Watch That Guy Dick Miller

That Guy Dick Miller is a documentary film made in homage to the prolific and beloved character actor, Dick Miller. It offers a comprehensive account of Miller's life and career, as well as his enduring status as a cult icon. The documentary is directed by Elijah Drenner, who interviews Miller and the many filmmakers and actors he worked with over the course of his career. These interviews are augmented with a wealth of film clips that showcase Miller's dizzying range as an actor, spanning horror, comedy, drama, and everything in between.

The film traces Miller's beginnings as a young actor in the 1950s, when he first began appearing in Roger Corman films. At the time, B-movie filmmaking was in its heyday, and Miller quickly became one of Corman's most reliable and versatile character actors. He appeared in countless Corman productions (including Little Shop of Horrors and Bucket of Blood), often in small but memorable roles.

Miller's working relationship with Corman led to connections with other directors and producers, and he soon found himself in high demand as an actor. He became a regular presence in many of the most iconic films of the 1960s and 70s, working with a who's who of directors, including Martin Scorsese, James Cameron, and Joe Dante.

Perhaps most famously, Miller appeared in Gremlins as Murray Futterman, a small-town curmudgeon who becomes overrun by the titular creatures. The role was one of Miller's most prominent, and it cemented his status as a beloved cult figure. Miller's performance in the film is a testament to his talent as an actor; despite the absurdity of the situation, he infuses Futterman with genuine pathos and humanity.

One of the most fascinating aspects of That Guy Dick Miller is the insight it provides into the world of B-movie filmmaking. The documentary is filled with anecdotes and stories from Miller and his collaborators about the often chaotic and low-budget shoots that resulted in some of the most memorable films of the era.

But the film is not just a nostalgia trip; it also offers a portrait of a humble and hardworking actor who remained committed to his craft, even as he aged and his opportunities dwindled. Miller never became a household name, but his contributions to the world of film are immeasurable. He was a dependable and versatile actor who never turned down a job, no matter how small or strange.

That Guy Dick Miller is a loving tribute to a truly one-of-a-kind talent. It's a must-see for anyone who loves movies, and a testament to the enduring power of character actors like Miller.