The Real World: Documentaries

By Marjorie Baumgarten, Sarah Hepola, and Marcel Meyer, Fri., Feb. 25, 2000

AMERICAN PIMP

D: Albert and Allen Hughes.

Disturbingly funny documentary depicts the life of the American pimp. Through street interviews, and analysis of Seventies blaxploitation films, the Hughes brothers confirm many of the clichés and personality types involved with the art of prostitution management, and end the film by confirming a "Pimp of the Year" trophy upon the most well-deserved interviewee. (May 5)

BEYOND THE MAT

D: Barry Blaustein; with Terry Funk, Mick Foley, Jake Roberts, Roland Alexander, Vince McMahon.

Offered here is a behind-the-scenes look at the wonderful world of professional wrestling as examined by filmmaker Blaustein, who dedicated more than four years to researching and filming a rather intimate, never-before-seen view of the lives, dreams, and even families of these towering giants of the mat. (Mar 17)

THE FILTH & THE FURY

D: Julien Temple.

Boasting never-before-seen footage and in-depth interviews, this irreverent documentary of the irreverent Seventies band The Sex Pistols was filmed by the same director who made 1980's Great Rock ån' Roll Swindle. Rather than a simple nostalgic look back on days of punk, Fury aims to create a more historical record straight from original band members, including Johnny Rotten, Steve Jones, Paul Cook, Glen Matlock, and Sid Vicious. (May 5)

42 UP

D: Michael Apted.

In this remarkable series, British filmmaker Apted (The World Is Not Enough) interviews the same 14 subjects every seven years for a documentary charting their progress throughout life (Apted began in 1964, with Seven Up). What results is these unique snapshots of life in England as well as an intimate peek into human development, both personal and universal. (May 12)

MY BEST FIEND

D: Werner Herzog.

Over the years and the course of the five films they made together (among them Fitzcarraldo; Nosferatu, the Vampire; and Aguirre, Wrath of God), director Werner Herzog and actor Klaus Kinski had a notorious love-hate relationship. These complex and colorful German filmmakers have famously fought and flung hyperbolic invective at each other, but their collaborations belie their symbiotic relationship. After Kinski's death, Herzog filmed this remembrance. (Mar. 19)