CLEANIN’ UP THE TOWN: REMEMBERING GHOSTBUSTERS / CERT: UNRATED / DIRECTOR: ANTHONY BUENO / STARRING: WILLIAM ATHERTON, DAN AYKROYD, RICHARD BEGGS / RELEASE DATE: SELECTED CINEMAS FROM JANUARY 5TH
From a successful Kickstarter campaign, Bueno Productions (Anthony and Claire Bueno) have put their dream into action with a release that looks extensively behind the scenes of one of the biggest fantasy movies of all time. Upon its inception in 1984, Ghostbusters was competing against giant Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and, really, no-one foresaw the global sensation that it went on to be. In its opening segment, Remembering Ghostbusters picks up on this point whilst talking about how the paranormal family concept, which was brainstormed by Dan Aykroyd and then pushed forward by Ivan Reitman & Harold Ramis, came to fruition.
As soon as it talks about the actual plot structure of the film itself, the documentary provides an easy to follow, and exciting format. It goes through memorable storyline moments in order; for example, straight away you see interviews with actors Jennifer Runyon and Steven Tash, who were in one of the very first scenes. The list of special guests is humongous and its relevantly used to support the part of the film that’s under the spotlight. They even feature the legendary librarian Alice Drummond, who was involved in one of the most spookiest but fun scares ever. We are bombarded with layered trivia; one pivotal mention tells how John Belushi would have a long-lasting impact on the spirit of the film and that, before his passing, he was set to play Dr. Peter Venkman.
Other than the quotable lines and improv chemistry between the four Ghostbusters, we take an elevated look at its use of practical effects and monumental set pieces. Steve Johnson, Michael C. Gross, Terri Hardin Jackson, Joe Medjuck and many more reflect on their roles, and you can’t help but smile at their nostalgic glee. From the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man (who Ivan Reitman himself was slightly unsure of) through to the puppeteering work on Slimer, it’s all here. Between the “streams” they link components together with exclusive cartoons, rare behind the scenes photos, animations and storyboards.
If we’re nitpicking then yeah, it would have been great to see Bill Murray and Rick Moranis share their memories but, like everyone interviewed here, it can’t have been easy to get hold of them. Also, there are some small pacing and abrupt editing issues. However, for a Kickstarter project, this is a fanatic outcome that has to be cherished and, if you have to pick just one documentary to get an exceptional look at every aspect of this classic, then this is your best bet.
