'SEAGALOGY' MAKES AN ARGUMENT FOR STEVEN SEAGAL AS ASSKICKING AUTEUR
SEATTLE, WA, -- More than 5 years in the making, the new book SEAGALOGY
by Vern is the first serious analysis of the films of Steven Seagal.
Using his trademark sense of humor (but none of the condescending irony
so often used to denigrate action cinema) the self-proclaimed "outlaw
film critic" Vern delivers an in-depth study and a sincere celebration
of the world's only aikido instructor turned movie
star/director/writer/bluesman. The book explores the developing motifs and personal themes
of Seagalogy throughout over 30 films, from the gritty street violence
of ABOVE THE LAW through the crazed environmental epic ON DEADLY GROUND,
bizarre direct-to-video efforts like OUT FOR A KILL and guest
appearances like the Korean film CLEMENTINE and the Billy Crystal comedy MY
GIANT. It also finds the thematic links between those films, Seagal's two
albums, various TV appearances, commercials, and even his all natural
energy drink, Steven Seagal's Lightning Bolt.
As a frequent writer for Ain't It Cool News, Vern has gained notoriety
for his unorthodox reviewing style and his expertise in "the films of
Badass Cinema." His review of the slasher movie CHAOS earned him a
wrestling challenge from its director; his explosive essay on the PG-13
rating of LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD prompted Bruce Willis himself to walk
barefoot across the broken glass of movie nerd message boards to respond.
Vern is the winner of the 2001 Cinemarati award for Best Movie-Related
Site. Guillermo Del Toro, the director of PAN'S LABYRINTH, called Vern "a
national treasure."
For an introduction to SEAGALOGY, Vern turned to David Gordon Green,
who turned out to be a long-time Seagalogist in his own right. In
addition to enjoying ABOVE THE LAW Green is the acclaimed director of GEORGE
WASHINGTON, ALL THE REAL GIRLS and the upcoming Seth Rogen action comedy
THE PINEAPPLE EXPRESS.
Fiercely independent and self sufficient in the mold of Billy Jack or
Dolemite, SEAGALOGY is Vern's second self-published book after 2004's
review collection 5 ON THE OUTSIDE.
The book can be purchased or downloaded at
http://www.lulu.com/outlawvern
for more information contact Vern:
outlawvern@hotmail.com