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S&Man (pronounced Sandman) is a 2006 horror documentary that explores the world of underground horror filmmakers and the intricacies of their craft. Directed by J.T. Petty, the film is shot in a found-footage style and blurs the line between reality and fiction. The documentary follows the filmmaker, J.T. Petty, as he investigates the world of underground horror filmmaking. He focuses specifically on the work of Erik Rost and Bill Zebub, two directors who create extreme horror movies with the use of real-life violence and gore. The documentary also features interviews with various academics and horror experts, including Carol J. Clover, author of Men, Women, and Chainsaws: Gender in the Modern Horror Film.

The film starts off as a fairly standard documentary, with Petty interviewing various people involved in the horror filmmaking scene. As the film progresses, however, it becomes increasingly clear that the line between reality and fiction is blurring. The documentary takes a turn when Petty discovers a mysterious and disturbing video tape labeled ‘S&Man.’

The video tape features a faux-snuff film in which a young girl is terrorized and attacked on camera. As the documentary progresses, Petty interviews the supposed director of the tape, who goes by the pseudonym ‘The Sandman.’ It becomes clear that ‘The Sandman’ is not who he appears to be, and Petty begins to unravel a complex web of deceit and manipulation.

The film is a disturbing and thought-provoking exploration of the boundaries of horror filmmaking. It raises questions about the ethics of using real-life violence and gore in movies and whether these types of films are exploitative or legitimate works of art. The film also examines the psychology of filmmakers who create extreme horror movies and the motivations behind their work.

Throughout the documentary, Petty also explores the concept of ‘transgression,’ or the idea that some filmmakers use horror movies to push boundaries and challenge societal norms. The film is not for the faint of heart, but for horror fans and those interested in the darker side of the film industry, it offers a unique and fascinating glimpse into the world of underground horror filmmaking.

One of the most interesting aspects of S&Man is its use of found footage and blurred reality. At times, it is difficult to tell what is real and what is staged. This adds an extra layer of horror to the film, as viewers are left wondering what is actually happening and whether the danger is real.

The film features some graphic and disturbing scenes, including scenes of violence against women, and may be triggering for some viewers. However, the film is not gratuitous, and the violence is presented in a way that is thought-provoking and serves the film’s larger purpose.

Overall, S&Man is a unique and disturbing documentary that explores the darker side of horror filmmaking. It raises important questions about the ethics of using real-life violence and gore in movies and whether these types of films are legitimate works of art. The film is not for everyone, but for horror fans and those interested in the darker side of the film industry, it is a must-see.

S&Man is a 2006 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.