Not Quite Hollywood: The Wild, Untold Story of Ozploitation! (2008) DVD

American genre cinema may have been newly reappraised, largely thanks to the patronage of one Quentin Tarantino, but Australia’s exploitation film history remains largely unknown abroad. Not Quite Hollywood: The Wild Untold Story of Ozploitation is a valiant and hugely entertaining attempt to remedy this.

Director Mark Hartley goes all out in his mission by presenting an unbelievable amount of clips that resemble a fast-paced greatest hits package of sex, violence, and monsters, proving that Australia’s exploitation output is every bit as bizarre, demented, and littered with the odd genuine gem as its US counterpart is.

An impressive selection of talking heads also crop up to praise these largely forgotten films. Tarantino is a given, and his enthusiasm and knowledge of the movies can’t be faulted, while elsewhere diverse figures including Jamie Lee Curtis and George Lazenby recount hilarious stories of the time they took the plunge down under to appear in these often frowned-upon films.

Lazenby’s hilarious story about a director convincing him to set himself on fire through leading by example is just one of the often insane making-of stories that the documentary uncovers.

The relentless pacing may deter those who prefer their documentaries more considered, but Hartley’s frenetic editing and rocking soundtrack perfectly matches the crazed energy of the films he is celebrating, and its impossible not to get caught up in the enthusiasm.

Ian Viggars