Celluloid Mavericks: A History of American Independent Film Making

by Greg Merritt

Celluloid Mavericks: A History of American Independent Filmmaking documents this rich history, showing what it meant to be "independent" in the 1930s and what it means today. Author Greg Merritt distinguishes between indie and semi-indie productions, explores the genres represented under the independent umbrella, and addresses the question of what makes a movie independent -- its "spirit" or the budget backing the production. From one-reel flicks at the turn of the century to the blockbusters of the ‘90s, Celluloid Mavericks takes readers on a fascinating tour of the industry.

Genres: Film, Nonfiction

416 pages, Paperback

First published October 5, 1999

Reviews

[Roland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good overview of the independent film scene from the beginning of cinema up until the Blair Witch Project. The author freely interjects his opinions into this book, which keeps things lively even if you disagree with some of his viewpoints. There are some dumb errors in spots (at this point, if you don't know that Jason WASN'T the killer in the first Friday the 13th film, then you shouldn't be writing about horror), but I like how he splits chapters into different aspects of independent film making. "Ethnic" films get a section, as do documentaries and those helmed by female directors. The last chapter makes an attempt to cover the 90s indie explosion, which unfortunately means that it gets really bogged down and slow going by trying to pack in as much as possible. Still, worth picking up if you're interested in independent films.