Frat House (1998), Andrew Gurland and Todd Phillips
This documentary was originally filmed with the intention for HBO's America Undercover. However, due to many factors, which you will understand when you view the film, it remains to be seen on TV and is quite hard to come by in VHS or DVD form. Gurland and Phillips attempt to observe what really happens during fraternity rush. After a while, the frat they are filming becomes uncooperative, and the two must figure out another way to finish the film. Their saving grace comes when a frat allows them to film their rush, but under a few conditions: the name of the college must never be mentioned, nor the name of the frat. Oh, and they also have to pledge along with the rest of the pledge class. Hazing ensues. Duh.
People might try to say that this movie is disturbing or whatever, but they're wrong. I wasn't disturbed. I'd say I was simply shocked at the lengths people will go to in order to avoid individuality. And maybe weeping for the future a bit, as thesefucking assholes people are now about 10 years older than me. Now that I know about all the allegations of staging and scripting, it's kind of hard to see it in a good light retrospectively. It does have one of the most hilarious last lines ever put on film. But you need to watch the entire thing for it to be hilarious. It's short, just watch it.
Todd Phillips actually went on to direct several movies (such as Old School and Road Trip, and oddly enough, the GG Allin documentary Hated) which are considered canon for any frat boy these days. He tried to expose these ruffians, but ended up helping their cause. Isn't it ironic? Dude is probably so rich now. So really, who laughs last?
Grade: B-
This documentary was originally filmed with the intention for HBO's America Undercover. However, due to many factors, which you will understand when you view the film, it remains to be seen on TV and is quite hard to come by in VHS or DVD form. Gurland and Phillips attempt to observe what really happens during fraternity rush. After a while, the frat they are filming becomes uncooperative, and the two must figure out another way to finish the film. Their saving grace comes when a frat allows them to film their rush, but under a few conditions: the name of the college must never be mentioned, nor the name of the frat. Oh, and they also have to pledge along with the rest of the pledge class. Hazing ensues. Duh.
People might try to say that this movie is disturbing or whatever, but they're wrong. I wasn't disturbed. I'd say I was simply shocked at the lengths people will go to in order to avoid individuality. And maybe weeping for the future a bit, as these
Todd Phillips actually went on to direct several movies (such as Old School and Road Trip, and oddly enough, the GG Allin documentary Hated) which are considered canon for any frat boy these days. He tried to expose these ruffians, but ended up helping their cause. Isn't it ironic? Dude is probably so rich now. So really, who laughs last?
Grade: B-
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