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Reviews
In the Belly of the Beast (2001)
Canadian doco aptly relates the struggle of independent horror filmmakers
Concordia graduate Alex Chisolm's first feature is a landmark for anyone interested in the perils of indie horror - and just plain deviant-- filmmaking. Trimmed down from an alleged 80 hours of video footage filmed against the backdrop of the 1997 FanTasia Film Festival in Montreal, In the Belly of the Beast is the ultimate genre documentary, as it's the only one I've seen that accurately captures the horror stories that take place behind the camera. Chisholm's probing eye manages to capture some of the most heartbreaking moments in horror history: Deep red editor Chas Balun's verbal attack on Aftermath director Nacho Cerda; FanTasia programmer Karim Hussain's dejection when his new film fails to arouse the enthusiasm of a roomful of his cinematic mentors; a blood-soaked Richard Stanley (Hardware, Dust Devil) eloquently confessing his alienation from the rest of the human race; and a teary-eyed Jim Van Bebber as he stands beside a sold-out lineup eagerly awaiting a glimpse of the in-progress Charlie's Family. Blessed with unbelievably intimate interviews and exclusive footage of a myriad of cult and horro personalities, Chisolm's In the Belly of the Beast is a rare treat for aficionados of this unique little family that we call the horror genre.