Cast
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Evan Rachel Wood
as Daisy
Scott Speedman
as Jay Wheeler
J.K. Simmons
as Dr. Bertleman
Treat Williams
as Jason Wheeler
Kate Burton
as Mrs. Wheeler
Andrea Moore
as Kate Benet
Joe Chrest
as Trooper
David Jensen
as Mr. Phelpmitter
Ann Mahoney
as Rita Walachowski
James DuMont
as Dave Walachowski
Ann McKenzie
as Mrs. Benet
David Dahlgren
as Mr. Benet
Ian Nelson
as Jerry Wheeler
Ashton Leigh
as Young Woman 1
Monika Guiberteau
as Young Woman 2
Crew
Director
- Andrew Fleming
Writer
- Stephen Zotnowski
Producer
- David Scharf
- Lisa Demetree
Reviews
Wuchak
_**Evan Rachel Wood is angelic in this quirky Indie road movie**_
The black sheep loser of an affluent family (Scott Speedman) is forced to mop floors at a mental facility while on probation wherein he meets an angelic patient (Evan Rachel Wood). He takes her to Louisiana to meet his family and misadventures ensue. Treat Williams plays the dad and J.K. Simmons the director of the asylum.
"Barefoot" (2014) is an entertaining enough romcom misadventure and part-road movie. Wood is stunning in an innocent, celestial way, but needs to eat some hamburgers. There’s a Prodigal Son angle and the movie leaves you with a warm feeling despite some debaucheries in the first half.
The film runs 1 hour, 30 minutes, and was shot entirely in Louisiana.
GRADE: B-
Nov 20, 2020
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Barefoot examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Andrew Fleming 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 2014, 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 Barefoot took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $6.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 124 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 185 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The musical score contains over 37 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2014, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Barefoot shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Miz Cracker's Favorite Haunts, which focuses more on action than character development, Barefoot subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like A Walton Thanksgiving Reunion and Dancer in the Dark explore similar territory, Barefoot stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: February 2, 2014
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Budget: $6,000,000
- Revenue: $15,071
Where to Watch
