Bunker77 (2016) User Reviews (3)

Far too frenetic film of a genuinely frenetic madman

[msghall · 6/10 · 15 October 2019]

Bunker Spreckels, stepson of Clark Gable and inheritor of a great fortune, was a magnetic, charming wild-man surfer in the 70's. He was colorful, funny and of course famous. Great fodder for a documentary. However, in trying to replicate Bunker's natural energy and originality, the filmmaker overdoes the camera movements and uses quick cuts that clutters images and feel. (To be fair to the director, the version I saw on Prime is probably not formatted correctly, resulting in the claustrophobic representation of many scenes.)

Very little of the actual subject is revealed and you're left to wonder if who this guy was. He is not interviewed other than brief audio snippets. If the director had presented this with a little restraint, Bunker might have been more defined. Instead, you're wondering why this thrill ride with no anchor?

Well Done Doc that is important as a historical footnote to surfing and skating

[midnight_cinephile · 10/10 · 11 July 2021]

Smart, crafty and well executed, this is a documentary non surfers will enjoy as much as surfers.

This film falls firmly In the tradition of Riding Giants ,Dogtown and Z boys ,etc as a great historical ode to the roots of an athletic culture and an incredible era gone by.

I really enjoyed this film and watched it twice in quick succession. Bunker was a flamboyant figure that could have only been made in America and specifically California.

I get the feeling that had he not had an endless amount of cash at his literal disposal he would have gone a lot further in the surfing world as a surfer and as a designer.

The interviews with the Hamilton family and Bunker's close friends , lovers and employees give a rich personal insight to a character that really was larger than life and could have only existed in that time and place - 1960s-1970s.

There was a lot of work, love and thought put into this film with the interviews, re-dramatizations , slick editing and all of the restored archival film and audio.

Thankfully Art Brewer caught Bunker with his camera at his peak, his glowing youthful pre multimillionaire purest version which immortalized the "Genetic space child" before the drugs overtook him.

It's a shame that there is not more archival footage of bunker surfing but the film did a great job with what little was available. This film also stands as an obvious cautionary tale of excess and waste and yes once again hard drugs really suck, Welcome to the 27 club Bunker...we hardly knew ya.

"Bunker 77: Riding the Waves of Legend"

[doyler79 · 8/10 · 12 December 2023]

"Bunker 77" intricately delves into the life and legacy of the iconic surfer Bunker Spreckels, delivering a compelling narrative that seamlessly blends captivating visuals and insightful interviews. The documentary skillfully navigates Spreckels' unconventional existence, illuminating his profound impact on the 1970s surf culture. Directorial finesse is evident in the meticulous storytelling, ensuring that both surf enthusiasts and newcomers are engaged throughout. The film not only captures the essence of a surfing legend but also serves as a poignant exploration of individuality and the indomitable spirit that defined Spreckels' remarkable journey. "Bunker 77" stands as a testament to the art of documentary filmmaking, offering an enriching and visually stunning experience for audiences.