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:

$167,242

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

The 'Medusa' car shot flames 40 feet into the air and on a key scene accidentally scorched the power lines above and the car itself caught fire.

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Goofs

Woodrow and Aiden are sitting on the park bench, the Medusa behind them. The "MEDUSA" painted on the side of the car is a different type style than in every other scene.

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Quotes

Milly: Dude, it's like a James Bond car for drunks!

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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 #2.24 (2011)

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Soundtracks

My Superman
Written by Siouxsie Sioux, Steven Severin, John Hill, Diplo (as Thomas Pentz) and Santigold (as Santi White)
Performed by Santigold
Courtesy of Downtown Records

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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