The Insufferable Groo

I've been following Stephen Groo's work off and on for about ten years, so when I found out someone made a documentary about this weird, Utah-based indie filmmaker who'd made 150+ terrible films in what looks like his backyard, I had to see it. The documentary is good, though there were times when it felt unfocused. Do the producers really admire him? What are they trying to say about the limits of dedication to art? Above all, I think this film should be watched by all amateur filmmakers and film students. When Groo is standing in the midst of twenty exhausted, unpaid crew and cast as everyone is being evicted for filming without a permit, and Groo demands that they get as many shots as they can before the rangers arrive, you realize how close to this situation many of us have been. How close are we to being him? How likely are we to end up like this man, if we refuse to give up the dream? Sure, we may laud and applaud those who stay true to their dreams no matter the cost, but when the cost involves your impoverished family, your ability to hold a job, and simply having a roof over your head, where'd the glory?

I watched the first viewing of this documentary. Was probably the most unique documentary I’ve seen in a while! Very entertaining! Groo’s a movie legend and his passion for movie ideas is crazy and infectious! What a great story to share and well done Scott Christofferson!

I saw this film at DOC NYC. It's one of the funniest documentaries I've seen all year. Groo is quite a character and I can't wait to watch more of his films. The doc itself is well crafted and entertaining; it is relatable for any vetran or aspiring artists/filmmakers and what comes with chasing that dream.