Bellflower (2011)

Two friends spend all their free time building flame-throwers and weapons of mass destruction in hopes that a global apocalypse will occur and clear the runway for their imaginary gang "Mother Medusa".

Director:

Evan Glodell

Writer:

Evan Glodell

Stars:

Evan Glodell, Tyler Dawson, Jessie Wiseman

5 wins & 8 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Evan Glodell	...	Woodrow
Jessie Wiseman	...	Milly
Tyler Dawson	...	Aiden
Rebekah Brandes	...	Courtney
Vincent Grashaw	...	Mike
Zack Kraus	...	Elliot
Keghan Hurst	...	Sarah
Alexandra Boylan	...	Mad Dog's Waitress
Bradshaw Pruitt	...	Mad Dog's Bartender
Brian Thomas Evans	...	Dirty Trucker
Britta Jacobellis	...	Neighbor With Dogs
Ceaser Flores	...	Scary Guy at Party
Chris Snyder	...	Tattoo Guy
Dan Dulle	...	Motorcycle Owner
Jon Huck	...	John Huck

Storyline

Bellflower follows two friends as they venture out into the world to begin their adult lives. Literally all their free time is spent building flame-throwers and weapons of mass destruction in hopes that a global apocalypse will occur and clear the runway for their imaginary gang "Mother Medusa". While waiting for the world to end, their call to excitement comes unexpectedly when one of them meets a charismatic young woman and falls hard in love. Quickly integrated into a new group of friends, they set off on a journey of betrayal, love, hate, infidelity and extreme violence more devastating and fiery than any of their apocalyptic fantasies. Often life's simplest and most obvious truths are the hardest to see, but once you've burned everything to the ground it may be the only thing left standing.

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Plot Keywords:

medusa | apocalypse | infidelity | bellflower | female nudity | 

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Taglines:

A love story with apocalyptic stakes.

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Genres:

Action | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for disturbing violence, some strong sexuality, nudity, pervasive language and some drug use

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

21 March 2012 (France)

Also Known As:

Ariza Ask

Filming Locations:

California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$17,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$22,279, 7 August 2011

Gross USA:

$168,226

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$172,935

Company Credits

Production Co:

Coatwolf Productions

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Dolby (Dolby 5.1)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Director Evan Glodell built his first flamethrower at the age of 12. It was prone to malfunction and only had a 6 foot range.

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Goofs

At the end of the birthday party, as Courtney sits next to Mike on the steps you can see the microphone power supply/transmitter and a red LED on it through her blouse on her back.

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Quotes

Aiden: Your car is really bad ass dude. We could just get in the car, put the flamethrower in the trunk, leave town. Do you know how awesome it would be if we like went to some small town and went to one of the local bars, pulled up in that car? People would be like 'Holy shit, who are these guys?' and we would be like 'Come outside and take a look at our flamethrower". Dude, I don't think you realize how cool your car is. I'm fucking serious though dude. We could take the flamethrower and guns and ...

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Crazy Credits

In the credit for "MEDUSA CAR RESSURECTION AND SUPERCHARGING," "resurrection" is misspelled.

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Connections

Featured in Ebert Presents: At the Movies: Episode #2.13 (2011)

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Soundtracks

Enough
Written by Jonathan Keevil
Performed by Jonathan Keevil
Courtesy of Jonathan Keevil

User Reviews

Gritty but narration is a mess

Having high hopes for Bellflower, especially from staff writer Joey Magidson's review, Bellflower is one of the most disappointing independent films seen in 2011. Completely understanding I could be in the minority, this confusing and at times frustrating story explores the relationship between Woodrow (Evan Glodell) and Milly (Jessie Wiseman) and they're seemingly beautiful beginning to explosive end, all while falling in and out the subplot of best friend Aiden and his quest along with Woodrow to be as "Mad Max" as possible. The film's artistic integrity is lost among this demented narrative that never has a grasp of concept or proper execution. The acting is as simple as any fourth grade theater class and it's ability to include the viewer in what's going on is as overstepped as independent pictures like Thumbsucker. While Writer/Director/Editor/Star Glodell dives into all aspects of the picture, he needs to pull back as the cinematically exhausting film never lands on its feet. It fly highs while leaving all of us behind.

*½

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