Bellflower and Letting Go of Angst: A Movie Review

Director/writer: Evan Glodell.

Bellflower is one of those films that are hard to describe. Surreal in some parts, meandering in others, this is a film that looks at heartbreak from a masculine perspective and the results are not always pretty. This film was well received at Sundance 2011 and Evan Glodell's first film as director is a little Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, a little bit of Apocalypse Now and even a bit of 1981's The Road Warrior.

Two friends, Woodrow (Evan Glodell) and Aiden (Tyler Dawson), have moved from Wisconsin to Los Angeles for their love of film. They truly adore Mad Max: The Road Warrior as Aiden quotes lines from Lord Humungus. So, they build a flamethrower and a car to prepare for a never coming apocalypse. Meanwhile Woodrow falls for Milly (Jessie Wiseman). Their multi-day trip to Texas and back is full of adventure and romance. But this is not a fairy tale and soon jealousy, infidelity and angst rear their ugly heads. This leaves Woodrow wanting vengeance. He finds the nobler forgiveness instead.

One of the drawbacks of this film is the meandering of the film's central plotline. Glodell has found some great material here, from his own heartbreak; however, the film swerves back and forth like a drunk on the road. If viewers are patient, then they will find something unique and insightful here. As the saying goes: "it's not the destination but the journey that matters." This journey has a few speed bumps along the way.

And that journey involves Woodrow and Aiden searching for a masculine identity that involves booze filled benders, fist fights and muscle cars. The drinking in this film is something that would make Hunter S. Thompson proud. As well, Aiden's unravelling is reminiscent of Martin Sheen's portrayal of Cpt. Willard during his self-destruction in a Hanoi Hilton apartment building. You just do not know how native Aiden is going to get while he picks up the pieces of his heart. As well, there is this tone of angst in the film as Woodrow looks to unleash his pain on someone or something. All the roads of anger just lead to more pain. Thankfully, the protagonist finds a way to let go.

Bellflower recently released on DVD (Nov. 15th) and this film is definitely recommended. The message of heartbreak is almost universal, after all. Just do not be fooled by some of the promotional material surrounding this film. This is not really an action film, but more of a darkly themed romance.

Overall: 8 out of 10 (this film grows on you and keeps you thinking well after the credits have rolled).

The film on Facebook:

Bellflower's Fan Page

A second review of this title at The Village Voice (Alicia Couvering):

Bellflower's Fan Page



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Posted in: 2011,2011 release,apocalypse,blu-ray,dvd,dvd artwork,los angeles,love,movie review,romance