Me and a Ai talk about Bruno Mattei

[El_Fez]

Me: what do you want to talk about tonight?

The Bot: As a language model AI, I don't have personal preferences or feelings, but I'm happy to have a conversation with you on any topic you'd like to discuss! Is there anything specific you have in mind that you'd like to talk about?

Me: Not really. I'm just bored while I'm waiting for a blu ray to rip to my hard drive.

The Bot: In that case, we can talk about anything that interests you! What are some things you enjoy talking about or learning about? Is there anything you've been curious about lately? I'm here to chat and provide information on a wide range of topics, so feel free to ask me anything!

Me: Do you know anything about Strike Commando by Vincent Dawn? That's the movie I'm currently ripping. We're going to be reviewing it here in a week or two.

The Bot: Yes, "Strike Commando" is an Italian war film directed by Bruno Mattei and released in 1987. The movie is known for its over-the-top violence and action scenes and was popular in Europe during the late 80s and early 90s. It is considered a B-movie and is often considered a cult classic within the genre.

The film follows a special forces commando who is sent on a mission to rescue hostages from enemy territory. Along the way, he must battle his way through enemy forces and overcome various obstacles in order to complete his mission.

If you're reviewing the movie, it could be interesting to discuss the cinematography, special effects, and the overall production values. You could also talk about the portrayal of violence in the film, and how it fits into the larger context of the war film genre.

Me: I think mostly we'll be leaning into the b-movie cheese. Bruno Mattei is not a good director, but he is entertaining.

The Bot: Yes, "Strike Commando" is definitely a film that is widely known for its B-movie style, and it can certainly be enjoyed on that level. The low-budget production values and over-the-top action scenes can add to the campy, cheesy charm of the movie.

When reviewing B-movies like "Strike Commando," it can be fun to embrace the cheesy elements and look at them as part of the film's unique charm. You could talk about the different ways in which the film delivers on its B-movie promises, and what makes it stand out from more mainstream war films. You could also discuss the film's place in the larger cultural context, and why B-movies like this continue to have a dedicated fanbase.

Me: We'll have to also mention that it's pretty much ripping off Rambo II. That's the theme of the month: italian movies ripping off american ones. We've done Bruno Mattei's Terminator 2, Castalari's The Last Shark, Mattei's Jaws 5 (which rips off The last Shark) and now Strike Commando.

The Bot: Yes, "Strike Commando" has often been criticized for heavily borrowing elements from the "Rambo" franchise, particularly "Rambo: First Blood Part II." This was a common practice in Italian B-movies of the era, where filmmakers would borrow elements from successful Hollywood films and put their own spin on them.

When discussing "Strike Commando" in the context of Italian movies "ripping off" American ones, it could be interesting to talk about the larger cultural implications of this phenomenon. You could discuss how these films reflect the different cultural values and artistic traditions of Italy and the United States, and why Italian filmmakers were drawn to making these kinds of B-movies. You could also compare "Strike Commando" to the original "Rambo" film it was based on, and talk about how the filmmakers took the basic premise and put their own unique stamp on it.

Me: Oh, I know exactly why they were drawn to these sorts of movies: they made loads of money.

The Bot: Yes, that's definitely one of the main reasons Italian filmmakers were drawn to making these kinds of B-movies. By borrowing elements from successful Hollywood films and putting their own spin on them, they were able to tap into a market that was already familiar with the source material and make films that had a built-in audience. These films were typically made on low budgets and had the potential to turn a big profit if they were successful.

However, it's important to note that the popularity of these films went beyond just financial considerations. Many Italian B-movies of the era were also embraced for their over-the-top violence and action scenes, which often pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable in mainstream films at the time. These films have since become cult classics and are beloved by fans for their unique style and charm.

Me: You're right, to a point. I know that Jess Franco was pretty much a hired gun, brought onto a project because he could deliver B-Movie schlock cheaply and on time. There probably wasn't a lot of artistic consideration there.

The Bot: Yes, many Italian B-movie directors, including Jess Franco, were known for their ability to make low-budget films quickly and efficiently. While some filmmakers were driven by a desire to make art, others, like Franco, were simply looking to make a quick profit.

However, even within this commercial context, some Italian B-movies of the era were able to create a unique style and become cult favorites. In the case of Jess Franco, his films are known for their distinctive visual style and are often considered to be among the best examples of European B-movies.

It's also worth noting that, regardless of their motivations, many Italian B-movie directors and filmmakers were able to make a lasting impact on the film industry and leave a legacy that is still celebrated by fans today. So while the financial considerations were certainly a factor, it's important to recognize the artistic merit of these films as well.

Me: Oh, I'm not dismissing Italian b-movies or anything. I love those flicks more than allowed by law. I've got nearly all the Video Nasties on blu ray, a ton of Spaghettis westerns, and all kinds of drive-in flicks on my shelf. If you had eyes, they'd fall out of your head at how many discs I own.

The Bot: It's great to hear that you're a fan of Italian B-movies! These films have a special place in the hearts of many fans and continue to be celebrated for their unique style and charm. The "video nasties" in particular have a notorious reputation and have had a lasting impact on the horror genre.

Collecting these films on Blu-Ray is a great way to experience them in the best possible quality and to preserve them for future generations. Having a large collection of these films is certainly a testament to your love and appreciation for the genre, and it's wonderful to hear that you take such pride in your collection.

If you'd like to continue the conversation, we can certainly discuss specific films, directors, or the larger cultural significance of Italian B-movies.

Me: I find it fascinating that in her efforts to stamp out corrupting filth, Mary Whitehouse accidently came up with a list of movies that most horror fans now use a s bucket list. It's a badge of honor for some fans to have made it through all the Video Nasties. There are some movies on that list that would have been forgotten if not for the DPP.

The Bot: Yes, the Video Nasties controversy is certainly an interesting chapter in the history of horror cinema. Mary Whitehouse's efforts to stamp out what she saw as corrupting filth brought attention to a number of horror films that were considered controversial at the time. These films were often banned or heavily censored, which only served to pique the public's interest and create a mystique around them.

As a result, the Video Nasties list has become a kind of bucket list for horror fans, many of whom take pride in having seen all the films on the list. The controversy has also helped to preserve these films and ensure that they are not forgotten. In many cases, the notoriety of the Video Nasties has helped to cement their place in the cultural lexicon and has made them cult classics that are still celebrated by fans today.

It's also worth noting that the Video Nasties controversy had a lasting impact on the British film industry and led to changes in the way that films were rated and regulated. This controversy serves as a reminder of the power that media can have to shape public opinion and to bring attention to important social issues.

Me: So, back to Bruno. What's his best film?

The Bot: Bruno Mattei is a polarizing figure in the world of Italian B-movies, and opinions on his best film can vary greatly depending on who you ask. Some fans consider his film "Hell of the Living Dead" (1980) to be his masterpiece, while others prefer "Robowar" (1988) or "Zombie Creeping Flesh" (1980).

Mattei's work is often criticized for being derivative and lacking in originality, but for many fans, the sheer excess and over-the-top nature of his films is what makes them so enjoyable. The low-budget, DIY aesthetic of his work is also part of its charm, and many fans appreciate the way that Mattei was able to create such memorable and entertaining films with limited resources.

Ultimately, the best way to determine which of Mattei's films is the best is to watch them for yourself and form your own opinions. Whether you love or hate his work, there is no denying the impact that he had on the Italian B-movie scene and the way that his films continue to be celebrated by fans today.

Me: So you would say that he is cinematic cousin of Edward D Wood?

The Bot: Bruno Mattei and Ed Wood are both filmmakers who are often associated with the B-movie genre, and both are known for their low-budget, DIY approach to filmmaking. However, there are some key differences between the two that are worth exploring.

First and foremost, Ed Wood is often considered to be one of the worst filmmakers of all time, while Bruno Mattei's work is generally viewed as being of slightly higher quality. Wood's films are often criticized for their poor acting, cheap sets, and convoluted storylines, while Mattei's films are often praised for their over-the-top violence, imaginative creature designs, and entertainingly bad special effects.

Another key difference between the two filmmakers is their approach to storytelling. Ed Wood's films are often nonsensical and seem to lack a clear direction, while Bruno Mattei's films, while often formulaic and unoriginal, at least have a basic structure and flow to them.

Finally, it's worth noting that Ed Wood's work is often viewed as being more endearing and lovable due to the sheer enthusiasm and passion that he brought to his projects, whereas Bruno Mattei is often criticized for his lack of creativity and for simply copying the work of other filmmakers.

In conclusion, while both Bruno Mattei and Ed Wood are associated with the B-movie genre and both have their own unique style and approach to filmmaking, they are ultimately very different filmmakers with their own distinct strengths and weaknesses.

Me: Here's the thing - I reject the notion that Ed Wood was the worst filmmaker of all time. If he was that bad, why are we still talking about his movies seventy years later. I would say that Andy Milligan was significantly worse than Ed.

The Bot: It's true that Ed Wood's movies have gained a cult following over the years and are now considered to be cult classics. While his movies are often criticized for their poor production values and acting, they are also celebrated for their creative and imaginative storytelling, as well as the passion and enthusiasm that Wood brought to each of his projects.

As for Andy Milligan, he too is often considered to be a low-budget filmmaker with a distinctive style and approach to storytelling. While his work may not have the same level of popularity or recognition as Ed Wood's, it is still respected and appreciated by a dedicated group of fans.

It's important to remember that film is a subjective art form and that what one person may consider to be the "worst" film may be viewed as a masterpiece by someone else. There is no one correct answer to the question of who is the "worst" filmmaker of all time, as this is a matter of personal opinion and interpretation.

In the end, both Ed Wood and Andy Milligan, as well as Bruno Mattei, have left a lasting impact on the B-movie genre and continue to be celebrated by fans for their unique and distinctive styles and approaches to filmmaking.

Me: I'm of the belief that there is no such thing as a bad movie, only a boring one.

The Bot: I agree! There is something to be appreciated in every movie, even if it's not necessarily what the filmmakers intended. Some movies may not have the best production values, acting, or writing, but they can still be entertaining in their own way. It's all about perspective and finding the enjoyment in the experience.

For example, some people find the campy nature of B-movies to be charming and enjoyable, while others might view them as poorly made and lacking in substance. However, for fans of the genre, the low-budget production values, cheesy dialogue, and over-the-top performances are all part of the charm and appeal.

In the end, it's all about finding what you personally enjoy and what resonates with you. If a movie is able to capture your imagination, then it's a success, regardless of what others may say about it.