American Nitro

The name Bill Kimberlin may be known to film buffs who've memorized the crew lists of blockbuster '80s films such as those in the BACK TO THE FUTURE series, STAR TREK III, and THE ABYSS.  Also, MISSION TO MARS, SAVING PRIVATE RYAN, GANGS OF NEW YORK, THE MASK, and many others.  On those pictures he lent his talents for visual effects.   For 1979's AMERICAN NITRO, he also directed and did some of the 16mm photography.  It is conjectured that based on his work here George Lucas hired him for RETURN OF THE JEDI.  To date, Kimberlin has not directed another movie. 

 

Surprisingly, not even a sequel cum update to this obscure but beloved documentary, which showcases the subculture of drag racing in northern California in the 1970s.  Specifically, funny cars, with their often colorful detachable chasses (one built to resemble an Army tank) atop engines more suited to rockets than cars.  Such a race may last upwards of six seconds, with entrants reaching speeds of over 200 MPH.  Burnouts are not unusual.  This was a particular brand of racing that was deemed by some as mere show business, rather than a legitimate sport. 

Don "The Snake" Prudhomme, a frequent champion whose vehicles inspired Hot Wheels toy replicas, disagreed.  He and his rivals took the nitro burning seriously, pouring a few hundred grand into their cars just to stay competitive.  Only the ones who could afford to frequently replace engine parts, some of which, as former child actor Tommy Ivo laments, cost $80 bucks a pop, can net any cash and make a living at it.  Tom "The Mongoose" McEwan, who had a long running feud with Prudhomme, was one of the few.

AMERICAN NITRO is a modest doc, with little more on its agenda than delivering the goods - shots of speeding autos, brief yet informative interviews (some in talking head fashion, others in voiceover), and some period typical ogling of female spectators.  The drivers may be accused of casual sexism, especially when they discuss Shirley Muldowney, one of the few women behind the wheel at the Fremont Dragstrip and later the subject of a fictionalized biopic in the '80s called HEART LIKE A WHEEL. Unfortunately, we never get a chat with Shirley, or Pam, who directs the drivers' line-ups on the track with the confidence of a drill sergeant, or maybe a female warden in a Roger Corman prison flick. 

Yeah, AMERICAN NITRO, later picked up by Cannon, did much of its business in drive-ins and feels like a gentler piece of exploitation, mainly because of its single-minded catering to an audience there for the roar of the hemis, not any erudite commentary.  Someone called this movie "asphalt anthropology". 

Kimberlin's work is solid, including his editing.  Many believe he shot this thing in one weekend.  I read a posting from the director refuting this, that he spent years compiling this footage.  Art Twain's music is kinda generic rock, with obvious nods to the Beach Boys and such.  But Denny Jaeger's downright eerie accompaniment to some of the car crack ups really commands your attention.    

The considerable noise levels emanated by the engines is discussed at one point, and no one on view wears ear protection.  It wouldn't have been difficult to get some drugstore foam or putty to jam in there.  Maybe some of the folks in the stands would later become my patients?

P.S. - I learned of this film from the Video Archives Podcast.  I don't share the same level of enthusiasm for it that Quentin, Roger, and Gala do, but this is still worthwhile for gearheads and those fascinated with the '70s. 

P.P.S. - The film, uploaded by Kimberlin himself, is available to rent on Vimeo.  He also sells the DVD through the film's official website (https://americannitro.com).