The Insufferable Groo (2018)
I, like I assume many others, came across this film by pure chance, or more accurately midnight IMDB searching. This is a weird, inspirational and often saddening ride through the life of one man, Stephen Groo.
This documentary on Groo feels really niche, and yet resonates with me on a deep level. The Insufferable Groo is a complex look into the life of a narcissistic, yet incredibly passionate man who's whole life revolves around making movies. And honestly, I can sympathise. My great passion is to direct, and I've shot some bad films myself. His dedication to his movies, the main focus of this documentary, is incredible. He shoots close to 150 shots a day, working 18 hour days, pushing everyone on his crew to do their best and all for no money. This man is crazy, and the documentary shows it, but often in an entirely endearing, or, if not then, sympathetic way.
When I was fifteen/sixteen I wanted to be Groo. Of course I didn't know he existed, but the idea of making 200 films was the dream. Groo wants to be famous, but the documentary clearly shows this isn't all he's about. He loves making his movies, he loves showing them off, he loves being in them. This documentary on him is a perfect insight because it feels fresh, but honest. Groo isn't idolised like I have apparently done for him, he's shown as he is, on set and off set (although it's arguable he's never off set). People hate him, people love him, he's a normal human being with an incredible passion, and that's why this documentary succeeds. It's perfect because it wants to show you the reality (yes, that's what documentaries do) but it's not sugar coating it, it isn't afraid to paint its subject in a negative light.
If you're a film student, an aspiring filmmaker, or just a general fan of films, this is perfect for you; because despite the low quality of his films, the passion the documentary documents will inspire you to get up and make a movie. I love this documentary because it reminds me why I want to be a filmmaker, and it reminds me why films are magic. Was it worth it Stephen Groo? Yes. Yes it was.
9/10
This documentary on Groo feels really niche, and yet resonates with me on a deep level. The Insufferable Groo is a complex look into the life of a narcissistic, yet incredibly passionate man who's whole life revolves around making movies. And honestly, I can sympathise. My great passion is to direct, and I've shot some bad films myself. His dedication to his movies, the main focus of this documentary, is incredible. He shoots close to 150 shots a day, working 18 hour days, pushing everyone on his crew to do their best and all for no money. This man is crazy, and the documentary shows it, but often in an entirely endearing, or, if not then, sympathetic way.
When I was fifteen/sixteen I wanted to be Groo. Of course I didn't know he existed, but the idea of making 200 films was the dream. Groo wants to be famous, but the documentary clearly shows this isn't all he's about. He loves making his movies, he loves showing them off, he loves being in them. This documentary on him is a perfect insight because it feels fresh, but honest. Groo isn't idolised like I have apparently done for him, he's shown as he is, on set and off set (although it's arguable he's never off set). People hate him, people love him, he's a normal human being with an incredible passion, and that's why this documentary succeeds. It's perfect because it wants to show you the reality (yes, that's what documentaries do) but it's not sugar coating it, it isn't afraid to paint its subject in a negative light.
If you're a film student, an aspiring filmmaker, or just a general fan of films, this is perfect for you; because despite the low quality of his films, the passion the documentary documents will inspire you to get up and make a movie. I love this documentary because it reminds me why I want to be a filmmaker, and it reminds me why films are magic. Was it worth it Stephen Groo? Yes. Yes it was.
9/10
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