Fast, Cheap & Out of Control Movie Review 1997

Director Morris' use of odd camera angles, unusual editing, and dark humor increases with each outing but always seems to enhance interest in the subject matter rather than detract from it. While his previous films have focused on just one subject, this one features four: a wild-animal trainer, a topiary gardener, a scientist who creates robotic insects, and a man who studies mole rats. Through inter-cutting and the overlapping of the subjects (at times audio from one is played over the visuals of another), Morris gives the impression that they are all linked together. Old movie footage is used to add an unreal quality, and the score by Caleb Sampson of the Alloy Orchestra hypnotically completes the surrealism. This is the story of four obsessed men, but none as obsessed as director Morris himself, with his need to show that truth is stranger than fiction.

Distribution

Sony Pictures Home Video, Sony Pictures Plz., 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232, Phone: (310)244-7306, Fax: (310)280-2485, URL: http://www.spe.sony.com, Remarks: Formerly Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 82 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Documentary, Recycled Footage/Redubbed Dialogue

Cinematography

Robert Richardson

Director

Errol Morris

Music

Caleb Sampson

Producer

Errol Morris, Lindsay Law, American Playhouse Theatrical Films, Sony Pictures Classics

Awards

Natl. Bd. of Review 1997: Feature Doc.; N.Y. Film Critics 1997: Feature Doc.; Natl. Soc. Film Critics 1997: Feature Doc.