RiffTrax Live: "Manos" the Hands of Fate

The live recording of RiffTrax Live: "Manos" the Hands of Fate is a unique blend of humor, irony, and cinematic mockery. The film itself is a notorious cult classic, directed by Harold P. Warren, a novice filmmaker and amateur actor, in 1966. Shot on a shoestring budget in a span of six days, "Manos" is widely regarded as one of the worst films ever made, due to its amateurish production values and nonsensical plot. However, despite its reputation, "Manos" has gained a twisted following over the years, and Mike, Kevin, and Bill's riffing is here to make the best of this bizarre film. The movie begins with Mike, a middle-class family man, accompanied by his wife and daughter, driving away from the chaos of their urban lifestyle in search of a more peaceful way of life. They arrive at a Texas ranch owned by a mysterious and sinister man, Mr. St. Ivan, who has married their daughter, Debbie. However, things quickly take a turn for the worse as Mike becomes increasingly unhinged, and the ranch's sinister inhabitants reveal their true nature. Amidst the eerie atmosphere, a hunchbacked servant named Torgo emerges as one of the main antagonists, his bizarre and unsettling behavior providing a perfect target for the RiffTrax trio's snarky remarks. As "Manos" unwavels on stage, Mike, Kevin, and Bill bring their sharp wit and quick humor to the film. They poke fun at the laughable special effects, wooden acting, and convoluted storyline, never missing an opportunity to lampoon the film's obvious shortcomings. Their live energy and banter add a new layer to the experience, injecting life into what would otherwise be a mind-numbingly terrible film. Throughout the show, the audience at the Belcourt Theatre in Nashville is treated to a series of pre-riff shorts, showcasing At Your Fingertips' deranged and unsettling "Cylinders" and Bill's hilarious "Welcome Back, Norman" segment. Both of these bizarre shorts serve as a precursor to the main event, showcasing the trio's unique blend of irreverence and dark humor. While "Cylinders" is more of an absurdist exercise, "Welcome Back, Norman" takes center stage in the introduction to a character who will become a recurring figure in Rifftrax lore. As the evening progresses, the focus shifts to "Manos," and the trio devolves into a frenzy of jokes, one-liners, and witty observations. Mike's sharp commentary, Kevin's sarcastic tone, and Bill's absurd impressions of the film's cast create a wildly entertaining experience, which would be impossible to replicate on a static recording. "Manos" is a film where the audience is treated to the surreal and bizarre world of Torgo and the sinister Mr. St. Ivan, amidst a backdrop of amateurish filmmaking and general ineptitude. This live riffing captures the raw energy of a live performance, bringing to life what would otherwise be a soulless experience. The result is a sidesplitting, eye-rolling, and cringeworthy adventure into the world of terrible cinema, as embodied by this unforgettable film.