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Fuck AKA F*ck AKA F**k
R1 - America - ThinkFilm Review written by and copyright: Noor Razzak and Stevie McCleary (31st May 2007). |
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The Film
 f***. f***. F************ck. In the immortal words of Jason Mewes as featured in the esteemed "Clerks" (1994) and "Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back" (2001): "f***, f***, f***. Mother-mother f***, mother-mother f***-f***. Mother f***, mother f***, noise, noise, noise." And so on. Swearing is easy. It's f*****g' fun and doesn't offend anyone other than those unlucky f***s who it offends. f*** them. f*** censorship. And while we're at it, f*** you! f*** me, I see you judging me, you f*****g f***. f*** f*** f**kity f***. It's a great word. But so is 'cock-juggling thunder-c***", so why did this tiny four-letter word become such a vivid and controversial part of our culture? Why has one little word proven itself to be able to do what few other words can? How can it have the ability to replace any noun, verb, or adjective in almost any situation barring those which involve people who can't stand profanity? And in those cases it's just f*****g hilarious when used. "f***" is a documentary by filmmaker Steve Anderson and f*** its entertaining. Probably the first DVD case I've seen where the review excerpt on the cover, which states that "f***" is "profound and joyously silly" (L.A. Weekly), is absolutely accurate. If there's a more entertaining documentary out there then I haven't seen it. Its ninety minutes of pure fun featuring interviews with some of the most fascinating celebrities of today. Drew Carey, Pat Boone, Ron Jeremy, Kevin Smith, Janeane Garofalo, Bill Maher, Alanis Morissette, Hunter S. Thompson, to name a few...it is an extraordinary collection of talent, all in one place to discuss a simple word. And my, that word has power. We trace its history of the word, including the misconception that it is based on an acronym. We follow its influences in music, religion, children...all at a well-crafted pace. It features animated sequences, a wide variety of music with the section on NWA's "f*** Tha Police" being a favorite and movie sequences to illustrate its many points about the versatility of this most popular utterance. And quite fairly to, for this is not just an exercise in profanity; it's a message about free speech and what is deemed 'indecent' in society over the years. Arguments for and against profanity are presented almost equally and is very refreshing (Pat Boone's choice of a new 'safe' swear word instead of f*** is now currently a favorite around these here parts) to see and hear. There's a healthy amount of political conversation, religious conversation, sexual conversation and some swearing thrown in too. It might get a bit intense for some people. There is a lot of questionable material crammed into ninety minutes and, while it is not too excessive, the sexual material could be a bit much for some. But then, f*** it, what type of film did you think you were watching. Repeated viewings might also cause a slight increase in the amount of profanity you use. I'm just saying. All around, this is one quality documentary from start to finish. I think you'd know fairly quickly whether it would be interesting to you. Full of fascinating historical and entertaining facts (and a counter for how many times 'f***' is said in the feature!) all wrapped up in a very f*****g' classy package, this one is absolutely worth your time. f*** Counter: 31. I think that's less than my editor wanted. Well, f*** him. Right in the f*****g ear...that's 33.
Video
Presented in an anamorphic widescreen transfer with a ratio of 1.78:1 this image isn't going to set any new standards, in fact it's a fairly decent transfer that does simply does the job. The overall quality wavers and much like other documentaries it's the use of archival footage that tends to be the weak link here. The interview footage is all very well presented with sharpness remaining consistent and colors appearing natural. Aside from that there really isn't more to say about this transfer other than it's a fine effort that presents the film well without any major problems.
Audio
A single English Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo track is included. Being a documentary that is largely dialogue based with the occasional animated clip that features music this stereo track is about all that's required for this film. The dialogue is clear and distortion free and the music comes across well, as with most stereo tracks depth is limited but as mentioned before this isn't the type of film that requires a full blown 5.1 track. The film unfortunately does not feature any subtitles.
Extras
Think Film have released this film along with an audio commentary, some extended interviews, bonus interviews, an extended scene, a deleted scene, a counter, the film's theatrical trailer plus a collection of bonus trailers. Below is a closer look at these supplements. First up we have a feature-length audio commentary by the film's producer/director Steve Anderson. Anderson takes us through the development process starting from the fact that the idea for this film was initially a joke that people took seriously after a while and then taking the steps to research and discover the history of the word as well as covering topics as deep as freedom of speech and censorship. Anderson provides a well rounded and excellent track that brings us into the world of a documentary filmmaker from creating the outline to deciding who to interview as well as the research that was conducted for the film among other things. He openly talks about censorship and political implications as well as topics that include directorial tricks that keeps the film moving without being too much of a 'talking heads' type movie. If you liked the film then this track is definitely worth checking out. Following that are a series of 5 extended interviews that include: - "Billy Connolly on 'F****d'" which runs for 1 minute 54 seconds, he talks about the greatness and versatility of the word and tells a story about his sister's encounter with a doctor that used the word 'F****d'. - "Pat Boone on 'Kids Say F'" runs for 2 minutes 30 seconds and tells us how he explained what the 'F' word was to his kids. - "Tera Patrick on Dirty Talk" runs for 53 seconds and includes Patrick talking dirty to the camera. - "Hunter S. Thompson on f*** and Religion" runs for 2 minutes 15 seconds, he shares his thoughts on the word and the thought of going to hell for using foul language. - "Ice-T on 'f*** It'" runs for 1 minute 36 seconds, talks about pushing one to the limit and taking risks and how the phrase 'f*** it' is used in that context. A series of 2 bonus interviews follows, that include the following: - "Meet Bill Plympton" which runs for 2 minutes 16 seconds, in this clip Bill talks about adult themes in cartoons and getting around the stigma that cartoons are for kids, he also talks about sex, the word f*** and how he doesn't use swear words in his films despite the fact some of them are graphic and violent. - Steve Anderson on HDNet's 'Higher Definition' runs for 7 minutes 30 seconds, in this clip director Anderson is interviewed about the film. He comments on the Q&A's that occur after the film has been shown, as well as covers what the film is about and how it came about, on making the film and the social and political implications as well as playing to a more liberal minded audience among other things. An extended scene is also included entitled "Bill Plympton presents 'Surfin' Bird'" which runs for 2 minutes 4 seconds, this is the complete animated flipping the 'bird' sequence. Next up is a deleted scene entitled "Favorite Curse Words" which runs for 2 minutes 29 seconds, in this clip we get interview footage of the participants telling us what their favorite curse words are as well as hear from people on the street as well. A curse counter feature is also included and when selected it tallies up the curse words spoken in the film while you watch it. Also included is the film's original theatrical trailer which runs for 2 minutes 6 seconds. Rounding out the extras are a collection of bonus trailers for other titles available from Think Film that include: - "Short Bus" which runs for 3 minutes 5 seconds. - "Farce of the Penguins" which runs for 2 minutes 17 seconds. - "The Aristocrats" which runs for 1 minute 21 seconds.
Overall
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