Russ Meyer R.I.P.

[Dave Monroe]

LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Russ Meyer, who helped
spawn the "skin flick" with such films as "Faster,
Pussycat! Kill! Kill!" and "Vixen," has died. He was
82.

Meyer died Saturday at his home in the Hollywood
Hills, according to his company, RM Films
International Inc. Spokeswoman Janice Cowart said
Meyer had suffered from dementia and died of
complications of pneumonia.

Meyer's films were considered pornographic in their
time but are less shocking by today's standards, with
their focus on violence and large-busted women but
little graphic sex.

Altogether he produced, directed, financed, wrote,
edited and shot at least 23 films, including his
debut, "The Immoral Mr. Teas," in 1959 and the 1968
film "Vixen," whose success earned him notice from
major studios.

He went on to direct the major studio release "Beyond
the Valley of the Dolls", which was co-written by film
critic Roger Ebert.

In a 1996 interview with The Associated Press, Meyer
described his films as "passion plays. ... Beauty
against something that's totally evil."

Meyer was unapologetic for his movies, arguing the
onscreen female nudity put customers in theater seats.
But he maintained that women liked the films.

"The girls kick the hell out of the guys. I've always
played well at the Ivy League -- Cornell, Dartmouth. I
have never encountered a berating woman," he said.

Meyer's work made him rich and earned him critical
acclaim. He was honored at international film
festivals, his movies were discussed in college
courses, and his work was shown at top museums.

His 1966 classic, "Faster Pussycat, Kill! Kill!" about
three hip go-go-girl club dancers who go on a vengeful
murder spree against the men who did them wrong still
makes the art house rounds.

"This film is not derogatory to women," Meyer said.
"There were three tough cookies to deal with. Besides,
they get what's coming."

Meyer married three times. His studio said he left no survivors.


		
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