You are here:

Popatopolis

Name: Popatopolis
Director: Clay Westervelt
Released: 2009
Duration: 75 min

Representation Score

2.5/10

Limited

2009

Director

Clay Westervelt

Runtime

75 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Popatopolis is a technical and biographical exploration of Jim Wynorski's rapid filmmaking methods. The narrative emphasizes the mechanical aspects of low-budget production rather than social commentary. Because it documents a specific subculture, it adheres to the conventional demographics and themes of its time, avoiding challenges to social hierarchies or progressive identity politics. Ultimately, the documentary offers a neutral view of professional craft without engaging with diverse identities.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Popatopolis have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The documentary focuses on the technical aspects of B-movie production and does not include stories centered on LGBTQ+ individuals or critiques of straight relationships.

How does Popatopolis portray gender?

Fair

The film highlights female industry figures but primarily centers on the male director's role, reflecting traditional power structures where he controls the filmmaking process.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Popatopolis?

Limited

The movie reflects the predominantly white makeup of the B-movie industry, with no indication of efforts to feature non-white casts or break Anglo-centric casting norms.

How does Popatopolis represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film celebrates a specific American independent cinema subculture, emphasizing a capitalist approach to filmmaking without addressing secular themes or challenging traditional morality.

Does Popatopolis include disability representation?

Minimal

The documentary does not depict physical or neurodivergent disabilities and focuses solely on the professional and technical aspects of filmmaking.

Present on Screen

Highlights prominent female figures from the film industry.
Offers a detailed look at a specific filmmaking subculture.

Limited or Absent

Could benefit from including stories about LGBTQ+ individuals.
Reflects traditional industry demographics and power structures.
Does not address racial, ethnic, or neurodivergent diversity.

Official Synopsis

In 20 years, he's directed more films than Martin Scorsese, He's produced more profitable movies than Jerry Bruckheimer, And he's infuriated more actors than Alfred Hitchcock. The ultimate B Movie Documentary, focusing on B Movie Giant Jim Wynorski (and B Movie Celebration Mentor) and his attempt to make a feature film in 3 days. He's directed seventy feature films, but he's never made one... in THREE DAYS. Jim cuts the shooting schedule, has the actors cook their own food. A documentary featuring B-Movie legends Roger Corman, Andy Sidaris, Julie Strain, Julie K. Smith and Stormy Daniels, Popatopolis follows Jim Wynorski as he begins to film one of his many opuses "Witches of Breastwick" Jim's frenetic pace demands 100 setups per day (the Hollywood standard is 20), and he reduces his electric package to just two lights so he can concentrate on the task at hand.A great overview of a true master at work and in many ways a laser sharp dialectic on the state of B filmmaking today.

How are these scores produced? →