SXSW Film
Daily reviews and interviews
By Memory Harker, Fri., March 18, 2011
Bellflower
Emerging VisionsD: Evan Glodell; with Tyler Dawson, Jessie Wiseman
Writer/director Evan Glodell's first feature-length film is a refreshingly authentic love story that, halfway through, morphs into a hate story fueled by the imagination of Woodrow (played by Glodell), who's long been a fanboy of the apocalyptic fantasy The Road Warrior and has fallen hard for Milly (Jessie Wiseman), whom he meets during a bar's cricket-eating contest. The phrase "mayhem ensues" is an understatement for this violence-riddled amalgam of fire, alcohol, sex, broken hearts, and steadfast bromance, some of which heady mix is presented (particularly in the latter third) in a shattered time sequence that exteriorizes the protagonist's state of mind and matches the faint patchwork qualities of the cinematography. Tyler Dawson, as Woodrow's BFF, shines especially bright in this darkling drama, fully at ease on camera whether holding a flamethrower or a beer.
Thursday, March 17, 9pm, Alamo Lamar A