Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.0

That Guy Dick Miller Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf October 27, 2024

Dick Miller (who passed away in 2019) is an actor. To some, he’s the guy who, for decades, showed up in seemingly everything, unafraid to take day- player parts in B-movies of all shapes and sizes. More educated film fans largely treat Miller as a hero, celebrating the longevity and tenacity of his career, which has carried on for over 60 years, amassing quite a resume of appearances in all sorts of endeavors. Director Elijah Drenner looks to celebrate such a life with “That Guy Dick Miller,” a 2014 documentary examining the unassuming ways of the subject and his ”Zelig”-like magic when it comes to Hollywood omnipresence. Drenner has access to Miller and his wife, Lainie, and they’re joined by a wide range of admirers, with the interviewees sharing their adoration for the thespian and his industry history. “That Guy Dick Miller” isn’t too big on the fine details of Miller’s private life, but it delivers a quickly paced overview of an amazing career that’s managed to endure and delight generations of viewers and filmmakers. Not too shabby for a scrappy boy from the Bronx.

“That Guy Dick Miller” catches up with the subject as he prepares to participate in a new project. It’s a short film titled “Cutaways,” bringing Miller back to New York City to co-star with Abe Vigoda, once again enjoying the comfort of on-set life. He’s in his mid-80s and feeling good, and he also welcomes Drenner into his house for interviews, joined by Lainie and their dog, with the pooch part of a lifetime spent loving animals. Miller offers a tour of his dwelling, with its wall adorned with photos, art, and memorabilia from his decades of employment. It’s not an ordered display of achievements, but something lived-in, reflecting the actor’s casual ways with his career, piecing together an impressive oeuvre built one job at a time.

What’s surprising about “That Guy Dick Miller” is its lack of biographical information. Parts of Miller’s life come into focus during the documentary, but Drenner elects to lead with an assessment of the actor’s lengthy career, which began during classes in NYC that fit his night owl schedule. Making his way to Hollywood for a break, Miller eventually connected with Roger Corman, who first cast the man in 1955’s “Apache Woman.” Miller was suddenly working, keeping up with Corman as the famously frugal filmmaker churned out features throughout the 1950s, holding trusted actors close in productions that were slapped together quickly. Identified as a major breakthrough for Miller is 1959’s “A Bucket of Blood,” gifting him a leading part, permitted to show his stuff in the role of Walter Paisley, a character name that would follow him for the rest of his professional life. Additional highlights from the Corman years include 1957’s “Rock All Night” and “Not of this Earth,” and Drenner briefly explores Miller’s friendship with actor Jonathan Haze, even passing on the lead role in 1960’s “Little Shop of Horrors” to help Haze shine.

Parts of Miller’s life gradually come into view. We meet his siblings, Gene and Bill, and learn more about his relationship with Lainie, as the pair has maintained their marriage for over 50 years, looking as though they still enjoy each other’s company during their interviews. Bits and pieces from Miller’s formative years are shared, including a chilly relationship with his father, but “That Guy Dick Miller” doesn’t spend too much time in the deep end of psychology. Drenner keeps the career celebration going, tracking Miller’s acting opportunities in the 1960s, where he often played establishment types facing the wild youth of the decade. Career dry periods are also identified, keeping Miller terrified to be away from his home phone, always waiting for a call to join a production. It’s this drive to work that’s most prominently displayed in the documentary, carrying into Corman’s New World Pictures years, where Miller was presented to a new generation of directors raised on his movies. This pack includes Jonathan Kaplan, Jack Hill, and Joe Dante, with the latter commencing a longstanding relationship with Miller, giving him perhaps his most famous part in 1984’s “Gremlins” and its 1990 sequel.

That Guy Dick Miller Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "That Guy Dick Miller" handles interview footage as well as to be expected, with these chats collected over time and shot in varied locations with camera tech of the day. Household tours offer passable clarity, permitting inspection of memorabilia and art. Colors are defined, with lively primaries on decorative additions and clothing choices. Greenery is distinct. Skin tones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory.

That Guy Dick Miller Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix offers a straightforward listening experience for "That Guy Dick Miller." Interviews are prioritized, maintaining sharpness from the variety of interviewees recorded in different environments. Voices are consistent and defined throughout the listening event. Scoring supports with clear instrumentation, following the broad and reflective moods of the feature. Music pushes into the surrounds at times for a more immersive approach, but the track is mostly frontal. Low-end isn't challenged.

That Guy Dick Miller Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet (18 pages) offers contributions from producer Lainie Miller, director Elijah Drenner, and Caelum Vatnsdal.

• Bonus Movie: "Starhops" (81:49, HD), a 1978 comedy directed by Barbara Peeters and edited by the future screenwriter of "Schindler's List," Steven Zaillian. Dick Miller appears in a supporting role.

• Commentary features director Elijah Drenner, producer Lainie Miller, and cinematographer Elle Schneider.

• "Los Angeles Premiere" (48:36, HD) covers multiple post-screening discussions from the 2014 debut of "That Guy Dick Miller" and career retrospective (taking place at the Egyptian Theater in Los Angeles), with subject Dick Miller joined by film critic Leonard Maltin, producer Roger Corman, director Elijah Drenner, producer Lainie Miller, makeup artist Rick Baker, and director Ernest Dickerson. While audio quality isn't always the best, there are plenty of anecdotes, memories, and love shared during these conversations.

• "8mm Home Movies" (11:46, HD) provide a look at private and professional moments for Dick Miller during the early days of his career. Clips include time on the set of 1967's "The Long Ride Home," 1974's "Big Bad Mama," and 1975's "Crazy Mama." It's a nice snapshot of on-set life, also showcasing plenty of familiar actors as they try to pass the time between set-ups.

• Outtakes (4:49, HD) collect lost anecdotes, R-rated jokes, missing memories, and Dick Miller information from a variety of interviewees.

• Gag Reel (12:57, SD) is actually a collection of mistakes and silliness from 1989's "The 'Burbs." Oddly enough, it contains almost no contributions from Dick Miller.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:23, HD) is included.

That Guy Dick Miller Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"That Guy Dick Miller" burns through the years, surveying employment choices and friendships, with interviewees (including Dante, Corman, Allan Arkush, Robert Forster, Zach Galligan, William Sadler, and Fred Olen Ray) effusive in their praise for the actor. Also interesting is a peek at Miller's idiosyncrasies and talents, extending to the creation of erotic art. Drenner maintains a sense of humor to the documentary and focus remains on Miller's endurance, taking in the rarity of such longevity in the industry. "That Guy Dick Miller" provides a wonderful assessment of opportunity and work ethic, and there's Hollywood history, as Miller has made his way through decades of changes and challenges, always finding some form of employment.