Grindhouse Releasing has been going
strong ever since its return to form on the home video market in late 2013. Every new release is absolutely worth supporting; not only for
the always substantial packages themselves but also for the fact that
each one is a labor of love for film editor and co-founder Bob
Murawski. One of the label’s first 2015 releases is Massacre Mafia
Style, a film I had seen trailers for on older Grindhouse discs but
had never had the chance to see until now. I wasn’t familiar with
the name Duke Mitchell going in, but does this recent release change
that? Let’s jump right in to this autopsy and find out.
The film plays
out very much like a low-budget answer to The Godfather. Massacre
Mafia Style (aka Like Father, Like Son or The Executioner) is the
story of a ruthless gangster who relocates to California and follows
his own American Dream, that being one of aggressively sadistic
hedonism. The son of a notorious mafia kingpin, he witnesses the
painfully slow deterioration of a sub-culture on its way out and
eventually returns home to tell the tale; but not before he leaves a
trail of blood, bullets, broads, and bread in his wake.
Mitchell’s min-gangster epic (which,
it should be mentioned, he wrote, directed, produced, scored, and
acted in) is first and foremost an exploitation picture. It’s down
and dirty and the perfect film for anyone who thought Coppola’s
aforementioned classic wasn’t violent enough. It lets you know off
the bat what kind of ride you’re in for, first with the all-out
slaughter of a room full of African American workers and then the
murder of a disabled businessman by way of toilet-water
electrocution. It’s an unapologetic piece, but that’s just as it
should be.
As exhilarating as the sheer spectacle
of it is, there’s a lot more to this one than meets the eye.
Mitchell clearly had a very specific vision in mind; and his real
intentions seem to involve discussing the changing times and moral
values within the titular sub-culture. This is confirmed in a
heartbreaking monologue near the end, delivered by none other than
Mitchell himself. It’s a powerful singular moment that changed how
I looked at the film completely.
And what a release Grindhouse has put
together to allow one’s appreciation for the film to be even
deeper. This set is packaged in a clear keepcase, includes both
Blu-Ray and DVD copies of the film, and also comes with a little
ten-page booklet containing an essay. And as for what’s on those
discs, well…for starters the video transfer is outstanding and the
audio presentation is very solid throughout as well.
As for extras, there’s a stellar
documentary titled Like Father, Like Son which features Duke’s son
Jeffrey speaking about his relationship with his father. He doesn’t
mention a whole lot about Massacre Mafia Style, but in place of
unique behind-the-scenes stories we do get a compelling portrait of a
fascinating if flawed individual. Interviews with family members and
frequent collaborators are also included both in the doc and as their
own extras. Another neat bonus is nearly an hour of Duke Mitchell
home videos, which allow fans to bask once again in the glory of
Duke’s sweet, sweet music. There’s even a standard definition
copy of Bela Lugosi Meets a Brooklyn Gorilla on the Blu, which isn’t
all that good of a movie but is a must-see for any of the
pre-existing or soon-to-be Mitchell completest.
As can be expected from the label,
there are other surprises as well, but I need not get into all of
them. This is a very solid and important release, well worth the
money and the time, with bonus materials that add to the overall
impact that the film has on the individual viewer. The film itself
packs a hell of a punch, and is likely one of the better gangster
movies I’ve seen in spite of the budgetary shortcomings. Mitchell
oozes cool and was obviously skilled in a wide variety of areas.
Overall, this is a stellar release for a thoroughly engaging and
surprisingly thoughtful bit of sleaze.
-Ryan Marshall
Director: Duke Mitchell
Lead Actor/Actress: Duke Mitchell
Genre: Action/Exploitation
Blu-ray Release Year: 2015
Theatrical Release Year: 1974
Time Length: 79 mins.
Rating: NR
Region Code: A
Release Company: Grindhouse Releasing
Website:
Lead Actor/Actress: Duke Mitchell
Genre: Action/Exploitation
Blu-ray Release Year: 2015
Theatrical Release Year: 1974
Time Length: 79 mins.
Rating: NR
Region Code: A
Release Company: Grindhouse Releasing
Website: