Videos: Is “Bellflower” The American “Mad Max?”

It’s an implausible premise and a reverse twist on the Mad Max scenario…and to the astonishment of many, it has become a hands-down hit on the film festival circuit. Bellflower is not some abstract, artsy festival production, but a gritty exploration of what lies beyond the fringe of lunacy.

In Bellflower, two friends dedicate their time to building flame-throwers and weapons of mass destruction in hopes that an apocalypse will happen, clearing the way for their imaginary gang “Mother Medusa.” With a Mad Max style Buick and plenty of edgy content, Writer/director Evan Glodell goes far beyond usual the Hollywood pablum.

Playing with fire was not without its challenges, though. As the Coatwolf Productions web site describes it, “We have carefully kept it a secret, but after some serious flame-throwing, late night intimidation sessions and some insane stunt driving by Tony Snegoff, the Medusa car exploded. Literally.”

Apparently, a good Samaritan was found to help out. “Rick at Rad Racing Designs, stepped in when all hope was lost and restored faith to mankind. Faith that good does exist. And faith that ultra-bad ass, Mega-loud, chrome covered, scary speed machines rule the earth and their father’s name is Rick Cushman,” the site goes on to say.

Forget Drive Angry, this is the sharp edge of cinematic storytelling. Filmed on a home-made camera and with a $5,000 production budget, the project itself is as daring as the story. The release date for Bellflower is August 5, 2011. You can check out release locations on the movie web site.