A Movie Making Nerd by James Rolfe- Book Review
"Growing up internet" – it's a phrase that resonates deeply with millennials like myself. We straddle the line between a pre-internet world and the hyper-connected present, experiencing the dawn of dial-up, chat rooms, and the thrill of discovering online fandoms. For those of us in our 40s, the early internet held a certain magic, a sense of limitless possibility. Viral sensations like Charlie the Unicorn and Ask a Ninja were the water cooler moments of the digital age, and amidst this landscape emerged figures like James Rolfe, the mastermind behind the Angry Video Game Nerd (AVGN). So, when I heard Rolfe was releasing his autobiography, I was immediately on board.
I've been on a bit of a biography/autobiography kick lately, devouring stories from celebrities like Oliver Stone, Britney Spears and Michelle Zauner. I'm fascinated by the way people shape their own narratives, the carefully curated versions of themselves they present to the world. But I'm also drawn to the moments of vulnerability, the glimpses behind the curtain. One of the biggest challenges with autobiographies is the tendency to polish and perfect, sanding down the rough edges until the story becomes a gleaming, yet somewhat lifeless, product. Thankfully, Rolfe's autobiography avoids this trap. What we get is a refreshingly honest account, told in Rolfe's signature style, which those familiar with the AVGN will instantly recognize. It's his version of events, of course, and it's important to remember that any autobiography is filtered through a single perspective. ‘My truth’ isn't necessarily ‘the truth,’ but it's a truth, a valuable piece of the puzzle. Listening to the audiobook version, I was immediately drawn into Rolfe's world.
He candidly discusses his struggles with ADHD and social anxiety, offering a vulnerable look at his childhood and adolescence. He recounts his rebellious college phase, including a near-expulsion from art school after a video documenting his and his friends' destructive antics surfaced. His passion for classic and B-movie horror shines through, and the sheer volume of films he created before the age of 21 is truly inspiring.
The story of how he accidentally became the Angry Nintendo Nerd is a fun one. His initial critiques of games like Castlevania 2, Jekyll and Hyde, and The Karate Kid were simply meant for friends, but they resonated with a wider audience, eventually leading to his iconic character. He talks about the challenges of balancing his creative pursuits with "real" jobs, from health and safety video editing (complete with a control-freak boss) to wedding videography. The moment he realized his work was gaining traction – a random encounter with a fan on the other side of the country – is a testament to the power of online communities.
Rolfe's journey hasn't been without its hurdles. He delves into the complexities of working with ScrewAttack, the rise of YouTube monetization, and the immense effort that goes into each AVGN episode (a single episode can take up to 40 hours to produce, with some, like the R.O.B. episode, taking a staggering 120!). He also discusses the challenges of bringing AVGN: The Movie to life, from securing funding through Indiegogo to navigating the difficulties of filming. He opens up about the personal struggles he and his wife faced during the birth of their first child.
What struck me most about Rolfe's story is his unwavering dedication to his craft. He's a filmmaker at heart, and his autobiography is a testament to his passion, perseverance, and willingness to experiment. He doesn't shy away from his mistakes, offering a refreshingly honest portrayal of his journey.
Rolfe's autobiography isn't just a story about the Angry Video Game Nerd; it's a story about creativity, perseverance, and the evolving landscape of the internet. It's a story that resonated with me on a personal level, as someone who also grew up alongside the internet, witnessing its transformative power firsthand.
If you're a fan of AVGN, or simply interested in the story of an independent creator who carved his own path in the digital age, I highly recommend giving this book a read (or a listen!). It's a candid, inspiring, and ultimately human story, and I'm excited to see what James Rolfe does next.
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