Nerds That Geek Documentary Review: ‘This Is Gwar’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the documentary film, ‘This Is Gwar’.
​
Ask anyone out there what they think about the band, Gwar, and you’ll get back a bevy of different answers. Some will immediately inform you of the fact that they love the band and follow them closely because of what they have to offer. While others will be happy to tell you how much they cannot stand the band, and how they firmly believe that everything Gwar stands for is immoral, and so on. But outside of that, you’ll hear a lot of folks tell you how they know of the band… but really don’t have an opinion of them. Or they’ve heard about how they have amazing shows but past that, they know nothing. Which are answers that would cause concern for any other band since recognition is key, but for Gwar, this isn’t a bad thing by any means.
​
Because the fact of the matter is, people are aware of Gwar in some form or capacity, regardless of whether they own their albums or have been to their shows and that’s huge. Because there are respected and popular bands out there that no one has heard of. So, to be universally known in some way is a huge accomplishment. But there is a good reason as to why we’ve heard about them in some form. Because this band is a huge part of the pop culture landscape and have touched lives accordingly through that and well… after spending years being mired in mystery and curiosity, Shudder is now host to a documentary about the band that takes the time to explore Gwar, their lasting power, and their influence upon pop culture in great detail in This Is Gwar.

A feat that this documentary accomplishes, by exploring every facet of the band’s existence. From their humble and unexpected beginnings in the 1980s when progressive punk rocker Dave Brockie and art student Hunter Jackson joined forces in Richmond, Virginia to form Gwar out of the possibility that the band could tell all kinds of stories and satisfy artistic needs. But it didn’t take long for the band to not only find a voice as a metal band, but to impress audiences with their on-stage antics, the kind that included guts and gore and the most sexual cuttlefish in history. But even then, they weren’t that well known and didn’t really impact the pop culture scene until the 1990s came along. For a long form video netted them a Grammy nomination, and showing up in costume to the Grammys, put the band on everyone’s radar and just like that… they were simply everywhere.

---

They were in commercials for Circuit City, they were popping up in mainstream movies and television shows such as Empire Records and Beavis and Butt-Head and this was happening… because they were something special. Because this band and their wild antics and desire to just put on a show and see where it went, led to everyone having interest in them and it allowed for them to quickly cement themselves as pop-culture icons. Where the band became larger than life, to the point where band members from the original crew could exit and new ones could arrive, and the band simply would not miss a beat. In fact, even the passing of Cory Smoot and Dave Brockie, whilst painful to fans and band members alike, didn’t stop Gwar from hitting the stage and entertaining, since they continue to tour and record and release albums.
​
But while this made for a fascinating and powerful documentary, one that held nothing back regarding the ups and downs that the band has experienced over the years and still deal with to this day, what truly makes this documentary so unique and special… is that it outright answers what has given Gwar its lasting power and iconic status. Which as it turns out… relates to the fact that this band has been from day one… grounded in art and nothing more. Sure, they could have sold out as so many bands do, and they could have easily found a way to make fat cash through endless merchandising. To the point where Gwar lunchboxes could have been a thing. But instead, they just wanted to create. They wanted to make great art and kickass music through and through… and they accomplished that goal and continue to do so by never losing sight and staying true to themselves. Which is something that we all can learn a great deal from.

Since we are often taught to compromise to find success. When in fact, Gwar informs us that we don’t necessarily have to do that. We can stick to our guns; and we can still find success in doing so. And of course, this documentary also teaches us… that hard work and incredible dedication to our craft and our dreams, will go a long way and for proof… then look no further than the fact that Gwar has been a fixture in our world since the 1980s and is showing no signs of slowing down, and well… all of these elements make this… a must-see documentary. For it leaves no stone unturned, and it is moving and raw and honest from the get-go and most important of all, it is objective and inspiring, and this really is the definitive look at one of the biggest bands on the planet. One that hardcore fans will adore, haters will pour over and the uninitiated will be fascinated by, to the point where multiple viewings will likely take place for anyone that wants to learn more about them, and the good news is, you can start that process right now. Since This Is Gwar is available to stream onShudder.  

---

Powered by JustWatch