On DVD: American Cannibal: The Documentary

Directed by Perry Grebin and Michael Nigro

Starring Dave Roberts, Gil Ripley, Kevin Blatt

If you have ever had the misfortune of viewing slop like The Bachelor, Fear Factor or America’s Next Top Model, have you ever wondered just how far producers of reality television could go? The answer may be found in this documentary distributed by Lifesize Entertainment entitled American Cannibal: The Documentary, soon to be released on DVD.

The Show

Dave Roberts and Gil Ripley comprise a television writing team that is really struggling. It seems that success is almost so close; they can taste it, but it is eluding them. They just finished writing a Comedy Central pilot that didn’t get selected for the schedule. Their well-intentioned agent advises them to pitch some reality television ideas around town. While Roberts and Ripley aren’t crazy about this idea, they know that they need work and money fast, so they grit their teeth and start taking meetings. They hope that if they can successfully sell a reality show, it may help them get other better projects off of the ground quicker.

It isn’t long before they are pitching ideas around town. They take meetings at A & E, MTV Networks and many more legit channels. But, it seems the stench of failure is still clinging to them as no one seems prepared to green light anything they pitch.

Roberts and Ripley soon find themselves, at the advice of their agent, in the back room of a sleazy strip club. They meet Kevin “K.B.” Blatt, who is, by any definition, a bottom feeder in the entertainment realm. It seems that Blatt has made a chunk of change peddling such entertainment “gems” as the Paris Hilton sex tape and selling flesh that was recently removed from the porn performer Houston during a cosmetic procedure on the internet. Blatt’s offensively huge ego has deluded him into thinking he could actually make it in the legit entertainment world so when Roberts and Ripley come to him for financing to make a reality television pilot, he readily attaches himself to these two writers like a leach.

They pitch to Blatt the idea they have about a reality show where several virgin men vie for the “deflowering” of a lifetime by a porn star. As a joke, they mention an “idea” about a Survivor type show where participants are starved and when they are desperate, the idea of cannibalism as a means of surviving the experience is planted among the group. Now, Roberts and Ripley truly toss this idea out as a joke to point out how truly ridiculous reality television has become. But, the dim-witted Blatt thinks it is a great idea and offers them a large sum of money in order to get the project going.

While this seems like the break they have wanted, having to partner with someone as unethical and arrogant as Blatt is a nightmare for Roberts and Ripley. They always have to remind people that they are not in the porn business, only Blatt is. Even worse, the people that Blatt uses to film the show is just as sleazy and slippery as Blatt himself. It isn’t long before they are on a remote island with contestants and things go from bad to worse.

American Cannibal: The Documentary is a fascinating look at the process of trying to “make it in the business”. It reveals accurately how frustrating , demoralizing and difficult it is to hold onto your dreams, values and ethics in a business where people like Blatt can actually stay afloat and make money. I want to stress that Blatt merely earns money; he doesn’t earn respect in the business, a distinction that makes Blatt’s, Roberts and Ripley working relationship strained at best.

This documentary also reveals the unsettling future of reality television where the concepts and premises get more brain-numbingly absurd and ridiculous to the point where a show like “American Cannibal” might actually be something a network might give the okay to film. Now, a network isn’t going to allow murder or cannibalism, but I can totally see them seeking out people that might fall for such a farce.

American Cannibal: the Documentary is a much different film than I expected. It illustrate the soul crushing nature of the entertainment biz and how hard it is to hold onto your dreams and a very good friends when the aroma of success comes wafting through the air.

7/10

The Video

American Cannibal: the Documentary is presented in its original full frame aspect ratio. The colors are mostly vibrant and the black levels are acceptable. This documentary isn’t a high budget affair, so adjust your expectations accordingly.

6.5/10

The Audio

American Cannibal: the Documentary is presented in Dolby Digital 2.0. The dialogue is mostly clear; there were a few moments one would have to ride the volume button a bit.

6/10

The Packaging and Bonus Features

American Cannibal: the Documentary is presented in a standard amaray case with artwork appropriate for the film presented.

There are a few bonus features to explore on this release. First up, is a commentary with the directors. They provide interesting information on the genesis of this project and opinions on the participants of this film.

Deleted scenes and the original theatrical trailer for the film are also included.

While the bonus features could not be described as plentiful, the ones offered compliment this engaging documentary well.

6.5/10

Overall (Not an Average) 8/10

The Review

The Movie 7/10

The Video 6.5/10

The Audio 6/10

The Packaging and Bonus Features 6.5/10

Overall (Not an Average) 7.5/10

-Suzie Lackey