Goodbye, Russ Meyer

[Copyright ©1999-2004  RM Films International, Inc.]

Sad news about the death of filmmaker Russ Meyer. Years ago, when I lived in the Beachwood Canyon area of Hollywood, I used to see him shopping at the Beachwood Market. I recognized him right away with his signature mustache, despite the fact that he looked more like a shoe salesman than a bon vivant, lecherous playboy and wild filmmaker! I never thought much of his work, until a Dutch filmmaker friend kept extolling his movies as a form of high art and commentary on the American scene. It took seeing through the eyes of these expatriate Europeans, to open my myopic eyes. Still, he is an acquired taste. If you've never seen his films, Faster Pussycat, Kill! Kill! is a great place to start - full of fast cars and fast girls!


[Copyright ©1999-2004  RM Films International, Inc.]

It's the dangerous women of Russ Meyer's epic "Faster Pussycat, Kill! Kill!" (1965) Predating "Thelma and Louise" by 20 years, this cinematic masterpiece lets everyone know what "girl power" is all about. A perfect post-modern fable filmed in glorious "black and blue."

[Copyright ©1999-2004 RM Films International, Inc.]

The three women featured (from left to right) are Haji, Lori Williams, and Tura Satana. Satana has become a cult idol with her leather tough attitude and karate chops.

Read the complete article and view more cool images from Faster Pussycat, Kill! Kill! at Java's Bachelor Pad.

Pioneer Adult Filmmaker Russ Meyer Dies

Los Angeles - Russ Meyer, producer-director who helped spawn the "skin flick" with such films as "Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!" and later gained a measure of critical respect, has died. He was 82.

Meyer died Saturday at his home in the Hollywood Hills, according to his company, RM Films International Inc. Spokeswoman Janice Cowart said Meyer had suffered from dementia and died of complications of pneumonia.

Meyer's films were considered pornographic in their time but are less shocking by today's standards, with their focus on violence and large-busted women but little graphic sex.

Altogether he produced, directed, financed, wrote, edited and shot at least 23 films, including his debut, "The Immoral Mr. Teas," in 1959 and the 1968 film "Vixen," whose success earned him notice from major studios. -- Associated Press

Read the complete obit.

Visit the Russ Meyer web site, and while you're there, check out his long-awaited biography A Clean Breast, you may want to buy it. (It's on my Christmas list!)