The Untold Truth Of Todd Phillips

Phillips' next work was another documentary, "Frat House," which he co-created with his friend Andrew Gurland in 1998. It examined the extremes of secretive college hazing rituals, with the two bookish filmmakers immersing themselves in fraternity life for a year. During that time, Phillips and Gurland experienced everything "Hell Week" and beyond had to offer. At first, they shadowed New York's Beta Chi fraternity, headed by a madman nicknamed "Blossom," who was the self-proclaimed "King of the School," and the walking definition of toxic masculinity. 

Aspiring members tolerated all manner of physical, mental, and emotional abuse from Blossom. Ultimately, this frat cut ties with Phillips and Gurland before they could complete the film, claiming the camera was making the pledges uncomfortable. This forced the pair to hunt for another group of willing participants, which proved far easier said than done. Finally, they gained the trust of Alpha Tau Omega in Muhlenberg College, Pennsylvania, on the condition the school and frat would remain anonymous. 

There was also one other stipulation — Phillips and Gurland had to agree to join the pledges in their ordeals. Things got so extreme that Phillips wound up locked in a dog cage, covered in spit, ashes, and various liquids, and Gurland had to be hospitalized due to stomach pains.