If Chins Could Kill or Why Does It Hurt When
I Pee?
The Bruce Campbell
Story
When it comes to reviewing any sort of media, I
tend to like to do it immediately after, while it's still fresh on
the ole' knocker. However, after reading the introduction of Bruce
Campbell's autobiography "If Chins Could Kill: Confessions of a B
Movie Actor" I wanted to start the review immediatly, because I knew
if the introduction was that good, I was in store for quite the
treat. And was I ever right.
Bruce has written not only an
amazing and hilarious piece of literature, but he has single
handedly crafted the best guide to independent filmmaking available.
Rather than telling you the do's and don't of filmmaking, he dives
straight in and gives the reader the consequences of both from
experience and lets him or her decide whether it was a good choice.
For this alone it is a definite must read for anyone thinking about
getting into the world of film. Despite the fact that Bruce is an
actor/director of sorts, the book isn't overwhelmed with film jargon
(although certain chapters are just gems of wisdom about movies) or
the technical aspects of film. So it can appeal to anyone really.
The book begins as per usual with biographies with Bruce's
childhood. These chapters alone would make a great coming of age
flick; Bruce and his brothers were absolutely crazy, and his stories
will leave the reader laughing for pages. The cast of characters is
familiar to all of us loyal fans, Sam, Scott, Josh, and all the rest
are always great when they pop up. You really get a feel for how
important these guys were to the success of each of their singular
careers. Also for those Raimi lovers, Bruce really gets under Sam's
skin and the reader is exposed to Sam's true nature, and surprised
or not, you don't have to dig too far to find out about the real Sam
Raimi.
There's plenty of the Evil Dead to keep the deadites
happy, but there are also pages upon pages about the postproduction
of ED, which took nearly 3 years to complete! It's insanely
interesting to read about how this film came together. From there we
share Bruce's troubled marriage and career first hand as he
struggles to make it in Hollywood until he finally breaks down and
cries in a parking garage after the studio rapes his second film
Crimewave. Once again Bruce isn't afraid to show his true self and
the reader really connects with him on many levels. Bruce takes us
through ED2, AOD, McHale's Navy, the Hudsucker Proxy, and many more
not to mention crazy gags, scams, and jokes until he finally ends up
on Fox in the short lived but long loved Adventure's of Brisco
County, Jr. We find Bruce warming up to TV life as he settles down
to act in and direct many episodes Hercules and Xena. The reader
shares all of his victory and defeat throughout his entire career
almost up until this very moment.
Along the way Bruce gives
the reader some very insightful and valuable advice, not to mention
some great pictures, and very funny real emails from fans and
antifans. As far as I'm concerned this is a must read about a real
person, not some fake movie star. Bruce is down to earth and a great
person (and writer) and it's about time someone wrote a book about
the "real" Hollywood. Great job Bruce and if you're reading this, if
you ever decide to write If Chins Could Kill II, let me know, I've
got numerous email addresses and a whole wealth of completely
useless information to share!
-Cliff
Holverson | |
