The rise of technology has had a big impact on the world including the world of film. Digital cameras are now of the quality that it is possible to make your own low-budget movie in HD. Even special effects can now be done on you PC at home and this has resulted in some interesting low-budget movies in recent years. Bellflower has been made with a tiny budget of $17000 and shot on a camera that director/editor/producer/writer and actor Evan Glodell made himself. He made the camera because he wanted a unique look he might not get out of “normal” cameras. It’s an interesting approach, but is the end result worth watching?
If you have seen the trailer for this, with this flame throwing muscle car taking center stage you might think this is a Mad Max type of movie. As you start watching it you realise it isn’t though. Woodrow and Aiden are two friends who are obsessed by Mad Max and want to build a flamethrower and badass muscle car which would scare everyone once the apocalypse takes place and you’d see them driving down the street. It’s something they have been dreaming about for years and slowly try to realise. They live in L.A. and go out regularly. During one of their nights out Woodrow meets a girl he falls in love with and as love stories go there are ups and downs. This love story is the focus of the movie and I thought it was very interesting. The cast might consist of unknown actors, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth watching. As the movie progresses you are caught up in the emotions and once you see the flame throwing muscle car it’s something you want to see more of. It’s a movie that’s not all romance as there is some violence as well, but it fits the story.
The cool car and flamethrower add a lot of cool to this movie, especially knowing that these guys actually made this to appear in the movie. Without them though I still think it is one that is worth watching. Because of the unique camera that was used to make this movie the look is unique as well. There are times you can see the dirt on the lens, but it just adds to the feeling of grittiness this movie has. If Glodell managed to make this movie on such a small budget I can’t wait to see what he will do if he has more available.
Score: 8
Very interesting read, will definitely keep my eye out for this one!
Hope you’ll like it!
I really want to catch this one!! Thanks for the review
Hope you’ll be able to Scott.
Disgustingly excited for this! Glad to hear another positive review!
Nice to hear Pete. Enjoy it!
I’ve heard good things about this flick and it seems to have made quite a few top 10 of 2011. Will definitely check it out when it becomes available for rental.
I haven’t seen it in many top 10 lists myself, but I’m not surprised.
I have heard mixed reviews about this one, but it sounds like something I would probably enjoy. I didn’t realize this was shot on such a small budget either. Thanks for sharing, Nostra!
Yeah, I can imagine it’s not something for everyone, but it was right down my street. Thanks for reading Eric!
I’d not heard anything about this film so really nice to read a review on it, Nostra. I do like films with low budgets (I adored Monsters) so will have to try and check this one out. Doesn’t sound what I normally go for, but I’m very intrigued.
Glad to give it some attention. Personally I didn’t like Monsters as much, although it looked great for the budget it was made on. You should give it a chance, you might end up liking it! 🙂
Great review! Bellflower was definitely one of the more unique films I’ve seen in the last few years – such an interesting concept, plus exceptional visual flair and emotional presence. One of my favorites of 2011.
Thanks CKep! Agree with that emotional presence, it shows how deep feelings can be. Plus it’s one of those movies you can discuss afterwards as not everyone agrees about what was real and what wasn’t.