Cast
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Gabriel Bateman
as Carter
Darby Camp
as Frankie
Kiele Sanchez
as Whitney
Gralen Bryant Banks
as Sam
Will Rothhaar
as Sid
Angus Sampson
as Titus
Jerod Haynes
as Lyle
Jim Gleason
as Capt. Newsome
Brady Permenter
as Brute
Tom Proctor
as Cajun Captain
Jon Arthur
as New Orleans Police Officer
Lacy Camp
as Officer
James W. Evermore
as Hot Dog Vendor
Kirk H. Andersen
as Pedestrian
Chris Angerdina
as Pedestrian
Crew
Director
- Brandon Camp
Writer
- Brandon Camp
- Joe Camp
Producer
- Brandon Camp
- Jason Blum
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Benji 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 Brandon Camp 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 2018, 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 Benji took approximately 9 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 87 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 132 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
- The film contains approximately 1879 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2018, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Benji shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike As Good as It Gets, which focuses more on action than character development, Benji offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Hardcover and The Golden Dog explore similar territory, Benji 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: March 16, 2018
- Runtime: 1h 27m
- Budget: $6,000,000
- Revenue: $585,333
Where to Watch
