John Pierson Movies
In an era where fact, fiction, and legend have become increasingly difficult to distinguish, Debbie Melnyk and Rick Caine set out to explore the politically charged climate in America and find out just how documentary director Michael Moore has evolved from a simple filmmaker into an icon of left-leaning politics. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
John Pierson is a passionate cinema enthusiast who has written books on maverick filmmakers (including the bestsellers Spike, Mike, Slackers & Dykes and Reel Paradise), co-created, produced, and hosted the Split Screen series on the Independent Film Channel network, and helped produce a number of independent films, including early works by Spike Lee, Michael Moore, and Richard Linklater. In February 2000, Pierson traveled to Fiji to shoot an episode of Split Screen, where in the tiny village of Taveuni he discovered a fully functioning movie theater. A year later, Pierson discovered that the owner was closing shop and moving to New Zealand. Fascinated by the prospect of showing movies in a remote community that was still edging its way into 20th century technology -- most homes have no electricity or telephones -- Pierson took over the business. Although the theater had shown American films since the fifties, many of the impoverished locals were unable to pay the admission prices - so Pierson waived the costs, thus enabling more natives to attend. He and his family stayed in Taveuni for a year, and his friend Steve James (himself a documentary filmmaker of note) brought a camera crew to Fiji to document the final month of Pierson's experiment. Reel Paradise shows the Taveunians reacting to everything from Steamboat Bill Jr. to Jackass: The Movie, Pierson and his family discussing the reactions of his patrons, the exhibitors' sometimes thorny relationship with Christian missionaries who question his influence on the community, and the cultural and economic divide between the Pierson family and the Fiji natives. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
Video artist and counselor to Camp Jabberwocky -- the country's oldest camp for mentally and physically disabled adults -- Arthur Bradford spins this documentary about an unusual news production team. Since 1993, the camp has produced a series of man-on-the-street videos that are funny, sad, and at times extremely awkward. Those they produced primarily for friends and family have slowly gained a cult following including South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone and indie producer John Pierson. The three gathered the funds for the camp video team -- consisting of five reporters with disabilities from Down's syndrome to severe cerebral palsy -- to go on a cross-country trip. Along the way, they interview Vegas showgirls, alligator wranglers, homeless people, cowboys, and truckers. This film was screened at the 2001 Toronto Film Festival. ~ Jonathan Crow, Rovi
After a pair of films about hipster slackers, the work of writer-director Kevin Smith matured and gained critical respect with this low budget, independent comedy-drama about love, sex and the fine line between the two. Ben Affleck stars as Holden McNeil, a New Jersey comic book writer who is roommates with his best friend and professional partner, artist Banky Edwards (Jason Lee). Their hit comic book series, "Bluntman and Chronic," is loosely patterned after a pair of acquaintances, Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (played by Smith), two characters already familiar as supporting players in several Smith films. Into Holden's life comes Alyssa Jones (Joey Lauren Adams), a lesbian and fellow comic book creator who quickly becomes a close friend, although Holden is powerfully attracted to her. Eventually, Alyssa realizes that she is attracted to Holden as well and they begin a physical relationship, much to the consternation of Banky, whose ire over losing his best friend to a lesbian seems to border on romantic jealousy. After he learns something about Alyssa's sexual past, however, Holden's immature response to his new knowledge destroys both his romance with Alyssa and his friendship with Banky. Chasing Amy (1997) was the third film in what Smith referred to as his "New Jersey series," films set at least partly in the Garden State and featuring the Jay and Silent Bob characters. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi
- Starring:
- Ben Affleck, Joey Lauren Adams, (more)
In this gay comedy, filmmaker Wally White assumes the lead role. He frequently pauses throughout the film to address the audience directly. Most of the film chronicles the protagonist Tommie's summer romance. He was in Provincetown on vacation and looking for a little fun. He needs to find a place to stay and a job. He attempts to work as a houseboy but gets few takers. He does however, find lots of casual sex. He is devastated when his favorite dream guy dumps him after a one-night-stand. This does not keep Tommie from wanting to go back and try again next year. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
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