Not nearly enough on the guy's films, their tones, unifying themes and concerns. Especially neglected is that classic of small town moral rot, "Naked Kiss", as well as, in my opinion, one of the top twenty American war (or anti war, depending on your point of view) pics, "Steel Helmet". Instead, we are given an adoring, completely uncritical portrait of a great if curmudgeonly film maker. This hagiographical tone is completely understandable since the doc was directed by the subject's daughter and I'm fairly certain that Sam was a good dad. Doesn't mean I have to like it, though. And I don't think Fuller would have, either. The news man in him would have accurately described it as a "puff piece". C plus.
PS...Absolutely hated the device of having the whole thing based on Fuller's memoirs and read by famous Fuller fans. Not only does it ensure that nothing even remotely negative will seep onto the screen but the readings are as much about the readers performances as they are about the material, which is distracting, to say the least. For the record my favorite reader/performer was Connie Towers and my least favorite, Bill, Don't Call Me Paul Robeson, Duke.
PS...Absolutely hated the device of having the whole thing based on Fuller's memoirs and read by famous Fuller fans. Not only does it ensure that nothing even remotely negative will seep onto the screen but the readings are as much about the readers performances as they are about the material, which is distracting, to say the least. For the record my favorite reader/performer was Connie Towers and my least favorite, Bill, Don't Call Me Paul Robeson, Duke.