Ozploitation movies, including car chases, bikers, and sexploitation films.

The documentary is divided into three sections, each focusing on a different aspect of Australian exploitation cinema. The first section, "Ockerism," explores the Australian obsession with masculinity and the "larrikin" mentality. The films produced during this period often featured rough-hewn characters who were unapologetically Australian. The section also delves into the rise of "Ozploitation," a genre that celebrated the Australian spirit while simultaneously satirizing it.

The second section, "Sex," focuses on the role of sex and nudity in Australian cinema. During the 70s and 80s, films featuring gratuitous nudity and scenes of explicit sexuality were commonplace. The documentary explores how these films were received by audiences and how they reflected the changing attitudes towards sexuality during the time.

The third and final section, "Horror," examines the rise of horror films in Australian cinema. Filmmakers like Peter Weir, Russell Mulcahy, and Richard Franklin led the charge with their unique brand of horror films that were inspired by the country's unique geography and culture. This section also discusses the infamous "Ozploitation" film, Turkey Shoot, which has become a cult classic among horror fans.

The documentary is filled with fascinating anecdotes and insights from the people who were at the forefront of Australian exploitation cinema. Interviews with actors like Steve Bisley, director Brian Trenchard-Smith, and critic Margaret Pomeranz give context to the films being showcased. There are also interviews with female stars of Ozploitation films, like Maryann Fahey and Briony Behets, who talk about the challenges they faced as women in a male-dominated industry.

Not Quite Hollywood also features behind-the-scenes footage and never-before-seen materials from the films being discussed. This gives viewers a glimpse into the making of some of these cult classics and the chaotic conditions under which they were produced. The film is a love letter to Australian cinema and its unique contribution to the world of exploitation films.

Overall, Not Quite Hollywood is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of Australian cinema or exploitation films in general. The documentary is both informative and entertaining, filled with fascinating anecdotes and clips from classic films. It serves as a celebration of the filmmakers who pushed the boundaries of cinema during a time when anything was possible.

Not Quite Hollywood is a 2008 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 76.