‘Create or Die’ Review
Features: David Axe, John Valley, Morgan Shaley Renew, Caylin Brooke Sams, Peter Castro, Cleve Langdale, Brendan Thompson, Aaron Blomberg | Directed by Sarah Massey
With a filmography that includes the likes of Bae Wolf, House Monster, and Lection, David Axe is a filmmaker who loves the story of making a movie as much as the story which the film tells. He is also aware of the poor reception his works have received, responding to such criticisms with an eagerness to learn so that he can “get good.” His intentions of improving are so set that he pledges to make one movie every year, continuing with this task until he makes one that is considered good.
Create or Die is the work of director Sarah Massey, who documents Axe’s learning experiences which coincides with his latest feature, Acorn. As his feature depicts a terminally ill filmmaker who wishes to put all that she has into making her last film, one wonders if inspiration laid within Axe’s own drive to make movies. There is a passion and humbleness evident within the central figure, as he finds joy in making movies and cares more about the journey taken to finish his work. Much time is devoted to him discussing his hopes, yet one wishes footage was included to offer a behind-the-scenes look and show his process throughout that journey.
Assembled are an array of people who have worked with Axe, sharing the difficulties which have arisen through their experiences, and how they were overcome by working together while hoping for the best. Despite the good intentions involved with making this documentary, it admittedly does not feel cinematic.
Most of Create or Die‘s 68-minute runtime is devoted to talking head interviews which can feel as though the information is going in circles, leaving this to resemble an overlong DVD extra. Where Massey’s work is most effective involves focusing on the hopefulness of Axe, offering a look at a man who does not know who he would be if he could not make films.
