Customer Reviews

Mudhoney [VHS]

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

One of Russ Meyer's earlier works, "Mudhoney" is an uneven but ultimately satisfying greek tragedy disguised as hayseed soap opera. The direction is uneven, as is the tone, although the latter seems to be by design. You will be laughing one minute, then shuddering the next as over the top backwoods hijinx suddenly gives way to unexpected acts of humiliation and violence. Those who stick with it will be rewarded by an intense, dramatic ending that drips with irony. Not as cohesive or polished as "Lorna", but a worthy companion peice.

The picture quality of the DVD edition is very good (b/w, full screen). Also features animated menu and a few trailers for other RM films.

The second installment in Russ Meyer's series in Rural Dramas is one of his best: a well-shot, entertaining explitation piece which seems to get better with each viewing. An ex-prisoner find work (and sex) at a farm owned by Stewart Lancaster (who we all remember from FASTER, PUSSYCAT! KILL! KILL!) and his niece played by Antoinette Cristiani who is married to alchaholic sleazebag, Hal Hopper (LORNA). Even Russ Meyer himself has a very small part as someone in the crowd during Hal Hopper's execution at the end. Keep a lookout for this underated Russ Meyer flick because it's quite rare. Anyone reading this review from Australia can find this video at FASTER, PUSSYCAT! in NSW or at POLYESTER in VIC.

Lordy, what a lark! Thar's a toothless, cacklin' crone of an ex-whore who's pimpin' her busty, bleach-blonde gals, a smarmy, low-down lout who's tryin' to pork ever' purty thang in sight, a hellfire 'n' brimstone spoutin' preacherman, upright womenfolk 'n' a farm in peril, 'n' a strangerman strivin' to straighten it all out! The actin' aint the bestest, 'n' the directin's kindly overwrought, but, lawsy, it's a hoot! ('N' the hootERS is sometimes bare 'n' bouncin'!) All in all, it's a middlin' good tale!

Never before has a film been so alive,so emotional,so perfect. One of Meyer's best,filled with great acting,creative characters and personal style. To me,his film is Faulkner in the cinematic form.