Fanalysis (2002) Poster

(2002)

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9/10
Short but Sweet Commentary on SciFi/Fantasy Fandom
jaxonian16 July 2001
Mr. Bruce Campbell's documentary is both a voyeuristic peek at the wide spectrum of the fandoms of Science Fiction & Fantasy media and a commentary of the importance of the fan/artist relationship. We see behavior at conventions, there are interviews with actors (Ted Raimi)and theatre owners and the fans themselves. There are the extreme fans who go to any length to look and act like their favorite characters. There are the mild mannered ones who just go and collect memorabilia. Mr. Campbell explains the necessity of the fans, at the same time expresses a desire to keep the relationship "balanced", not too close, but not distanced. Mr. Campbell is an accomplished actor and author. His love and concern for his fans show through in this brief glimpse of his reality. A real treat for anyone who recognizes himself or a family member in this commentary-or just wants to see Bruce in action!
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7/10
Fanalysis
jboothmillard1 September 2007
Warning: Spoilers
This short documentary directed by and starring Bruce Campbell is part of the special features available on The Evil Dead (since that's his best known film role, besides cameos in Spider-Man). He basically wanted to get opinions from some celebrities, public and the people he is finding out about themselves, fanatics. The documentary sees what makes a fan/fanatic in terms of their obsessions, habits, dress sense and ultimate love for mostly American films and television programmes, e.g. Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, Star Trek and Xena: Warrior Princess. The fanatics that feature and are mentioned can be over-the-top and real freaks, but then again I suppose I am one, because I love to watch many films, and I have a big DVD collection, but I'm certainly not dressing like Darth Maul or changing my name. The film also sees Campbell himself target to fans at a special evening showing The Evil Dead, autograph signing, photos and judging ridiculous costumes. With contributions from Ted Raimi (Evil Dead director Sam's brother) and ginger, idiotic and geeky critic Harry Jay Knowles. Very good!
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8/10
Bruce Campbell is always watchable
movieman_kev11 May 2005
This 26 minute short by Bruce Campbell on his thought of fandom is a bit insubstantial, a tad fluffy. But it's also funny at moments, while sad at others (why a gay men would ever confess his love to a heterosexual one is beyond me) It also provides interviews with some of the more fanatic fans. As well as interviews with Director Ted Ramimi and professional fat jackass Harry Knowles. The former is cool, the latter.. well I hate Knowles so I really didn't care for his segments. Doesn't ever reach the heights of "Trekkies", but for the most part it's entertaining, primarily because of Bruce Campbell himself.

My Grade: B
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10/10
Bruce Campbell delivers an excellent documentary
ab-219 July 2002
Bruce Campbell, a multi-talented actor makes his documentary debut and just like Bruce always does, he succeddes. This is one of the best documentaries I have ever seen. I think its safe to say that it is my favorite documentary of all time. Just like the title says Bruce tells us his opinion on fans, as well as other people about fandom etc. See this and you will not be disappointed.

10/10
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Excellent short documentary
ametaphysicalshark9 August 2007
Bruce Campbell's directorial debut outside of television, this excellent documentary "Fanalysis" takes a look at the wide spectrum of fandom and the world of conventions. Bruce Campbell doesn't patronize his fans and shows a deep appreciation for them through his commentary on this film, though he does warn of extremes. This is not strictly a look at Deadites so some might be disappointed in that regard as it instead chooses to be relatively objective and show fans of several other shows/movies. Ultimately this is short, sweet, memorable, and stylish as well. It is not phenomenal, but it is most certainly very good.

8/10
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10/10
I'm definitely glad I'm Rhenish
Equinox233 May 2013
Like most everybody I'm also a fan of something and some people, so I definitely do understand people going a long way or doing their utmost for the admired person. Yet the world of conventions seems to me the most bizarre thing I've ever come across. Watching this documentary I begin to wonder if to some people movies, TV-shows etc supply a sort of heightened reality, that nevertheless is pretty real to them and sadly enough more real than their real lives. So instead of having a life and simply entertaining themselves or getting inspired watching a movie etc, this movie etc becomes their life. This is the one side and Bruce Campbell does his best spotlighting it and it's remarkable that he lets and gets these people to talk for themselves. Then there is of course the other side the person who is admired and who sort of has to put up with it. Strangely enough this person seems to be the most lonely person at times because people do not actually want or dare to communicate with him or her. But then who wants to talk to an idol, simply to find out that this idol is just a human being like you or me?!

In the end this documentary - and this reaction may seem odd - made me glad to be Rhenish and that there is carnival over here and that I can get dressed up as whatever I like at least once a year.
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6/10
Golly, it is really really tough to be a Hollywood "star"
charlytully15 August 2011
Warning: Spoilers
This perhaps well-intended mishmash runs the gamut from fans who need to get a life to fears about fans who may take a life (namely, the life of someone who has starred in a cult movie). While it is true that one or two Hollywood types have been slain by assailants describable as psycho stalker groupies during my lifetime, far far more have been done in by family members. Even more have bit the dust due to doctors' (think Michael Jackson) or their own self-medicating (think Marilyn Monroe) mishaps. I think the number of movie cast members slain by so-called rabid fans actually is about equal to the number beheaded by helicopter rotors on set. Getting into a car--and especially driving one (think James Dean) is astronomically more risky to Hollywood folks than meeting one or one hundred admirers. But you do not need to view this 26-minute short to know that many movie types are so afraid of real life that they are protected 24/7 by a cadre of bodyguards, food-tasters, publicity flacks, and other hangers-on (which collectively present a bigger threat than fans: remember Michael Jackson). Bottom-Line: No, Bruce Campbell, "Convention Queen" Mary Hazelwood and the legally-renamed "Zena Warrior Princess" are NOT going to gang up to kill you in your sleep!
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