The movie I don't want to tell you about

An independently produced movie is playing in St. Petersburg tonight. I won't tell you where because that would just send more people to see or protest it, and that might lead to trouble that, honestly, the city doesn't need, in light of its history of racial unease.

The intended audience knows what and where it is. There's a sturdy grapevine among sickos.

If this loathsome movie -- judging from the trailer, which I would post but tampabay.com prohibits displaying gratuitous racism, sexism, gore, nudity and profanity -- played in a conventional theater, and for a longer engagement, maybe I would steer folks there.

Grudgingly, and only for the chance that it might be shut down, hopefully without incident.

But I get the feeling that folks behind this one-time presentation are baiting me and I won't play into it. They want me to help increase ticket sales and quite possibly set off a protest that can be marketed into a greater haul at other such screenings and on DVD. I don't wish to assist such a cynical, possibly dangerous plan.

The movie is titled Black Devil Doll, in which a demonic, Chucky-style doll with a big Afro and Dolemite diction spews derogatory comments toward women as he rapes, beats and slashes them. That's about all you need to know about the plot.

Black Devil Doll is directed by California filmmaker Jonathan Lewis, who is identified in the trailer as having "been labeled a self-hating Negro." The other n-word is heard a lot in only four minutes. When a woman asks the puppet why he says it so often, it replies: "B----, I say n----- over a hundred times a day. It's the only thing that keeps my teeth white."

That's the level of entertainment here.

The trailer claims the movie is produced "in association with Ostein and Mayberg," although the Internet Movie Database doesn't list anyone with such Jewish-sounding names associated with the project. The credit appears to be simply another ethnic provocation.

The trailer also claims the movie is "rated X by an all-white jury," although it hasn't been submitted to the MPAA for a rating, and the X was retired 19 years ago. The reference to an all-white jury is stolen from Melvin Van Peebles' groundbreaking 1968 film Sweet Sweetback's Baadassss Song, and I don't think he would appreciate that.

If you really must watch the definitely NSFW trailer, you can find it on YouTube here, after jumping through a few hoops confirming that you're over 18. I don't recommend it.

I only mention Black Devil Doll now because I received two e-mails plugging the screening. I get promotional e-mails like that all of the time. Tampa Bay is crawling with nearly-amateur filmmakers. Not all of them go the gore route, or merit much attention.

I won't mention the promoter's name, either. Maybe he'll thank me in the long run. Or perhaps he'll never reach that point at which enough is enough, even in exceedingly gruesome and tasteless movies created for a sick, niche audience demanding them. I enjoy tasteless and gruesome when delivered with style that isn't suggested by the Black Devil Doll trailer.

The situation reminds me of a guy I know named Scotty who can get pretty obnoxious when he has too much to drink. His mouth gets engaged while his brain is disconnected. It's obviously a desperate attempt for attention. Scotty is often the only person in the bar who believes he's entertaining. Sometimes an equally buzzed customer will laugh and egg him on, often regretting that after a few more raw comments.

I've told Scotty to cool it before, when what he says gets too uncomfortable for other customers. His usual, loud response to that suggestion is: "I don't give a f---."

"No, man, sometimes you need to give a f---," I've told him.

That's what I'm saying to anyone believing Black Devil Doll is just a harmless joke that doesn't pander to base, racist instincts, with ramifications beyond its running time; people who'll use the fact that Lewis is African-American as justification for the bile. People who'll say: "Chill out, it's only a movie." There are others outside their circle who would disagree, and not as rationally as I've tried.

By the way, the Web site for Black Devil Doll lists another Tampa Bay playdate in June, at a legitimate movie theater whose participation shocks me. That could change, of course. Even in a bad economy, there are some things I wouldn't do for money.      

Comments

[Butts MaGee]

Steve, so did these guys send you the movie or what? Dying to hear your thoughts on the film. Your real thoughts, after having actually watched it. Or maybe you are to ashamed to stick your foot in your mouth?

[Rocko]

Why have you not remove the comment about the girls yet, I believe in free talk, but not nasty rumors like thet have hiv BS...have a heart and remove it please...Thanks!

[Shawn Lewis]

I agree! End this RIGHT NOW Douglas!

[movie fan]

Let this childish nonsense end RIGHT NOW!

[Shawn Lewis]

Good advice, now blow me.

[Douglas Arthur]

Shawn, I said it before. As a producer your job should be trying to get as many people to see your film, and yet you continue to act and behave in such a manner, that I am amazed that anyone would want to hang out with you. Your words really do you a disservice. Clean up your act if you want to get anything other than the niche, and a rather small niche at that. You continue to prove again and again you have no respect or maturity.

[Shawn Lewis]

Steve, you are terminally full of $hit.

[Ball Sac]

whatever

[Steve Persall]

Since I've been on jury duty for four days, I've been remiss in responding to even the worthwhile posts on this stale subject.

Anyway, thanks to Mr. Lewis for again promising the already promised dvd. When I get to the office Friday I'll look for it. I will watch it and may enjoy it. It would have been nice to have the DVD before the two screenings in St. Pete and St. Pete Beach. (You may have had an ally you didn't count upon.)

But that wouldn't suit your intentions, as evidenced by your recent posts.

I would think that any filmmaker truly deserving that title would wish to create something inviting some degree of praise/criticism/any reaction from whatever perspective (of which I have several that shouldn't be underestimated, as evidenced by my previous discussion on blog-talk radio).

Otherwise, it cheapens the art form -- of which I had genuine respect long before making money from it -- becoming more of a product along the lines of what's hawked on late-night informercials.

If that what Mr. Lewis intends, my sincere wishes of good luck. He and his associates are enjoying nice trips across the U.S. where they can be feted by similarly minded viewers/suckers.

However, if he prefers to present his "product" into communities for its narrow audience without question by the masses, I'd suggest informing local promoters to not contact mass media services that may ask those questions.

I, for one, won't comment again. Not because of the theme or quality of the movie but because I took these guys seriously to begin with (as I do with most indie filmmakers, even the lowest-budget, off-the-wall ones), posted my thoughts, and now realize their intent and devotion to dollars, not sense.

[Shawn Lewis]

PS:

I even sent a screener to Steve Persall, knowing that he will probably give it a bad review. He should have it today or tomorrow.

Its not about bad or good reviews. With a film like Black Devil Doll, its all about publicity and that includes the good and the bad. As long as people are talking, thats all that matters. And that includes douches on message boards spewing nonsense.

The more you talk, the more we sell. Period.

Thanks

[Shawn Lewis]

You have got to be kidding right? I realize you are just trying to provoke me, but please be honest about this, please show me one time I have complained about getting a bad review!
Show me.

You do not make a movie like Black Devil Doll and not expect to get BAD reviews.

This thread is about someone that has not seen the film, and talking about it as if they had seen it. That is the issue. That is the problem.

I expect to get as many bad reviews as good ones. Black Devil Doll has always been a love it or hate it kind of film.

If you don't like it great, because for every person that doesn't like it, someone else will. But the last thing you will see me doing is getting upset that someone does not like the film. -shawn

[jason 5]

Have you ever notice how upset Shawn gets when someone does not like his movie. Gee do you think everyone should like it and if they don't they can't say anything bad about it?
You really just need to chill and take the good with the bad bro! I got to admit you really can't blast a movie without seeing it, but if someones sees it and doesn't like it they should be allowed to say so...is that not right Shawn?

[Steve Persall]

I'd like to do that, Corky (why do you remind me of the Corky in Waiting for Guffman?). But the screener dvd that Shawn Lewis promised weeks ago seems to have slipped his mind after spending the money his carpetbagging roadshow sucked from Tampa Bay wallets.

[Corky Curtiss]

Tampa Bay should give the Lewis Brothers a key to the city for bringing such fine entertainment to the community. Terence: try not to be such a nerd and enjoy Black Devil Doll. You'll feel better.

[Shawn Lewis]

Terrance

Don't come on here attacking us, our film, our credibility and expect us not to fight back.

I stand by what I said, your posts REEK of a jealous wanna-be.

And if it took 3 people to direct that garbage you call a film I feel sorry for all three of you talentless scabs. I would be embarrassed to have my name on it.

And again, why should Chester Turner be mentioned in the press release for a screening? Our film IS NOT A REMAKE. And what business is it of your's anyway?

Worry about yourself, drop this garbage and move on.

You haven't seen my film, I, on the other hand watched your "film" and came to the educated conclusion that it sucks.

[RJD]

Damn! I just watched that Terence Nuzum guys "trailer", and what a steaming pile of garbage! And can you really even call it a trailer when there isn't a single moving frame in the thing? It's just a slideshow! And a slideshow that my 11 year old nephew could do on his iMac.

[Terence Nuzum]

trust me it isnt about jealousy. as for my short film you saw Milk Crate Scars. i didnt direct the entire film so you are insulting two other people you dont need to. i think this is being misconstrued. I read the TBT article and the press release I believe Rick Danford sent out when it played or was going to play Beach Theatre and Chester Turner wasnt mentioned. As a fan I flew off the handle since i felt he should have been mentioned more often. true it could have been the editors who left it out so that wasnt fair of me to bash the filmmakers. i apologize. but to say its because i dont want you to suceed and i am jealous? you dont even know me? because I made a low budget film and said what I said you came to that conclusion as your final summation on me? that's a little much isnt it? ball sac was maybe more on target with I didnt check out enough articles and was going by one. somehow you have deduced I am a failed filmmaker and artist because I havent yet made a film that has been distributed and released? thats what failed or a successful film means to you? I have news there are many released films that are crap. I never said I was a better filmmaker or that i made a better film than you. why did you decide to go that route? oh let me guess because "i know your type". if thats the tact you want to take thats up to you. Im not gonna begrudge you the ability to defend your film.

on another note I hope you are successful in getting Turners films released I will defintely buy them.

[Shawn Lewis]

This is for Terence Nuzum.

Shawn Lewis here, co-writer and producer of Black Devil Doll.

This "ball sac" guy below already said, most of what I needed to say, at least he knows what he is talking about.

So I read your post Terence and was wondering, who is this guy? A member of the Exploitation Film Police? Were you a hall monitor in High School too? Then I googled your name and it all became clear;

Why is it that every naysayer to our project turns out to be a jealous talentless "filmmaker"?

I've seen your "work" Terrance and its pretty weak and amateurish to be completely honest, I encourage people to google your name and try to sit through your short feature Milk Crate Scars. I bet most of you can't get through the first ten minutes... I've seen wedding videos with higher entertainment value. Its one of the reasons you have gone nowhere in the industry. You either got talent or you don't. You ain't got it pal.

So I put myself in your shoes for a moment; Man, it must really burn you up that we shot our film for only 5 grand (our first film), took it to the Canne Film Festival and sold it to France, Germany, UK, Japan, and 6 other territories. Making a huge profit before the film has even been released in the USA. We did something that most indie filmmakers only dream of. Not to mention our film is playing in over 20 theaters throughout the US and several Overseas theaters before our DVD release (Distributed by Ryko) in August.

Yea I'm sticking my finger in the wound and twisting it. Its fun, and you deserve it.

But more importantly we have fans, that love and adore our film, and that means more than any money we make. Something you may never experience.

It obviously hurts you enough to lash out on message boards and thats fine, you only bring more attention to our film. But why don't you try using all that negative energy and put it into your film work where you really need it?
You ain't going to make something of yourself by attacking those that are doing what you wish you could do.

As this "ball sac" said in his post, I have been trying to get Turners films released and have run into more roadblocks than you can imagine. The biggest problem is he is dead I'm sorry to say. But yes, I am closer to releasing his films on DVD than anyone has ever been so maybe you should be thanking me if you are such a fan?

As far as us not mentioning Chester Turner, that is just wrong. He is mentioned everywhere, web sites, magazine articles, interviews not to mention the credits of the film and on the audio commentary.

Good luck, you need it. -shawn

[Ball Sac]

See the movie before calling it a rip-off, remake or whatever. I have seen it twice now and I'm seeing it again tonight in San Francisco. I can tell you that the two films are apples and oranges. Sharing only the most obvious surface elements.

I am also a fan of Black Devil Doll From Hell, not a fan because its well made, a fan because its the worst film I and many others have ever seen. The Lewis Brother's film is an actual film, so well made I was shocked.

As for the Lewis' not mentioning Chester Turner, that is a complete lie. I have been following this film for the past 2 years and I can tell you for a fact that he has been mentioned in every interview, on their web site and on the myspace page. I just checked again, and there it is, on the left side of the myspace page. Open your eyes.

Were you aware that the Lewis' have been trying to release Chester's films on DVD for the past 5 years? Did you know that Chester Turner died in a car accident over 10 years ago? Did you know that the Lewis are in contact with the actress from BDDFH and are hopefully recording an audio commentary with her for a future release? You have no idea what you are talking about friend.

And beyond all this garbage, so what if its a rip off? Rip off's are a exploitation STANDARD, any true exploitation fan would know this.

Some of the most popular exploitation films from the 70's and 80's are rip offs. Italian exorcist rip offs, Road Warrior rip offs, Jaws rip offs, Alien rip offs. Hasn't Roger Corman ripped off movies like Alien and Jurasic Park for years? And don't get me started on all the Last House On The Left rip offs that blanked the scene for years after the original.

Any exploitation fan probably has 100's of rip offs in their collection.

The Lewis' are always open to interviews and questions, I'm constantly emailing them for details on the movie. Maybe instead of talking out your back end on a message board, try emailing them for the facts.

[Terence Nuzum]

man you guys are clueless. these two are ripping off and getting fame on someone elses idea.

they ripped off this film from the 80s called Black Devil Doll From Hell and they give it no credit. someone needs to find Chester Turner and tell him he needs to contact these jokers and at least get a credit.

http://www.crazedfanboy.com/schlock/blog/indexprime_blackhell.html

[Corky Curtiss]

Thanks for promoting BLACK DEVIL DOLL, the best film of the year! Steve's alarmist diatribe about a movie he didn't see gave the Lewis Brothers some truly priceless PR.

In the '70s and '80s, our local conservative newspaper often assigned their in-house stiffs to review "sick" exploitation flicks...every time one of those chin-stroking pundits trashed the movie, I bought a ticket. Today, Steve's outraged posturing enhances my enjoyment of BLACK DEVIL DOLL like a fine dust of PCP on a well-rolled spliff.

Lewis Brothers, be proud! Steve's hysterical and hopelessly square commentary makes the movie stand out all the more as a modern sleaze classic.

[TTT]

Think that comment about the girls are just mean, it should be removed ASAP!

[Chris]

GUYS/GIRLS WATCH OUT THE LADIES OF BLACK DEVIL DOLL ALL HAVE HIV+ OR AN STD!!!!!!

[Richard Berry]

Hey Doug, in response to your May 18th, 2009 at 01:21 post;

Why would anybody want to be a jerk about anything??
Your description of life is enlightening. I suppose too if I had children my tastes and morals might change. As it is, I do not, and yet I am 37 years old... but I can see your/a point there.
I remember Neon Maniacs, and saw it on video. You're assumption was correct--it wasn't that good, and back then when I was fiending for gore, it sucked.
Thanks for saying thanks, that means alot to me.
Yeah, okay, I was a bit fired-up, sorry about the American hero comment, but you are right that WAS an attack. I was just trying to be subtle and smart about it.
LONG LIVE SCHLOCK!!!
and everything else unnatural!!

[Richard Berry]

Hook, line, and sinker...

[Powrightinthekisser]

Doug,

How "low"? There are those out there who enjoy this "swill" and for someone who doesn't begrudge anyone that does, you seem to have judged negatively them and the taste in such swill itself.

Sounds like you're veiling your true feelings inside a nutless argument.

-J

[Douglas Arthur]

Richard,

Hi, thanks for the much nicer discourse. This is exactly the kind of thing I was talking about. we can disagree AND be nice about it.
Thanks for taking the time to check out my website, too, even though I haven't really updated it in quite some time. I think if you poke around you can see I probably share a lot of interests or similar sensibilities. But I've grown up a bit, too, and the things that interested me in my teens and twenties no longer hold as much interest for me as a father in my early 40's. I probably haven't seen a Troma Film since I saw Toxic Avenger 2 in theaters all those years ago. I've actually met Lloyd Kaufman, too! I had a subscription to Fangoria for a while back in the 80's and 90's and remember trying to find a place screening a movie called Neon Manics, which was tough to do in upstate New York. I never got to see it, but I'm sure that it probably isn't anywhere near as good as I thought it might be back in 198whatever year that was.

BTW, despite your theory that I might be a bully, I can assure you that my experience growing up was quite the opposite.

Thanks again for bringing some civility to the table, that's all I really cared about. 20 years ago i might have wanted to see BDD, but now, I have no interest whatsoever. I certainly don't begrudge anyone who does. Just don't be a jerk about it, that's all I ask.

[A concerned American subversive]

Dear Steve. Although this film is obviously low brow and low budget, I do wish that you would see it in it's entirety before leveling any more harsh criticisms against it. It is a much needed, albeit harsh, social satire. I am shocked that you wrote an entire article/rant based on the viewing of a trailer. Even Roger Ebert sat through Friday the 13th before he ripped it apart. You are a film critic and as such are expected to offer constructive criticism of a work based on it's artistic merits or lack thereof. Why did you just go off on such a personal diatribe? Maybe you are a frustrated filmmaker yourself. Before you slam films you haven't seen, I'd recommend making one of your own so you can learn how much blood, sweat and tears goes into the making of a film, even one that you might think is a piece of garbage. These guys put their heart into this project. Please, at least respect and recognize that. Now, go make your own damn movie!

[Richard Berry]

Hey Doug, I did read your comments (in fact I've been reading ALL of the posts), and I wasn't necessarily saying that "you" said that "you" were offended by this film. But Steve wasn't the only one that said that--in so many words. Guess I should've been more specific.

By the way, thanks for calling me one of the lowest common denominator's.

I've been pushed around, and put down by a lot of people all of my life because I am different, quite and reserved. So, I can only suppose that you must be the type of person that fits into that category of bullies, snobs, and conformists that felt it was necessary to pick on me for whatever reason, or because I wasn't like them nor desired to be.
You are a true American hero!! Kudos!!

[on an opposite note I have to admit that your website looks pretty cool]

You know this movie really is hilarious. I laughed pretty much all the way through this film from the 'ringer' line at the very beginning. Too bad your not interested in seeing it (everyone can use a good laugh). And the director Jonathan was a really nice guy--someone you'd like to have as a friend.
Anywho, I'll be seeing ya...

[TAYLOR N]

you have to know what kind of film this is. This is made for comedy and entertainments sake. "Art is not safe" someone once said and this is no exception. Its made for an adult audience to poke fun at all those movies and the director to make fun of all the exploitation themed films. Its lude, dirty, bloody, disgusting, but if you know what kind of film this is, it becomes relevant. Let it go sir. Its just fun.

[T-DOG!!!]

Wow, all my comments have NEVER been posted up except one LOL...I must be saying stuff that hits the point, cause your so censoring my comments!

BDD IS AWESOME!!

Hmm lets see if this makes it up???

[Douglas Arthur]

...proving once again, that no one reads.

I never said I was offended by this film. I just said I didn't care about it.

I did say I was offended by all the anonymous filth that was spewed here over the course of that day, included a veiled death threat. Hate to break it to you guys, but death threats aren't funny.

The level of discourse here, only proves how low the lowest common denominator is that this film speaks to.

[Richard Berry]

I crawled out of my shell to go see this movie, and wasn't disappionted!!
I was expecting something as raw as 'Gutterballs', but this movie was much more tame in some aspects. So I really don't understand how this guy (and his friends) are SO offened by a movie trailer...
If they hate this movie then they also must hate such films as 'Redneck Zombies', 'Blood Sucking Freaks', and 'Blood Diner'. And if they don't, then they are two faced bastards.

[T-DOG!!!]

v

[James]

How come that last comment wasn't cersored? It's very inappropriate and rude!

I'm pretty sure that Black Devil Doll puppet lives at THE VENT HAVEN VENTRILOQUISM MUSEUM in Ft. Mitchell, KY with 499 other DUMMIES like him.

I have it in my Roadside America book.

[Joe Shmoe]

I have been following this flick for a month now, and can't wait to go see the screening in Rhode Island..
what a dumbass this critic is..
Hi dumbass !
Dumfuck, Dumbshit
no sense of humor Obamabot hahahahaha

[Hector X]

I can't believe the St. Pete Times would publish such an obvious racist such as Mr. Parsall.

Black Devil Doll will have his revenge!

[Wil Keiper]

I love how he claims that he won't be baited into selling tickets then does exactly that. Then he says he won't publish the trailer but links to it later. I hope Steve falls in a puddle of AIDS.

[Matt]

Hey Steve, you clearly became a film critic because you were too much of a coward to actually attempt to make a low-budget movie yourself. If you really think that the makers or fans of the movie have any real evil intent, you need to get the glazed ham that you call a head examined.

If the reviewing gig doesn't work out, you always have the option of teaching Film 101 at Clown College. Or perhaps you can join the Psychic Friends Network, since you are able to review a flick you've never even seen.

[Mracus De Angelo]

seriously..get yourself a life!
both the people idealizing some cheap junk-movie they havent seen and the ones condemning it wihthout having seen it either

[Mark]

You just don't like dolls that happen to be Black... and perhaps devil-like in nature or subtext.

[Sean]

Did anyone see the trailer? Does it look like anyone is looking to be taken seriously here?

That's what I don't get, it's a MOVIE. If you like movies, then you might like this one. If you don't think you will, why are you here?

[pencil thin mustache]

You Black Devil Dollies are like amoral anti-parrotheads.

[Black Devil Doll Supporter]

Some people just don't have a sense of humor and have no idea what Exploitation cinema is all about. As if this would cause racial riots to break out. If anything it would bring them together! ;)

[Mike Olsson]

HorrorMovieFans.com supports this film which looks excellent. Tight asses such as Steve that are prejudice to films they haven't even seen are a problem.

[Kristine Rose]

so slasher movies are fine but not this?
just goes to show you the upside down morals of this country. it's fine to show people being hacked to pieces, but GOD FORBID you make fun of someone's race!

[Steve Persall]

Don't worry, Douglas (and sorry you got dragged into this, but thanks). I'll bet these folks Twitter, too.

[John]

GROW UP YOU ANALHOLES

ALL OF YOU!!

[Zac Amico]

What type of self righteous agenda are you trying to appease here by warning people of a movie(and let's face it, that's still promotion) which obviously isn't a blockbuster of any sorts? There's no million dollar corporations to bring down, no multiplexes to harass, there's not even a major star to try to blacklist. This type of film-making, whether you like it or not, is art in its purest form, a self sufficient expression of an auteur's vision. Whether or not you agree with the social statements the movie is making or the ways in which it makes them isn't even an issue, especially since this movie so obviously possesses such blatantly parody based comedic elements. Could it be that, just maybe, its not only exploiting these genres and cultural pieces, but commenting on how they were exploited in the past? If you don't want to see the movie that's fine, but don't act all high and mighty for "taking a stance" against a low budget exploitation movie. This isn't the 70s, no one cares that you're offended(and if you are legitimately offended maybe you should take a step back and realize that this movie has the artistic goal of offending people like you), and everyone has the right to make the movie they want to within reason. If this is such a problem please feel free to make your own movie, not some half-assed moral plea on a web site.

[Butts MaGee]

i fapped my self into a coma while watching this.