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Bully 2001 |
Review by Jonathan Cornwell |
Directed by Larry Clark
R, 112 min. (strong violence, sexuality, drug use, language) |
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Starring: Brad Renfro, Rachel Miner, Nick Stahl, Bijou Phillips, Michael Pitt, Kelli Garner, Daniel Franzese
Producers: Jordan Gertner, Chris Hanley, David McKenna, Don Murphy, Fernando Sulichin
Screenplay: Zachary Long, Roger Pullis
Cinematography: Steve Gainer
Distributor: Lions Gate Films
Released: 7.13.01 (Limited) |
Rating:
 (out of ) |
Director Larry Clark first burst onto the scene in 1995 when his controversial film, Kids, drew both praise and
criticism for his cruel look at the disenchanted lives of young teenagers in New York City. Now, five years later, his
latest effort, Bully, is drawing similar ire and recognition for its brutal realism surrounding a true story about a group
of teenagers who conspire and then eventually kill a peer because of his brutish ways. The film is also a raw look at teenage
sex, rape, and their shallow relationships that lead to no moral compass to point the way to civilized society. However,
powerful acting performances by the ensemble of lesser known actors makes it a compelling two hours in the theater.
Clark wanted to provide his viewers with an intimate look at these disturbed and lazy kids, most of whom have either dropped
out of school or simply don't care about themselves or others anymore. It's not like they don't have opportunities or even
jobs, as the two main characters do. They are merely content to "hang out", do drugs, have unsafe and unparticular sex,
and more or less do nothing but hang around their homes and contemplate their pathetic, lonely lives. We don't feel sorry
for them, and when they're finally brought to accountability, we're glad.
The irony of this story is that the bully that is disposed of, Bobby (Nick Stahl), despite his insecurities, is making his
way to college soon to make something of himself. His best friend, Marty (Brad Rendfro), has been degraded, insulted, and beaten up numerous times
during their short lives together. Bobby uses Marty as a punching bag for his frustrations, and as a result, once Marty meets
his new girlfriend, Lisa (Rachel Miner), she begins to suggest the possibility of getting rid of Bobby permanently. Soon we
meet other characters who decide to join in the plan, including Lisa's best friend and rape victim of Bobby, Ali (Bijou Phillips),
and their friends, Donny (Michael Pitt), Heather (Kelli Garner), and Derek (Daniel Franzese). Once together, they only need
the inspiration for the killing, which is provided by a young "hitman" (Leo Fitzpatrick).
The scenes of the actual killing are chilling - it's not the glamorous quick shooting death you see in action films, this
murder takes time. He's stabbed, beaten, and thrown into a swamp while still alive. It's difficult to watch. Their "foolproof"
plan is anything but perfect, and after their numerous mistakes, they begin to turn on each other, and then eventually themselves.
Now, it's only a matter of time before the police enter the picture.
Bully was released unrated, although it will be re-cut to receive an R rating for its video release, because of its frequent use of graphic sex, nudity, and
drug use. In fact, many critics are somewhat apalled at Clark's seemingly excessive infatuation with teenage sex. His
frequent shots of girls sitting around naked, or distasteful shots of their crotch are difficult to explain, especially since it
has nothing to do with the story. The film probably would have been on most top ten lists this year had this mistake been
remedied, but as it is, it's a serious flaw in an otherwise riveting picture.
Strong performances, especially from Renfro (Apt Pupil), Stahl (also appearing in the brilliant In the Bedroom), and
newcomer Rachel Miner, take the film to another level. Without them, Bully would have been a lighter fare. Despite
his questionable tastes, Larry Clark deserves credit for tackling a subject with such honesty in a way rarely seen on the
big screen. His ability to frame a shocking story around the passiveness displayed by his characters, makes Bully a worthwhile
character study of what happens when teenagers simply give up on themselves and society as a whole.
© 2001 Jonathan Cornwell
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 |
 | Masterpiece - Film perfection |
 | Excellent - A Must See |
| Good - Highly Recommended |
| Fair - Worth seeing |
| Average - Viewable, but not recommended |
| Below average - View at own risk |
| Poor - Avoid at all costs |
| Very poor - An embarassment to the film industry |
| Zero | Awful - One of the worst films ever made |
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