I love films about filmmaking, but I especially love funny films about filmmaking. During the 1990’s, there were two movies that came out that were largely, and sadly, ignored. Both offered hysterical takes on the behind the scenes working of an independent film. One of them, “Living in Oblivion” was finally released on DVD a few months back, and I made sure a review was posted as quickly as possible. Ever since, I had hoped the other would see the light of day, though I doubted it ever would. However, guess what I have sitting next to the computer as I’m writing? Thank you Artisan, for making my birthday weekend a joyous one. “…And God Spoke” is a ‘mockumentary’ about two guys trying to break into the world of big time filmmaking. Their idea is to make a movie about the Bible, since it has a built in audience. As you can imagine, everything that can possibly go wrong… does. This satirical documentary follows our valiant heroes as they face insurmountable odds to re-create the greatest story ever told.

I was going to start writing about some of the hysterical pitfalls that transpire in “…And God Spoke”, but I feel telling you anything would be telling you too much. Okay, well maybe one thing just to whet your appetite. Just consider some of the casting of the ‘film within a film’ when the filmmakers hire Lou Ferrigno and Andy Dick to play Cain and Abel. Need I say more?

I had this film recommended to me shortly after it was released back in 1994, so I rented it on video. I laughed so hard I thought I was going to have a coronary. I’ve been around some films, both high and low budget, as they were being made. I’ve also had several friends try to make their own films. Believe me when I tell you that as ridiculous as some of the situations seem in the movie, more than likely some filmmaker somewhere has had these things happen in one form or another.

The director, Arthur Borman has gone on to direct a few TV shows, including and episode of “Son of the Beach.” He has also directed a real documentary called “Kareoke Fever”, which I’m still trying to track down a copy of. From what I could see in “…And God Spoke”, Borman is a talented director, who has unfortunately gotten caught up in the reality craze as he as most recently worked on shows like “Temptation Island” and “Celebrity Mole: Hawaii.” Last I’ve head, he was a field story editor on “The Real Cancun.” Hopefully, he’ll regain his senses and get himself back behind a camera and into the director’s chair.

In the meantime, I highly recommend “…And God Spoke” to any amateur (or even professional) filmmakers out there, who want a little lesson in what it takes to make a movie. Regardless of the film’s silly nature, there’s still a lot to be learned from it. Those familiar with what goes on behind the camera will certainly enjoy it the most, but with all those DVDs out there offering behind the scenes footage, that should be just about everyone by now.

Directed by: Arthur Borman
Starring: Michael Riley, Stephen Rappaport, Daniel Tisman, Jay Edwards, Christy Taylor, Damara Reilly, Susan Rejba, Anna B. Choi, R.C. Bates, Josh Trossman, Victoria Lane, Chris Bonno, Ya Parulava, Soupy Sales, Elizabeth Kelly, Andy Dick, Lou Ferrigno, Eve Plumb
Extras: None
Specifications: Full Screen, 2.0 Dolby Stereo Sound
Studio: Artisan
Release Date: 7/22/2003
Region 1
MPAA Rating: R
Website

We'll give ...And God Spoke an A.