DVD REVIEW: PRESIDENT WOLFMAN / CERT: TBC / DIRECTOR: MIKE DAVIS / SCREENPLAY: MIKE DAVIS / STARRING: MARC EVAN JACKSON, PAUL ALVAREZ, ASHLEY ANN / RELEASE DATE: VOD OUT NOW
Mike Davis impressed with his ambitious 2008 feature-length debut, Sex Galaxy, which cobbled together public domain footage to create a new narrative. His follow-up is another ‘green’ movie, one that is sure to be unique in the horror genre. Like its predecessor, President Wolfman is made from recycled footage which has been cunningly re-edited and re-dubbed.
The bulk of the material is taken from the 1973 howler The Werewolf of Washington, starring Dean Stockwell. Davis has reimagined the film, pitching Stockwell as President John Wolfman in this comedy-cum-satire, who is bitten by a werewolf on the brink of a deal which would see China take over America, creating Chimerica in the process. In exchange for their obedience, politicians get a swanky skyscraper to themselves. President Wolfman fights tooth and claw to prevent this.
Given the Frankenstein effect, the editing is surprisingly deft, seamless almost, but there is something of YouTube about it. The same filter effect is used throughout for continuity. It’s a disorientating watch, for sure, but it’s also quite hilarious, with the humour owing as much to South Park as it does to Naked Gun and Airplane!
If nothing else, Davis has reminded us that film doesn’t have a fixed structure, and President Wolfman pushes the boundaries of just what a film can be. This is never going to be a mainstream hit, and that’s no bad thing; instead it’s set for cult status with Davis a filmmaker to look out for.
Extras: None
