Monte Hellman was an American film director, producer, and editor, known for his work in the independent film industry.
He was particularly acclaimed for his unique vision and his ability to blend genre elements with art-house sensibilities.
Hellman’s films are characterized by their stark visuals, sparse dialogue, and enigmatic themes.
He was a true iconoclast of American cinema and his films continue to influence independent filmmakers today.
Best Monte Hellman Movies
Here are some of his best films:
1. Two-Lane Blacktop (1971)
“Two-Lane Blacktop” is a 1971 road movie directed by Monte Hellman and starring James Taylor, Dennis Wilson, Warren Oates, and Laurie Bird.
The film tells the story of two car enthusiasts who travel across the United States in a highly modified 1955 Chevy, challenging other drivers to street races along the way.
The film is notable for its minimalist style, with sparse dialogue and little exposition. It is also known for its use of real cars and non-professional actors, giving it a raw and authentic feel.
As the two drivers (played by James Taylor and Dennis Wilson) make their way across the country, they encounter a variety of characters, including a wandering drifter played by Warren Oates and a young hitchhiker played by Laurie Bird.
These encounters challenge their preconceived notions about life, freedom, and the American Dream.
The film is often seen as a commentary on the counterculture of the late 1960s and early 1970s, with its themes of rebellion, individualism, and disillusionment.
It also explores the idea of the open road as a symbol of freedom and escape from the constraints of society.
Despite its initially mixed critical reception, “Two-Lane Blacktop” has since become a cult classic, admired for its unconventional approach to storytelling and its unique vision of the American landscape. It is now considered one of the most significant films of the New Hollywood era.
2. The Shooting (1966)
The Shooting is a 1966 western film directed by Monte Hellman and starring Warren Oates, Millie Perkins, and Will Hutchins.
The film is notable for its unconventional narrative structure and minimalist style, and is considered a classic of the “acid western” genre.
The plot of the film centers around a hired gun named Gashade (played by Warren Oates), who is hired by a mysterious woman named Dena (played by Millie Perkins) to escort her across the desert.
As they journey deeper into the wilderness, they encounter a series of strange and unsettling characters, leading to a violent and unexpected conclusion.
The Shooting is known for its stark, visually striking landscapes, and its use of silence and minimal dialogue to create a tense and foreboding atmosphere.
The film’s unconventional narrative structure and surreal imagery have led to many different interpretations and readings over the years, making it a favorite of fans of avant-garde cinema and experimental filmmaking.
The Shooting is often cited as one of the most influential and groundbreaking films of the western genre, and has inspired many filmmakers in the years since its release.
![The Shooting [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51G8EOJnTpL.jpg)
3. Cockfighter (1974)
Cockfighter is a 1974 film directed by Monte Hellman and based on the novel of the same name by Charles Willeford.
The film follows Frank Mansfield, a cockfighter who has taken a vow of silence until he wins the Cockfighter of the Year award.
The film explores the brutal and illegal world of cockfighting and the relationships between the characters involved in this subculture.
Cockfighter was notable for its gritty and realistic portrayal of the underground world of cockfighting, as well as its exploration of themes of masculinity, honor, and obsession.
The film starred Warren Oates in the lead role and featured strong performances from Harry Dean Stanton and Laurie Bird.
Despite its critical acclaim, Cockfighter was a commercial failure upon its initial release, due in part to its controversial subject matter.
However, the film has since gained a cult following and is now considered a classic of American independent cinema.
Overall, Cockfighter is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the darker aspects of human nature and the underground world of cockfighting. It is a must-watch for fans of gritty and uncompromising cinema.
![Cockfighter [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51toV6+tOwL.jpg)
4. Ride in the Whirlwind (1966)
“Ride in the Whirlwind” is a Western film directed by Monte Hellman and written by Jack Nicholson, released in 1966. Although Alan Parker was not involved in the production of this film, it is worth noting that it is considered a cult classic and one of the best Western films of the 1960s.
The film tells the story of three cowboys who are mistaken for outlaws and find themselves on the run from a posse. As they try to escape, they stumble upon a gang of real outlaws and become entangled in their violent world.
“Ride in the Whirlwind” is notable for its atmospheric cinematography and its unconventional approach to the Western genre.
The film challenges traditional Western tropes and presents a darker, more ambiguous view of the Old West. Jack Nicholson’s script is also praised for its rich character development and sharp dialogue.
Overall, “Ride in the Whirlwind” is a classic Western film that showcases the talents of Monte Hellman and Jack Nicholson. Although Alan Parker was not involved in its production, fans of Western films and cinema in general may enjoy this unique and thought-provoking work.
5. Back Door to Hell (1964)
“Back Door to Hell” is a 1964 war film directed by Monte Hellman and starring Jimmie Rodgers, Jack Nicholson, and John Hackett.
The film is set during World War II and follows a small team of American soldiers who are sent on a mission to blow up a Japanese communications center in the Philippines.
The film is notable for its gritty realism and its portrayal of the soldiers as flawed and human. It explores themes of courage, sacrifice, and the moral complexities of war.
As the soldiers make their way through enemy territory, they face a series of challenges, including difficult terrain, brutal weather, and fierce resistance from the Japanese forces. Along the way, they are forced to confront their own fears and doubts, as well as the harsh realities of war.
The film is also known for its excellent cinematography and its use of natural settings to create a sense of authenticity and immediacy. The lush landscapes of the Philippines serve as a striking contrast to the brutality of the war.
Overall, “Back Door to Hell” is a powerful and poignant war film that offers a humanizing perspective on the soldiers who fought in World War II. It is a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for their country and the enduring toll of war on those who survived.
6. Flight to Fury (1964)
“Flight to Fury” is a 1964 American action-adventure film directed by Monte Hellman and starring Jack Nicholson, Dewey Martin, and Fay Spain.
The film follows a group of adventurers who fly to a remote island in the Philippines to retrieve a fortune in diamonds, but find themselves caught up in a deadly game of cat and mouse with a ruthless criminal gang.
The film is notable for being one of Nicholson’s earliest leading roles, as well as for its exotic locations and thrilling action sequences.
Despite being a low-budget production, “Flight to Fury” has gained a cult following among fans of exploitation cinema and Hellman’s work.
While not as critically acclaimed as some of Hellman’s other films, “Flight to Fury” is still considered an important part of his filmography, showcasing his ability to create suspenseful, high-energy genre films with limited resources.
![Flight To Fury [1964] [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41C62rI67JL.jpg)
7. Beast from Haunted Cave (1959)
“Beast from Haunted Cave” is a 1959 horror film directed by Monte Hellman and written by Charles B. Griffith. The film follows a group of criminals who plan a gold robbery in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
However, they soon realize they are being stalked by a mysterious creature that emerges from a nearby cave.
The film is known for its low-budget production values and its use of stock footage to depict the creature. Despite its low-budget, the film has gained a cult following due to its campy and cheesy nature.
The film explores themes of greed, survival, and the fear of the unknown. As the criminals try to evade the creature and make their escape with the stolen gold, they are forced to confront their own selfish motivations and the consequences of their actions.
Overall, “Beast from Haunted Cave” is a B-movie horror film that may not be for everyone, but it has developed a following among fans of campy and cheesy horror films. It is a product of its time and a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of low-budget filmmakers.
8. Road to Nowhere (2010)
Road to Nowhere is a 2010 film directed by Monte Hellman and written by Steven Gaydos. The film follows a filmmaker named Mitchell Haven who is hired to make a movie about a real-life crime that ended in tragedy.
As he delves deeper into the story, Haven becomes increasingly entangled in the lives of the people involved and begins to blur the lines between reality and fiction.
Road to Nowhere is notable for its unconventional narrative structure and its exploration of themes of memory, identity, and the nature of truth.
The film features strong performances from its cast, including Shannyn Sossamon, Dominique Swain, and Waylon Payne.
Despite its critical acclaim, Road to Nowhere was not a commercial success, but it has since gained a cult following and is now considered a classic of independent cinema.
The film showcases Hellman’s skill as a director and his ability to create a haunting and mysterious atmosphere that draws the viewer in and keeps them engaged throughout.
Overall, Road to Nowhere is a complex and thought-provoking film that challenges the viewer’s perceptions of reality and blurs the lines between truth and fiction.
It is a must-watch for fans of independent cinema and anyone who enjoys films that are willing to take risks and push the boundaries of storytelling.
9. Silent Night, Deadly Night III: Better Watch Out! (1989)
“Silent Night, Deadly Night III: Better Watch Out!” is a horror film directed by Monte Hellman and released in 1989.
While Alan Parker was not involved in the production of this film, it is worth noting that it is part of a series of horror films that began with “Silent Night, Deadly Night” in 1984.
The film follows a young man named Ricky, who is in a coma after being shot by police at the end of the previous film.
A female doctor is determined to study his brain waves to understand what makes him a killer, but when Ricky wakes up from his coma, he begins to go on a violent rampage.
“Silent Night, Deadly Night III: Better Watch Out!” is notable for its graphic violence and gore, as well as its dark, unsettling tone.
However, it received mixed reviews from critics, who criticized its formulaic plot and lack of originality.
Overall, while “Silent Night, Deadly Night III: Better Watch Out!” may appeal to horror film fans, it is not considered to be one of the best films in the series or in Monte Hellman’s filmography.
3 Characteristics of Monte Hellman Films
Monte Hellman was a filmmaker known for his unique vision and experimental approach to filmmaking. Here are three characteristics that can be found in many of his films:
Minimalist storytelling: Many of Hellman’s films feature spare, minimalist storytelling, with sparse dialogue and a focus on mood and atmosphere.
He often eschewed traditional narrative structures in favor of more unconventional, impressionistic approaches.
Blending of genres: Hellman was known for his ability to blend genres in new and unexpected ways.
His films often combined elements of Westerns, thrillers, road movies, and other genres, creating a unique hybrid style that defied categorization.
Exploration of existential themes: Many of Hellman’s films dealt with themes of identity, self-discovery, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.
He was known for his interest in existential philosophy and often incorporated these ideas into his work, creating films that were both intellectually challenging and emotionally resonant.
3 Reasons Why You Should Watch Monte Hellman Films
Unique Visual Style: Monte Hellman is known for his unique visual style, which often incorporates unconventional camera angles and shots, as well as striking imagery and landscapes.
His films often have a dreamlike quality, and he is known for his ability to create a sense of atmosphere and mood through his visuals.
Experimental Narrative Structures: Hellman is also known for his experimental approach to narrative structure, and many of his films employ nonlinear storytelling techniques or otherwise unconventional narrative structures.
His films often leave room for interpretation and invite the viewer to actively engage with the story.
Cult Classic Status: Despite being relatively unknown to mainstream audiences, many of Hellman’s films have developed a cult following over the years, and are highly regarded by cinephiles and fans of independent cinema.
His films often deal with themes of alienation, isolation, and existential crisis, and are known for their philosophical depth and subversive take on genre conventions.
If you enjoy thought-provoking and unconventional cinema, Monte Hellman’s films are definitely worth checking out.
Best Monte Hellman Films – Wrapping Up
Monte Hellman was an influential American film director who was known for his unique and unconventional approach to storytelling. Here are three of his best films:
Two-Lane Blacktop (1971): This cult classic road movie follows two drag racers as they travel across the American Southwest, competing in races and picking up hitchhikers along the way.
The film is notable for its minimalist approach to storytelling and its exploration of themes of identity, masculinity, and the American Dream.
Cockfighter (1974): This gritty and realistic film explores the brutal and illegal world of cockfighting through the eyes of Frank Mansfield, a cockfighter who has taken a vow of silence until he wins the Cockfighter of the Year award.
The film is notable for its uncompromising portrayal of the underground world of cockfighting and its exploration of themes of honor, masculinity, and obsession.
Road to Nowhere (2010): This experimental film blurs the lines between reality and fiction as it follows a filmmaker who becomes increasingly entangled in the lives of the people he is making a movie about.
The film is notable for its unconventional narrative structure, its exploration of themes of memory and identity, and its haunting and mysterious atmosphere.
Overall, Monte Hellman’s films are known for their unconventional approach to storytelling, their exploration of themes of identity and masculinity, and their haunting and atmospheric cinematography.
Whether you are a fan of road movies, gritty dramas, or experimental cinema, there is something for everyone in Hellman’s filmography.
