THAT GUY DICK MILLER

Director. Elijah Drenner. 
Review by Glenn Cochrane.

Everyone who's ever watched movies knows Dick Miller's face. He's "That guy". Whether its from his early work with Roger Corman or his later career with Joe Dante, he's the go-to character actor who brings weight to any role no matter now big or how small. Always a comforting presence on screen he has never really been given the due credit he so sorely deserves. 

THAT GUY DICK MILLER is a retrospective documentary that celebrates his career and brings together family, friends and colleagues who all recollect their personal experiences with the man. There are too many notables to name, however, some of the key figures featured in the film include Joe Dante, Roger Corman, Allan Arkush, Corey Feldman, Ernest Dickerson, Gilbert Adler, Fred Dekker and Leonard Maltin. There isn't a negative comment to be heard in this affectionate and endearing tribute to one of Hollywood's most familiar figures. 

As a fan of cult cinema, as well as a fan of Dick Miller himself, I was a little besotted by this charming doco. It has been a labor of love for director Elijah Drenner who raised the budget through crowd funding and picked apart every brain he could get in front of his camera. He elicits a huge amount of respect from his subjects and Mr Miller himself (as well as his wife) lets the camera crew into his home, thus giving the audience an invitation to spend time with him. The stories told through these interviews are candid and nostalgic and let fans see behind the characters and into a tenacious and happy-go-lucky worth ethic. 

THAT GUY DICK MILLER is a love letter more than anything and is essential viewing for every genre fan out there. Whether you're new to his work, know him only by recognition or are a devoted fan... there is plenty to sink your teeth into with this film and it will leave you with a strong desire to revisit the classics. 

---