MILIUS (2014) ****

John Milius was one of the most prolific screenwriters of the ‘70s.  During that time, he wrote The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean, Jeremiah Johnson, and Apocalypse Now, just to name a few.  He’s probably more well known for the scripts he rewrote uncredited, like Dirty Harry and Quint’s USS Indianapolis speech from Jaws.  In the ‘80s, he went on to direct the classics Conan the Barbarian and Red Dawn.  By the time the ‘90s came around, his legend had just about eclipsed his output.  

This documentary is a fascinating portrait of the man that is admittedly equal parts legend and fact.  It’s fun hearing stories about him demanding guns, girls, and gold in exchange for a script about Evel Knievel, studios offering to buy him TWO sportscoats as long as he burns his old one, and walking into meetings with a loaded gun, you know, for effect.  

There are plenty of stories here to corroborate the legend of John Milius.  The sheer number of participants who have agreed to appear for on-camera interviews is a testament to the man.  Spielberg, Lucas, Scorsese, just to name a few, all tell funny Milius stories while giving great insight to the man behind the myth.  From championing each other’s work back in film school, to helping one another out on various projects, to trading profit points on their movies, they eagerly regale us with wild stories.

Most of the tales you hear about Milius in this film are legendary.  Like most legends, they all have their basis in fact.  Besides, when it comes down to the facts and the legend, you’re supposed to print the legend anyway.  He lived life to the hilt, just like the characters he wrote, which makes him (and them) the genuine article. 

The filmmakers point to Red Dawn, though a hit, as the thing that probably killed his career.  After that, John was largely written off by Hollywood for his right-wing politics.  Also, studios were no longer willing to put up with his antics just to get a great script. From there on, Milius unexpectedly pulls at your heartstrings.  It’s a terrific portrait of the man, the myth, and the legend.  (Also, stay tuned after the credits for some jaw-dropping facts about him that only increase his legendary status.)