Ask a hundred different people who knew Bunker Spreckels who he was, and you’d likely get a hundred different answers. Spoiled rich kid. Flamboyant anti-hero. An inspiration. A nut. A rebel. Different labels are tossed around like confetti. The reality is, it’s hard to know who the real Bunker Spreckels was, though director Takuji Masuda’s new film Bunker77 is an attempt to demystify the character.
Step-son of acclaimed actor Clark Gable, and heir to the Spreckels Sugar fortune, Bunker was born in Los Angeles and wielded his silver spoon and the largesse of a multi-million dollar inheritance to build a reputation as surfing’s “prince of decadence.” Bunker’s life fueled by surfing big waves, ingesting copious amounts of narcotics, and traveling the world at the drop of a hat came to an untimely end at the age of 27.
Bunker was surfing’s bonafide rockstar, or at the very least that’s how he wanted to be seen. Even his demise had a rockstar flair – joining Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, Amy Winehouse, and others whose lives in full speed all stopped short at 27.
Bunker77 traces the man’s life story by interviewing those who knew him best, including Tony Alva, Craig Stecyk, Laird Hamilton, Art Brewer, and more. Directed by Takuji Masuda, the film has the backing of big-name celebrities including the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Anthony Kiedis, and Edward Norton (both among the executive producers). It’s also narrated by Mike Judge of Beavis and Butthead and King of the Hill fame.
Bunker77 has already won numerous awards at film festivals worldwide. It’s currently showing in New York with upcoming screenings planned in Los Angeles and Florida. Click here for more information on a screening near you.
