Guns of El Chupacabra
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Guns of El Chupacabra is a 1997 martial arts based cult film that was directed by Donald G. Jackson and was produced by and stars Scott Shaw. The co-stars of this film include: Julie Strain, Kevin Eastman, Conrad Brooks, Joe Estevez, and Robert Z'Dar.
This films follows the lead character Jack B. Quick, Space Sheriff, played by Scott Shaw, who is sent to Earth to battle the Chupacabra.
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[edit] Chupacabra
The legend of the Chupacabra was first born in Puerto Rico and has since spread through out Latin America. The term, "Chupacabra" literally means, "Goat Sucker," as these mythical creatures are believed to be a Vampire-like creature who prey upon farm animals.
In 1998 Shaw and Jackson were interviewed, regarding this film, on the syndicated television series Strange Universe.[1] In this episode Shaw detailed that while scouting film locations in Mexico Jackson and Shaw actually witnessed the attack of a Chupacabra.
[edit] Zen Filmmaking
This film is an ideal example of the new style of Cinéma vérité developed by Scott Shaw and Donald G. Jackson, known as Zen Filmmaking. Zen Filmmaking is a distinct style of filmmaking where the primary concept is that no scripts are used in the creation of a film.
Perhaps one of the most unique elements of this film, and its interrelationahip to traditional Cinéma vérité, is that the film begins by presenting its characters in a traditional storyline fashion. Approximately thirty minutes into the film, a documentary film crew is introduced into the plot. From this point forward, the film shifts between storyline and documentary; until the two plot lines collide and the film becomes part theatrical presentation and part documentary. From this, the audience is left questioning where one style of filmmaking begins and the other leaves off. In addition, much of this film is shot using the hand-held camera technique which is a tradtional element of both Cinéma vérité and Direct Cinema.
As is the case with all of the films created by Donald G. Jackson and Scott Shaw, this film follows a non-linear storyline. Another unique element of this film, and a technique used in many Jackson/Shaw productions, is that the various segments of this film are preceded by full screen, white on black, screen credits announcing an upcoming plot twist.
[edit] Locations
Traditional to Jackson/Shaw productions, Guns of El Chupacabra was filmed in many spectaular locations. These locations include the desert of Mexico, Vasquez Rocks and Hollywood, California. [2] Using Hollywood as a cinematic backdrop is a common element to both the films of Jackson and Shaw. Hollywood landmarks such as the Hollywood sign and images of Hollywood Blvd. are seen in this film.
This film also presents scenes filmed at Los Angeles Union Station. This railway hub was built in 1939 and is considered to be "The last of America's great rail stations.” It was created in an art deco style of architecture and is a very visual location that has been featured in many films and music videos. Union Station is a commonly presented location in the films of Scott Shaw and Donald G. Jackson.
[edit] Filmmaking Process
This feature was filmed in on 35mm film, using the Panavision anamorphic film process. [3]
[edit] Distribution
This film witnessed a theatrical release in several Latin American countries from 1998 forward, but was limited to video and cable release in the West and Asia.
According to the interview that was presented on the episode of Strange Universe, This film is the first segement of the Guns of El Chupacabra Trilogy. The second feature of this trilogy is Guns of El Chupacabra 2: The Unseen. This film was only released in Latin America. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the third film in the series will be Night of El Chupacabra.
