Cast
View AllChelsea Jean
as Gwen
Gregory Bastien
as Earl
Denise Boutte
as Mandy
Scott Carson
as Avery
Matt Marraccini
as Jerry
Kandis Fay
as Sondra
Steven Glinn
as Buck
Jeremy Bouvet
as Bloody Bill
Dean N. Arevalo
as Darrel
Tori Gonzales
as Priest
Summer Davis
as Little Zombie Girl
Jaycee Davis
as Little Zombie Boy
Lee McLaughlin
as Zombie Bartender
Eric Steele
as Zombie Patron
Ben Acker
as Zombie
Crew
Director
- Byron Werner
Writer
- Matt Yuan
- John Yuan
Producer
- David Rimawi
- David Michael Latt
- Sherri Strain
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Drama/Horror/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Death Valley: The Revenge of Bloody Bill presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Byron Werner brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2004, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Death Valley: The Revenge of Bloody Bill took approximately 21 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.8 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 82 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 142 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 217 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2004, when this film is released:
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Death Valley: The Revenge of Bloody Bill shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike A Brave New World, which focuses more on action than character development, Death Valley: The Revenge of Bloody Bill subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Night of the Zodiac and Galaxy of Horrors explore similar territory, Death Valley: The Revenge of Bloody Bill stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 26, 2004
- Runtime: 1h 22m
- Budget: $750,000
Where to Watch
