The Making of an Underground Film

About This Movie

So, 'The Making of an Underground Film' is kind of a curious piece, isn’t it? It captures this moment where Piero Heliczer is working on 'Venus in Furs,' although it’s misnamed as 'Dirt' in the CBS coverage. The atmosphere is gritty, almost raw, and you can feel the underground vibe seeping through the frames. It has these fleeting shots of The Velvet Underground, particularly Angus MacLise on drums, which adds to the overall experimental tone. The pacing is uneven, but that’s part of the charm—this isn’t about polished storytelling, more like a glimpse into a world that was just starting to take shape. It’s distinctive for what it represents, a bridge to the counterculture of the '60s and a fascinating look at this lesser-known filmmaker’s vision.

This film is quite scarce, often overshadowed by more mainstream releases from the era. It was released by Boo-Hooray as part of an exhibit dedicated to Heliczer and The Dead Language Press, which gives it that collector’s allure. There have been various formats available, but finding a decent print can be a challenge. The limited exposure and unique content keep the interest alive for those who appreciate the nuances of underground cinema.