Roger Corman

“ I can make a film about the Fall of the Roman Empire with two extras and a sagebush” – Roger Corman

Today we give praise to an icon in the world of b-movie filmmaking: Roger Corman.

As one of the most prolific filmmakers ever, Corman has more than 350 films produced under his belt. He is behind some of the most memorable b-movies every created, including “It Conquered The World”, “The Wasp Woman”, “X: The Man With X-Ray Eyes”, “Caged Heat”, and “Carnosaur”. He is notorious for producing quality ‘b’ products in a short time span, often in a mere few days. He never spends more than a couple million on one title, will often reuse sets and crew to keep costs now, and always assures a return on each film. His films are so popular, that some have even crossed over into television, theatre, and even music. He is responsible for adapting the most memorable versions of the work of Edgar Allan Poe, starting the great Vincent Price. He is the man behind the now infamous, never released-version of The Fantastic Four. He is responsible for kick-starting the careers of some of the most successful filmmakers and actors ever, including James Cameron, Francis Ford Coppola, Jack Nicholson, Martin Scorsese, Ron Howard, and Sylvester Stallone. Roger Corman is one of the greatest filmmakers ever and a legend to filmmakers around the word.

And yet, that is not the reason why Bottom of the Barrel is celebrating Roger Corman. Of course all the aforementioned accomplishments are more than enough to honour this great man and should not be ignored, but that not why we’re here today. No, the reason we’re honouring Roger Corman today is because he did all of the above… AND will be getting an Oscar!

In a recent announcement, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences have declared that Roger Corman will be receiving an honourary Academy Award for all of his contributions to the world of cinema. That’s right; the man behind “Death Race 2000” is getting an Oscar! How cool is that?

It’s a bit unexpected that the Academy would honour b-grade talent like this, but they clearly recognize an influential genius when they see it. Corman is behind some of the greatest films and greatest talent to ever work in the business, both directly and indirectly. And though his films have not won any awards, he refuses to change his ways and sell out. He remains true to himself, he gives what the people want, and after 45 years in this business he doesn’t show signs of slowing down. He is a filmmaker’s filmmaker. He is a true auteur. There is no question that Roger Corman deserves this honour.

So, raise a glass, pop in a copy of “A Bucket of Blood”, and give praise to one of the greatest things that have ever happened to the world of b-movies! Hell, if Oscar will honour him, why not you?

Here’s to Roger Corman, a true cinematic legend and a hero to all b-movie lovers! Keep ‘em coming sir!

Wanna see more? Go buy this excellent box set of Roger Corman films:


You should also buy a copy of his excellent biography "How I Made a Hundred Movies in Hollywood and Never Lost a Dime":