Guns on the Clackamas: A Documentary (1995) User Reviews (4)

Don't Eat the Macaroni Salad!

[professionalbum · 8/10 · 13 March 2019]

Being a long time of Mr. Plympton's animations for over 30 years, I had to give his mockumentary a chance...and boy it's just as precious as his animated gifts.

I mean this film is very very silly-don't expect Spinal Tap or And God Spoke; but do expect a very low budget comedic romp that doesn't take itself seriously.

Throw your mind out of the window and enjoy this hidden gem!

I really did want to like this...

[planktonrules · 2/10 · 29 April 2010]

I have long been a huge fan of the weird cartoons of Bill Plympton, so when I heard he wrote and directed a live action film, I was excited to see it. "Guns of the Clackamas" is a mockumentary about the production of a fake film. This is exactly the sort of film that the terrific "...And God Spoke" was and so I was excited to see the Plympton film even more. Sadly, however, "Clackamas" was not a particularly enjoyable film. In fact, the longer I watched it, the more I disliked it.

Let me give you some more background information about my taste in movies. In addition to "...And God Spoke", I have really loved the mockumentaries made by Christopher Guest. "Best in Show" is one of my favorite comedies ever and while not a hilarious film, I adored "A Mighty Wind" and its gentle parody of a PBS-style reunion concert. So, when I say I really disliked the Plympton film, it is NOT because I dislike the genre--it's because the film just isn't funny. The idea is to use quality actors and writing to make a film that mocks cheesy films and looks real--not make a cheesy film with non-professional actors that is as bad as the film you are purporting to parody.

Dull and there are simply other films that have done this much better.

I agree with Martin.

[jemery321 · 2/10 · 14 February 2020]

I was a big fan of Bill Plympton's animated work, so when I got the opportunity to do sound on this film I was very excited! But I'm afraid what started as a funny idea just couldn't support a whole film. But I do love the low budget low budget aesthetic herejust couldn't support a whole film. But I do love the low budget parody of a low budget aesthetic here!

Plympton Gets the Hang of Live Action in Wickedly Funny Mockumentary

[dtb · 9/10 · 15 March 2006]

My husband and I saw GUNS ON THE CLACKAMAS years ago in a special theatrical showing that also included animator Bill Plympton's other live-action feature, J. LYLE. Of the two, GUNS... is far funnier, better-paced, and just generally a more assured, better crafted movie. Clearly Plympton learned from his J. LYLE experience that the leisurely pacing of his cartoons doesn't work as well in a live-action film, where Plympton The Animator's eccentric character design and constant line movement can't hold the audience's attention between gags. The concept behind GUNS... is wickedly funny and downright evil, as a beleaguered group of filmmakers try to film a Western only to have key cast members unexpectedly die in various funny/horrible ways. Undaunted, the director just props up each new dead body in appropriate ways and shoots the film anyway! One scene that sticks in my mind is the press conference with the dead leading lady propped up in a chair with makeup and sunglasses to try to make her seem more alive while the oblivious journalists ask questions. If you have a twisted sense of humor and you can find GUNS ON THE CLACKAMAS anywhere, it's well worth a look!