As a movie prop collector myself, I found kindred spirits in “Mad Props,” a documentary about avid collectors and their love for all things film. Director Juan Pablo Reinoso follows one collector as he travels the globe to meet others like him, taking a look at their personal acquisitions as well as interviewing the creatives who made the props and some of the actors who used them on screen. This is the type of film that fellow collectors will love, because those who get it, get it. The subject matter may be too specific to appeal to casual audiences, however.
The film is too long and repetitive, and I wish a wider range of collectors had been included. There are subjects with deep pockets as well as those dabbling with much smaller bankrolls, but the most compelling part of the documentary is hearing the proud owners show off their collections and talk about their emotional connection to their props and the memories they evoke. Those stories never get old, especially to those of us who “ooh” and “aaah” over what’s sitting in someone’s home. The documentary doesn’t give a ton of insight as to what compels people (like me) to have a burning desire to collect “movie studios’ garbage,” but it sure is fun to watch people excitedly walk through their collections of posters, costumes, scripts, and screen-used “hero” props.
The documentary has the feel of a reality television show and probably would’ve worked better as a series rather than a feature film, but mostly because more collectors could have been featured. Too much time is devoted to Tom Biolchini and his obsession with the hobby, and he comes across as unrelatable because he spends a crazy amount of money in order to obtain the next holy grail of props. Yeah, it would be incredible to have Wilson the volleyball companion from “Castaway” in my living room, but for the price of a new car or condo? I guess everyone can spend their own money as they see fit, but when is enough, enough?
My favorite aspect of the film is Reinoso’s ability to successfully express the fact that movie props not only have a rich sentimental value, but also real value. They are pieces of art, and most collectors buy things that they love not as an investment, but for personal enjoyment. “Mad Props” is a heartfelt look at this collector’s mentality, and it just might spark a few viewers to take up the fun and rewarding hobby for themselves.
By: Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots 