Behind the Swinging Blade backdrop
🏆

Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for Behind the Swinging Blade.

View Review →
WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is Behind the Swinging Blade Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2014)

Filmed exclusively for Arrow Video in 2013, this documentary looks at the making of The Pit and the Pendulum and features producer and director Roger Corman, star Barbara Steele, V...

✨ The Quick Verdict

SKIP IT

If you are a fan of Documentary cinema, then Behind the Swinging Blade offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2014 landscape.

👥 Target Audience

Fans of Documentary films
casual viewers seeking light entertainment

📔 Detailed Analysis

📖 The Core Premise

Behind the Swinging Blade stands as a 2014 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Documentary landscape. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Filmed exclusively for Arrow Video in 2013, this documentary looks at the making of The Pit and the Pendulum and features producer and director Roger Corman, star Barbara Steele, Vincent Price's daughter Victoria Price and more."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In Behind the Swinging Blade, even the presence of Roger Corman struggles to save a script that feels disjointed. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Documentary. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Behind the Swinging Blade worth your time? If you appreciate Documentary films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Behind the Swinging Blade misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 44 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.

⏳ Time Investment

44MIN

At approximately 0.7 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.