Fast, Cheap & Out of Control

Directed by: Errol Morris

1997 | USA | 1hr 23min

Filmmaker Errol Morris often finds a startling surreal edge in the midst of reality, seeking unique subjects, and discovering humor and pathos in odd locales. Here Morris returns with a film he described as “four versions of the myth of Sisyphus.” Four eccentrics talk about their seemingly diverse lives, interests, and offbeat occupations: Lion tamer Dave Hoover, following his hero Clyde Beatty, offers theories about wild animal thought processes; topiary gardener George Mendo clips hedges to create giraffes and bears; mole-rat specialist Ray Mendez researches the insect-like behavior of these hairless mammals; robotics scientist Rodney Brooks assembles autonomous robots. Contrasting viewpoints are edited into an essay on existence and the human condition.

10 Festival Awards including New York Film Critics 1997