Directed by Evan Glodell. Starring: Evan Glodell, Tyler Dawson and Jessie Wisemann. Bellflower (2011) IMDB says: “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”.”
Nick: Bellflower is not for everyone. It’s a film made on a budget of $17,000 dollars with not only the special effects made by the cast and crew but the cameras itself. This will either make the film or break the film for you. The film itself begins with flash cuts in reverse of the events to come and the film is broken up into “sections”. It’s hard to really peg down what this film is, but if I had to sum it up, I’d say this film is an art house version of (500) Days of Summer but with flamethrowers, cars that shoot flames, and visions of a post-apocalyptic world. The film is about heartbreak and what one man decides to cope with it. Woodrow (played interestingly by the film’s writer/director/star Evan Glodell) has a goofy best friend, Aiden (played pitch-perfectly by Tyler Dawson). They hang out at local bars and when not drinking or picking up women, they’re building a flamethrower. Why? Because they’re preparing for the apocalypse and the end of the world. They’re convinced things are going to end up like Mad Max and they want to be prepared for their crew, dubbed Mother Medusa, to take control. While at a bar, Woodrow meets Milly (Jessie Wiseman) a blonde who’s past and present is rather mysterious. Their first date is a road trip to Texas. Yeah. Texas. They come back and their love starts to blossom. But like all good things, their relationship comes to an end. But rather than drink his pain away, Woodrow and Aiden decide to buy a car and turn it into the flagship for Mother Medusa. But things go from normal to insane in a matter of minutes. Tensions become violent and the characters lose their minds on the screen for our viewing pleasure. Blood, sex, flames, guns, cars, flames, fights, dubstep, (did I mention flames?) and spectacular visuals invade your mind for the second half of a film that will leave you unsure of how to feel.
The film is fantastic. The entire cast of unknowns is solid and the story itself keeps you intrigued from beginning to end. It doesn’t drag and the soundtrack is almost too perfect. But what really stood out to me was the look and feel of the film. The cameras used were all custom models and the entire film was shot guerilla style. It’s reminiscent of early Robert Rodriguez films and its moral and visual complexities rival that of a Quentin Tarantino film. I was astounded at what was accomplished, cinematically as well as effects-wise, and I cannot wait to see what this filmmaker and his production company can do in the future with a bigger budget. This film is a must see for those that are looking for unconventional and exciting film. The downside? It’s limited release only and most screenings are word of mouth. So if you hear about it, do not hesitate to see this film!
