“Manos” The Hands of Fate.
Not to get too “meta” on this topic, but how about a low-budget film about making a low-budget film? I have a fondness for The Wizard of Speed and Time. Lighthearted and quirky.
Sailboat
I assume tongue is firmly implanted in cheek here, since this movie is the generally considered the appropriate counter when someone states “Plan 9 From Outer Space is the worst movie ever made.”
Ditto on Primer.
And might I also recommend *The Hall Monitor *in which I am happy to say that I am the first person to be killed. It’s a kooky comedy about an overzealous high school Hall Monitor who carries a gun. Dirty Harry meets Sixteen Candles.
Manos: The Hands of Fate is a terrible, terrible movie, but people who say it is the worst movie ever are apparently unaware that countless terrible, terrible movies are produced every year by amateurs whose ambition far outstrips their skills or resources. Until the advent of the Internet (and especially widespread broadband access), most never reached a large audience. Manos was languishing in obscurity with the rest of them until “rescued” by “Mystery Science Theater 3000.”
In the case of Plan 9 From Outer Space, “worst movie” is more an honorific (dishonorific?) than an accurate description. Unlike Manos or the Star Wars Holiday Special, which are just painful to watch, Plan 9 is actually entertaining, although maybe not in the way the filmmaker intended. (I believe Ed Wood had a better idea what was going on then most people give him credit for.) He just seems to go out of his way to get everything* wrong, and the result is delightfully goofy.
*Well, not everything. Unlike a lot of ULB indies, you can actually see and hear what’s going on, for better or worse.
While I can’t seem to find any official quote on the budget, I’m quite sure that Christopher Nolan’s first film, “Following”, would qualify for this list. Like “Clerks”, it’s filmed in black and white using available light, which helped to keep costs down, and IIRC Nolan did most of the filming himself using minimal crew.
There’s also the more recent gem “Once”, which according to Wiki cost only $160K to film, which squeaks it into the <$200K range. It’s a charming, unassuming film and seems to gain a lot from its stripped down production values and use of unknown actors.
I’m surprise neither has gotten a mention yet, actually. Both are miles better than “Clerks”, which IMO would’ve been a great film if only Kevin Smith had known some decent actors. As it is, it’s merely a demonstration of what he could do as director and screenwriter once given more money and resources.
Well, we all have our own opinions, but great dialog can and did make up for bad acting. I fully admit the actors were of Brookdale Community College skill level, but damn the movie was funny and enjoyable anyway. In fact I have enjoyed a few plays at Brookdale Community College.
Jim
You mean 14’ x 14’ x 14’.
It’s a cube, after all.
I’m stunned that nobody’s mentioned John Waters’ early efforts. “Pink Flamingos” was done on $12,000, and “Desperate Living” and “Female Trouble” weren’t too different, as far as budget goes.
How much did “Liquid Sky” cost? It might be within the stated range.
“Hester Street” is a wonderful little movie about Jewish life on the lower east side around the turn of the century. The budget was $350,000. A little high for the OP, I guess, but still pretty darn cheap.
Return of the Secaucus Seven (1980) — $60,000.