If you had the Independent Film Channel back in the ‘90s, then you probably remember this hour-long documentary about director Sam Fuller as it pretty much played on the channel non-stop. I watched it a bunch of times back then and even after I saw it more than a few times, if it was on, I would still let it play out as background noise. The use of clips from Fuller’s best movies and the scenes of Quentin Tarantino, Jim Jarmusch, and Martin Scorsese talking about Fuller were still entertaining, no matter how many times I saw it. I actually hadn’t thought about it in a long time, so when I saw it listed as a special feature on the Criterion Collection DVD of Shock Corridor, I knew I had to check it out, if only for old times’ sake.
Directed by Adam (Carnosaur) Simon and hosted by Tim Robbins, this is a compact, concise, and to the point documentary. That style fits Fuller’s personality and approach to filmmaking perfectly. The title is a reference to the three careers Fuller had: A newspaper man, a soldier, and a director. His first two professions not only informed his filmmaking style but forever shaped him as a man.
Fuller himself is quite a character. You can tell he’s a natural storyteller just from the way he stands around, chomps on a cigar, and shoots the shit. That distinct voice and spirit carries over to his work, making his films and the man who made them one of a kind. It’s almost a shame it’s only an hour long because I’m sure there’s plenty more entertaining B-roll footage somewhere of him just spinning yarns.
The scenes of Robbins and Tarantino sorting through Fuller’s office and geeking out at all the memorabilia from his films are worth the price of admission. I mean, as soon as they open the door, they find the steel helmet from The Steel Helmet! How cool is that? Speaking of which, Scorsese even admits he cribbed from Steel Helmet when he made Raging Bull!
Even if you are unfamiliar with Fuller, this will make an excellent primer. If you’re a fan of Tarantino or Scorsese, it’s worth watching just for their insights. All in all, The Typewriter, the Rifle and the Movie Camera is one of the best documentaries about movies ever made.
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