Some Nudity Required (1998) User Reviews

Almost balanced portrayal- more of a TV movie

[a-chriw · 5/10 · 17 August 2000]

Director's look at the B-Movie industry is thought-provoking, at its best, but spends a good deal more time with her own interpretations of her experience than really trying to show us what the industry is like.

Odette Springer is in many ways embarrassed about her involvement in the industry, and attempts to explain both her attraction to such work and the involvement of people in the industry in terms of personal weakness.

A great deal of time is spent making the argument that women are 1) discriminated against based on looks 2) intentionally kept out of good roles and 3) only like the industry if they are mentally disturbed.

This documentary (which watches like a TV movie for Lifetime TV) really, really begs some questions, such as: Did any of the "exploited" women portrayed take any acting classes? Did any of these women explore other, more "tasteful" options like dinner theater?

The underlying, unquestioned premise here is that "Any woman should be able to get tasteful roles which do not require nudity in 'A' grade films." Had the director worked on questioning this a bit (by interviewing women with acting ability or in live theater), this would be a 7. Without ever explaining or questioning that, it is a 5.

A one-sided documentary

[jfgibson73 · 6/10 · 21 January 2010]

Odette Springer worked for Roger Corman, the legendary b-movie producer, during the mid-nineties. Mostly, she composed soundtracks, but acted in one movie also. Somewhere along the way, she decided to make a movie about how women are exploited in low budget trash movies.

I wouldn't characterize Springer's stance as militant feminist, but she doesn't hide the fact that she is an advocate for these women. Odette interviews the men who make the movies, such as Corman, Jim Wyrnoski, and Fred Aldo Ray. They basically explain that the movies contain nudity because the audience is primarily male, and this is what will attract them to the film. Several actresses are interviewed and provide different attitudes about doing nudity.

The most time is given to actress Maria Ford, who looks much better dressed casually for the interview than she does in any of the clips from her movies. She expresses a dislike for doing some of the things her movies requires, but is afraid to speak out in case she gets a bad reputation and isn't given more work. Does she have a legitimate concern? You'll notice that after she made this movie criticizing several directors and producers, Odette Springer disappeared from the face of the earth. Did she choose to leave the business altogether, or was there a backlash? Springer makes herself a big part of the story, discussing her own career, as well as some revelations about her personal history. She makes sure to score the film with plenty of her own compositions. Some of the criticisms of the movie mention that she has perhaps put too much attention on herself.

My personal opinion is that I wish there were more positive roles for women; however, the actresses in this film admit that they take the roles willingly to advance their careers. I think that if they are uncomfortable with nudity, they should not compromise and try to build a career on their own terms. They may not succeed, but they could at least say they stuck to what they believed.

The story about the "extremely talented" Odette Springer.

[Libra-4 · 1 November 2000]

When i saw this documentary some time ago, i found it really irritating. It is in many parts Odette Springer's annoying tribute to Odette Springer with it's to many "i'm-a-extremely-fantastic-and-talented-person-but-nobody-understands-it" scenes. What makes it more annoying is that Springer looks down on the people she wants to depict (Except Maria Ford who is "a-extremely-fantastic-and-talented-person-but-nobody-understands-it".) and sometimes steps on them. It is also filled with faked documentary scenes like the ridiculous scene where Springer looks at a violent video and gets "excited" what leads us to the scene that gave me a bade taste in my mouth- in the end of the movie tries Odette Springer to find a reason to why she got "excited" when she saw the violent video and from the clear blue sky the truth falls over her (and the poor audience)- all of a sudden she remembers that she was subjected to sexual abuse by her grand parents. What makes me feel bad about that scene is that she don't presents any real evidence and that the grand parents both are dead so they don't have any chance to defend themselves from the accusation.

An interesting look at the movies outside the mainstream

[BigGuy · 7/10 · 1 June 2000]

Being a fan of typical "bad" movies I was very interested to see this documentary. I have seen numerous of the movies that were featured (I have to admit) but never really thought about the people making the movies. One thing that amazed me was how good the at acting the actors became outside of the movies. Julie Strain displayed more emotion and feelings in the few minutes she was featured than in all of her other movies combined. Of course in those few minutes she showed what a shallow person she is. As most of the directors and producers seem to be. They all seemed very paranoid about their movies being called exploitative.

Overall the movie was quite good. I could have done without the home video of the little girl naked (flashback to molestation of Odette as a child). Also it seemed that the footage of Maria Ford (one of the main interviewees) was overdone. I am a fan of hers but it seems that she was exploited for this film to make it more gritty. Many of the others interviewed didn't see a problem (being more concerned about making money).

7/10

Some Nudity Required

[Scarecrow-88 · 7/10 · 4 July 2011]

Thought provoking documentary by Odette Springer (who wrote and produced music scores for Roger Corman B-movies) condemning Hollywood producers who exploit and objectify women in erotic thrillers, slasher movies, and action movies. The most important subject of the film, besides director Jim Wynorski (who appears to be an incredibly difficult person to get along with, verbally abusive to his cast and crew, unapologetic about his use of women in movies where the demands for "popping your top" is essential to the demographic he's aiming for) is softcore actress Maria Ford who is sounds off on how actresses like her, if they are to continue working in the business (hoping to advance to better projects in the future), are thrust into a difficult position where nudity is demanded or else a stigmatism against (as being difficult) them could result. Springer has plenty of subjects besides these two, such as directors, actors, and others under the employ of Corman (including "B-movie queens" like Julie Strain and Brittany Stevens) to question and gather insight into the frustrating treatment of women in Hollywood, as well as, the use of female characters in B-movies. Springer, tellingly and openly, in brutally honest fashion, admits to being both repulsed and drawn to movies where she must score scenes involving rough situations for women (Lisa Boyle is on all fours having to lick the boot of a dominatrix while crawling around in lingerie as men ogle her; Ford is being strangled by a scarf while having sex with William Katt in "Naked Obsession"), while also presenting us with disturbing Super 8 recordings from her own uncle and aunt featuring Odette as a little girl posing for them nude. She draws parallels between her sexual abuse as a child at the hands of her monstrous aunt and uncle to how she reacts to treatment of women characters on film. The film, in essence, presents directors like Olen Ray (far more soft-spoken and less abrasive than Wynorski) and Wynorski as just two of many who use women in degrading fashion for profit, while others (such as Golden, who directed a few Maria Ford films, and Catherine Cyran who shamefully/painfully addresses accepting the Slumber Party Massacre III gig because Corman offered it to her because it allowed her to direct) talk about coming to Hollywood with the hopes of making quality films and instead find themselves directing trash. Springer puts herself under the microscope as the interview subjects in her documentary contribute to Odette consciously critiquing her own "deficiencies", acknowledging how she remains in the studio, her music layering movies she despises, admitting her attraction to them.

What a great Documentary!

[l1diva · 10/10 · 9 April 2000]

I really liked this documentary. This is a very true eye opener for people who are not in the industry. I have worked with Maria Ford and I have to say, I am very proud of her for standing up and telling people what most of us women in this industry feel like. I would recommend this Documentary to people so they can see what we go through.

Excellent Documentary Look at B Movies

[Dave S · 22 August 1999]

The documentary offers an inside view at the making of low grade sexploitation and slasher films. It features many clips of films in the genre and as well as interviews with stars and directors. The Director of this film is a sound worker who has done a number of the actual films. She is a victim of sexual abuse as a child and weaves her tale lightly into the movie. The film has a feminist "awareness" but is not a feminist indictment of the genre because it is too honest the director herself uses MANY graphic film clips so much that this documentary becomes a part of genre that she wishes to criticize! In fact this was probably done on purpose because as the interviews reveal T & A and violence sell. The interviews with directors and stars (including Roger Corman) are light, Frank and very honest. Some of the clips show the directors working styles and are interesting and sometimes hilarious. Topics include Objectification and film, The hollywood system and the pressure on the actors to go along with the B movie Directors whims, The directors thoughts on the films, psychological links between Fear, sex and violence, Sexual abuse and sexual ambivalence, and more. The film is a "must see" for B Movie fans with an interest in the film industry, film students, and Feminists. Overall it is a highly enjoyable (but Graphic) informative piece of work.

Absolutely fabulous!!! (Slasher, slasher, slasher, kill tha' bitch)

[ufotds · 9/10 · 14 May 2001]

I also saw this doc by accident, but it's the most amazing one I saw all year!

I couldn't imagine that there is a market for movies like this, it is so obvious that there is no acting whatsoever involved, no plot... bad camera work...

The interesting and highly entertaining part of this doc is to hear about everybody in the business say that this is only on the way up to the A-movies. At the same time all the actresses are extremely unhappy, feel abused and discriminated, feel that they are treated in the most sexist way possible(yes, they DO realise that, you know). In the doc, the directors also openly admit that they choose the actresses on their tit-size and nothing else ("and of course, we assume that you are prepared to do the nudity, don't you love?"). Therefore half of hollywood is filled with actresses who had boob-jobs done, only because they saw that as their only option to ever make it in hollywood, and now regret it. What a wonderfull world!

It is no secret that there are quite some men out there trying to get horny on big boobs, but that the industries apply the theory of low level sexism to the letter, was a suprise for me.

Check out this one quote, from I think a producer:

"On one hand, you have snuff-movies, which are extremely violent. On the other hand you've got X-rated movies, which are completely sexual. The best way to make that acceptable and combine that for the broad public is an "Erotic thriller," cause that's what every hollywood B-movie is called.

This documentary is definitely worth checking out.

DOTH SHE PROTEST TOO MUCH?

[bazdol · 9 June 2001]

Ms. Springer obviously has a bone to pick with the industry and she has her right to do so, of course.

However, not all B erotic movies are filled with sex coupled with violence to the extreme, as she seems to suggest. Some are well done with fairly high production values for the genre, excellent acting, and even decent plots; for example, "Secrets of a Chambermaid," "Testing the limits," "Lolita 2000," "Virtual Encounters," and many more. I believe some actresses, such as Nikki Fritz, take their roles with a professional attitude and are to be admired; there are others, such as Kira Reed, Amber Newman, Brandy Davis, Jacqueline Lovell, Samantha Phillips, and Regina Russell, who also do quite well and need not be ashamed of their work. These women, after all, have not gone into hardcore, although I'm sure many of them could have.

I notice that Stephanee LaFleur. one of the better actresses in this category who either voluntarily or under pressure has her breasts grossly augmented through surgery, provides a negative comment below though

I don't think I am way off base here, but if so, send me a response.

The 'Documentary of Bad Films' is a Bad Film

[otherRic · 8/10 · 1 September 2023]

While watching this is dawned on me - it's a satire. The creator is hitting every stereotype she complains about! The "Odette" making this movie is just as callow, shallow, biased, exploitative, and narcissistic as the people the documentary shows. There is even an overly-dramatic shock reveal at the end! The camera work is too flowing, lighting too dramatic, and so on for a documentary. But as a sendup of B-movies it's perfect.

It's a subtle, subdued Borat-style comedy piece. Nothing else really makes sense of the film.

Once I realized that this was a joy to watch and I like to share it with friends for the humor and the various B-movie icons that appear.

Some Negativity Required?

[vj-66 · 2 April 2000]

I think this documentary only focuses on the negative side of the b-movie industry.I don't think there is anything wrong with these movies but I know some people with disagree with that. I collect alot of B-movies/exploitation movies from the 70's to the present that's why I rented this documentary. I won't lie I did feel a bit guilty after viewing this because it seemed like it was targeting men in general, because guys like me rent or buy this kind of thing.How am I different than any other guy? How many guys don't like to look at beautiful women? Believe it or not I do respect these women who act in these kind of movies.I have met Brinke Stevens and a few other scream queens in person. I thought they were very nice people as well as being beautiful women. I have nothing against Odette Springer or Maria Ford,if they want out of the business good for them. In alot of ways I don't think mainstream hollywood is any better,sex is a commodity no matter where you go. I happen to like Fred Olen Ray's & Jim Wynorski's movies,does that make me a bad guy? It shouldn't but there are alot of closed minded people out there who only understand what the hell is really going on in the world.If you like b-movies like so many people do ,you may want to see this just for your own piece of mind. I wouldn't let it influence your opinion of these movies. All I can say is see this documentary and decide for yourself.Remember one thing sex & violence will not disappear in our society it hasn't yet. You can't blame movies for the worlds problems, you have a brain use it.To all the b-movie director/producers out there,Keep Up The Good Work!!

Entertaining Documentary

[Michael_Elliott · 11 January 2017]

Some Nudity Required (1998)

*** (out of 4)

Odette Springer was the mind behind this documentary that takes a look at "B" movies and the certain requirements that are expected out of women. Springer got her start working for Roger Corman but she soon realized that those type of "B" movies required the women to appear naked. The documentary features interviews with the likes of Julie Strain, Jim Wynorski, Roger Corman, Fred Olen Ray, Samuel Z. Arkoff, Andy and Arlene Sidaris and Brinke Stevens.

SOME NUDITY REQUIRED is a pretty strong documentary that questions some of the things that are required out of women. There's no question that the movie wants to attack the fact that women are expecting to look a certain way and the documentary wants the viewer to question why they watch these types of movies. At the same time, you've got directors like Wynorski on hand here offering up rather truthful comments including him saying that the majority of the people renting these movies aren't housewives but instead men who want to see beautiful women naked.

The documentary tackles various subjects and it remains extremely entertaining throughout. Obviously, the film puts down the fact that nudity is required yet there's plenty of nudity throughout the running time including getting some behind-the-scenes footage. If you're a fan of these types of "B" movies then this documentary really does a great job at taking you into the pre-production of these films and what decisions are made before the cameras started rolling.

Insightful and Truthful

[beyonder · 26 March 1999]

I caught this documentary by chance, and it was an eyeopener into the world of B-Movies. This genre being nothing more than filmsy scripts, mediocre acting, and of course the all important sex(nudity,and all that encompasses) and violence. Some may say that how is that different from a Hollywood movie. I would argue mainly that it is the budget that is different. But apart from that this documentary looks at how hard it is for women particularly to move from the world of showing their body to actual decent to good acting in the mainstream cinema. Anyone who sees it, will think twice when viewing these movies.

Some hypocrisy required

[lazarillo · 24 April 2004]

Hack directors/producers like Jim Wynorski, Dave DeCoteau, and Fred Olen Ray have long been guilty of substituting bare breasts for skilled or even competent filmmaking. And the women who own these breasts, either naturally or through silicone enhancement, are no less guilty. Are these women exploited? Yes, probably, but so are the male viewers who waste their money and their Friday nights watching this crap rather than developing relationships with real women. And while Wynorski, Olen Ray et. al. may be laughing all the way to the bank, they're no more likely to win an Academy Award than actresses like Maria Ford. They're equally trapped in a soul-less industry that exploits their dubious talents. But while this documentary preaches about the exploitation of women it nevertheless contains rampant female nudity and appeals to the sort of male viewer who will watch it with the sound down and/or one hand on the fast forward button. It is truly a sad state of affairs that low-budget filmmaking today has become almost completely synonymous with softcore porn, but this hypocritical doc. does little to remedy that situation. I was particularly offended with the way the documentary (or at least some of the interviewees)seems to equate horror/exploitation movies with snuff and sexual sadism. The truth is the"erotic thriller" is the domain of people who don't have the talent to make horror movies yet are a tad too respectable for hardcore "adult" industry. And the less said of the co-director's tastelessly self-indulgent revelations of child sexual abuse the better. Why can't all these self-loathing industry types just find another line of work?

Brutally Open

[Foggy-7 · 11 November 2001]

Some Nudity Required is one of those documentaries that reveal as much as the person trying to create the documentary as it does the subject. What does it reveal about B movies? Odette Springer's focus is definitely negative about the industry, but it's the words of the B-movie mavens that do the most damage, revealing the rampant and violent mysogyny prevalent among makers of B movies. What does it reveal about Odette? A lot...and proves she has a lot that she has a lot that she wants to let out.

The story of Maria Ford was also telling, and another great reason to see the movie.