Frat House (1998)
Directed by Todd Phillips / Andrew Gurland
Genres - Comedy |
Sub-Genres - Social Issues |
Release Date - Jan 21, 1998 (USA - Unknown) |
Run Time - 60 min. |
Countries - United States |
MPAA Rating - NR
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Synopsis by Bhob Stewart
Documentary co-directors Todd Phillips and Andrew Gurland, after profiling publisher Al Goldstein in Screwed (1997) moved on to this study of college fraternity hazing practices, gaining cooperation as long as frat houses and universities were not named. Activities at "Beta Chi" included excess alcohol consumption and licking substances from a nude dancer. After three weeks, however, the Beta brothers had second thoughts, and the filmmakers took off after receiving threats. At their next site, the filmmakers were only allowed to film if they participated in scheduled events, including being locked in a dog-cage and doing push-ups in vomit. One of the filmmakers was hospitalized with stomach pains. Filmed in 16mm for HBO, this hour-long documentary was shown at the 1998 Sundance Film Festival.