Beaver Trilogy Part IV (2015)

Beaver Trilogy Part IV: Directed by Brad Besser. With Bill Hader, Trent Harris, Groovin’ Gary, Brad Besser. A chance meeting in a parking lot in 1979 between filmmaker Trent Harris and a young man from Beaver, Utah inspired the creation of an underground film that is now known as Beaver Trilogy. But the film itself is only part of the story.

“Almost 12 years ago, I had the privilege of taking Trent Harrisu0026#39; film class at the University of Utah, and we were assigned to observe the original u0026quot;Beaver Trilogyu0026quot; for an assignment. For those who donu0026#39;t know, this collection of three short films begins with the actual 1979 encounter with Dick Griffiths (aka Goovinu0026#39; Gary) outside the KUTV studios. Griffiths eventually invites Mr. Harris to film a talent show in Beaver, Utah where he performs as u0026quot;Olivia Newton Dawn.u0026quot; The following two elements are fictionalized recreations Mr. Harris developed starring Sean Penn and Crispin Glover respectively. Director Brad Besser sets two paths into motion in this u0026quot;Where Are They Now?u0026quot; endeavor as he seeks to find the whereabouts of Mr. Griffiths nearly 36 years later and showcases Mr. Harrisu0026#39; wild film career. While the latter takes viewers from the L.A. riots to Southeast Asia with Mr. Harrisu0026#39; undertakings, itu0026#39;s the candid interviews and uproarious tales from friends and family in central Utah that provide the most entertainment. Rather than having the story lines veer away from each other, it would have been more appealing to keep the direct line to the source material intact with additional stories from the Griffiths and their friends. -Jimmy Martin”