DANGER GOD (2019) ** ½

Danger God is a documentary about Gary Kent, who had a long and varied career as an actor, stuntman, director, and behind the scenes jack of all trades.  Kent worked with everyone from Ed Wood to Ray Dennis Steckler to Monte Hellman to Al Adamson to Don Coscarelli, and for that alone, he’s a noteworthy figure in my book.  The thing that makes him legendary in my eyes though is that he’s the man Brad Pitt’s character in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is partially based on, due to his run-in with Charles Manson and his followers at Spahn Ranch.

Throughout the film, Kent proves to be a likeable subject.  He seems like a genuinely good-natured, kindhearted guy, which quickly endears him to the audience.  The problem is the documentary itself is all over the place.  The best parts are the clips of his old movies (especially the Adamson stuff).  Once we start delving deeper into his life, a lot of things feel glossed over and/or rushed.  For instance, Kent’s encounter with Manson is only briefly discussed and the subject of Adamson’s shocking murder is likewise barely touched on. 

The look of the film is erratic too.  It goes from a professional looking documentary to videotaped footage to stuff that looks like it was filmed on an iPhone.  (The scenes of Kent reading his memoir aloud also go on a little long.)  The focus of the movie gets choppier as it comes down the home stretch, and the footage of Kent hanging out on the set of a no-budget horror flick feels like various DVD bonus features haphazardly stitched together.  

Still, you can’t help but feel for the guy.  He seems like a cool dude, and your heart really goes out to him during the stretches when both he and his wife are battling cancer.  Despite the film’s shortcomings, if it at least spreads the gospel about the legend that is Gary Kent, then so much the better.

Recently I picked up Severin’s exhaustive Blu-Ray collection of Al Adamson’s entire career.  I’ve been itching to check it out once I can carve out some time to fully immerse myself in his work.  When I do, I look forward to seeing Kent in action in those films and hopefully any projects he may have in store for us in the future.  

AKA:  Love and Other Stunts.