Fanalysis

Mr. Bruce Campbell's documentary is both a voyeuristic peek at the wide spectrum of the fandoms of Science Fiction & Fantasy media and a commentary of the importance of the fan/artist relationship. We see behavior at conventions, there are interviews with actors (Ted Raimi)and theatre owners and the fans themselves. There are the extreme fans who go to any length to look and act like their favorite characters. There are the mild mannered ones who just go and collect memorabilia. Mr. Campbell explains the necessity of the fans, at the same time expresses a desire to keep the relationship "balanced", not too close, but not distanced. Mr. Campbell is an accomplished actor and author. His love and concern for his fans show through in this brief glimpse of his reality. A real treat for anyone who recognizes himself or a family member in this commentary-or just wants to see Bruce in action!

Like most everybody I'm also a fan of something and some people, so I definitely do understand people going a long way or doing their utmost for the admired person. Yet the world of conventions seems to me the most bizarre thing I've ever come across. Watching this documentary I begin to wonder if to some people movies, TV-shows etc supply a sort of heightened reality, that nevertheless is pretty real to them and sadly enough more real than their real lives. So instead of having a life and simply entertaining themselves or getting inspired watching a movie etc, this movie etc becomes their life. This is the one side and Bruce Campbell does his best spotlighting it and it's remarkable that he lets and gets these people to talk for themselves. Then there is of course the other side the person who is admired and who sort of has to put up with it. Strangely enough this person seems to be the most lonely person at times because people do not actually want or dare to communicate with him or her. But then who wants to talk to an idol, simply to find out that this idol is just a human being like you or me?!

In the end this documentary - and this reaction may seem odd - made me glad to be Rhenish and that there is carnival over here and that I can get dressed up as whatever I like at least once a year.

This 26 minute short by Bruce Campbell on his thought of fandom is a bit insubstantial, a tad fluffy. But it's also funny at moments, while sad at others (why a gay men would ever confess his love to a heterosexual one is beyond me) It also provides interviews with some of the more fanatic fans. As well as interviews with Director Ted Ramimi and professional fat jackass Harry Knowles. The former is cool, the latter.. well I hate Knowles so I really didn't care for his segments. Doesn't ever reach the heights of "Trekkies", but for the most part it's entertaining, primarily because of Bruce Campbell himself.

My Grade: B

Bruce Campbell's directorial debut outside of television, this excellent documentary "Fanalysis" takes a look at the wide spectrum of fandom and the world of conventions. Bruce Campbell doesn't patronize his fans and shows a deep appreciation for them through his commentary on this film, though he does warn of extremes. This is not strictly a look at Deadites so some might be disappointed in that regard as it instead chooses to be relatively objective and show fans of several other shows/movies. Ultimately this is short, sweet, memorable, and stylish as well. It is not phenomenal, but it is most certainly very good.

8/10

Bruce Campbell, a multi-talented actor makes his documentary debut and just like Bruce always does, he succeddes. This is one of the best documentaries I have ever seen. I think its safe to say that it is my favorite documentary of all time. Just like the title says Bruce tells us his opinion on fans, as well as other people about fandom etc. See this and you will not be disappointed.

10/10