Wamego: Making Movies Anywhere

I was at a private screening of Firecracker early this week. I have comments about it posted on that listing. After viewing it, I was curious about the documentary so borrowed one from a friend and watched it last night.

The first observation isn't about the DVD but about the fact that Steve Balderson seems to generate either praise bordering on adulation, or criticism that reminds me of total denigration. There sure doesn't seem to be a middle ground for the opinions about this guy and his work.

I found Wamego: Making Movies Anywhere to be inspiring. Sure, it is self-indulgent. After all, they made it about themselves, so I doubt any family would deliberately shoot and edit a film that revealed huge flaws, particularly when the objective is to promote their feature film. At least that is what my friend told me... that the documentary was designed to go on a DVD of Firecracker when and if it is ever released as such.

Anyway, as I said, Wamego inspired me. While I'm an independent film nut (see screen name) I have always wanted to open a coffee house/café. But I've always let one thing or another convince me it was a bad idea. And in the process all that has really happened is that I've gotten older and still haven't pursued my dream. After watching Wamego last night, I've decided it is now or never.

I wish there were more to the documentary, like steps and such, but somehow I'm going to figure out how to move forward pursuing my dream as determinedly as the Baldersons pursued theirs.

You see, I think the real message of Wamego isn't about making an independent film. It's about determination... utter and pure dogged determination. It's about refusing to accept the premise that "You can't..." It's about figuring out a way, no matter what the obstacles are. I don't know this family, but my friend does, and he tells me they are pretty genuinely fond of each other. Maybe that is a message too.

At any rate, I enjoyed the doc and intend to watch it every time I get bogged down in all the reasons why my dreams will never come true. By God, they can come true!

I would be a little apprehensive of what a lot of the reviewers on Balderson's movie(s) have to say here on IMDb.

For example, for this movie, WAMEGO: MAKING MOVIES ANYWHERE, user Brenda Franklin says: "And from what I've seen of the "Firecracker" trailer, the movie they made looks incredible! Can't wait to see it!" After clicking on her name, I noticed that she wrote a 10-star review for FIRECRACKER a day earlier (http://imdb.com/user/ur4968680/comments).

Smells like propaganda to me.

Also, I can see how many people may feel inspired by this documentary, but it's difficult to say that just because someone has a lot of money and resources means that they are necessarily fit to do what they believe is their true calling. Money doesn't equal a fantastic film.

EDIT: Since I have posted this review, user Brenda Franklin has since edited her review for WAMEGO: MAKING MOVIES ANYWHERE, claiming she indeed did watch FIRECRACKER before writing the review!

In dozens of ways the making of "Firecracker" has re-invented the process of making films. If you haven't seen this documentary yet, you must. The making of Firecracker is profoundly and fundamentally revolutionary, revisionist and eminently worthy of study on every level.

A family in the middle of the USA came together to make a feature movie. They didn't argue or cheat or steal. They are honest and good people. The people who don't like this movie, or the Baldersons, I don't want to know.

The documentary is told in sequence to making the film "Firecracker". We follow as it gets closer and closer to production. And then we see the production. I was so involved with the story of this family that by the time Mike Patton and Karen Black appeared in the production section, I lost all care about fame and movie stars, and rather cared for the family behind the movie.

This is what film-making is all about.

This is a great documentary for anyone who has ever wanted to make a movie. It shows the good and the bad (though i would have preferred a more "warts and all" approach. It seems a little biased.) "Wamego" is about making a movie without compromising your artistic integrity. And, it's about doing (instead of talking). The Baldersons are doers, not talkers. And you can see them come together as a family and build props (amazing carnival wagons!) and strategies how to make a low-budget movie work.

And now that I've seen "Firecracker" watching this documentary again was wonderful and explained a lot I missed the first time!