Reel Talent: First Films by Legendary Directors

Although the word “legendary” is bandied about rather loosely nowadays, eyebrows should raise over the application of the term to the directors of The Mummy and Waterworld. Yes, Stephen Sommers and Kevin Williamson are among the nine auteurs whose USC student films are featured in this inaccurately titled set. The most famous helmers here are George Lucas, represented by three shorts (including the one he later expanded into his first feature THX 1138), and Robert Zemeckis, with two pieces, accompanied by single entries from Richard L. Bare, James Foley, Jon Turteltaub, Shawn Levy, and Richard Kelly. The quality is extremely variable, but Lucas' trio illustrate his dexterity with action sequences, Bare's expressionistic adaptation of an Edgar Allan Poe tale exhibits visual flair, and Kelly's short foreshadows an interest in troubled youth that would flower in the filmmaker's cult hit Donnie Darko. Most of the entries here merely hint at future promise, and are generally more of historical than artistic interest. DVD extras include brief interviews (or rather monologues) with Lucas, Zemeckis, and Bare, all concentrating on their respective experiences at the USC Film School. Optional. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)