Cast
View AllAllison McAtee
as Catherine
Sarah Stouffer
as Jackie
Katherine Ann McGregor
as Lillian
Ray Zupp
as Zach
J. Blakemore
as Wade
Erika Heidewald
as Sandy
Chelsea Rogers
as Rachel
Patrick Mullen
as Phil
Steven Durgarn
as Prof. Hecht
John Dreher
as Tommy
Jim Dougherty
as Prof. Newberry
Ana Liza Platt
as Resident Assistant
Roger Ortman
as Bill Whitten
Nicky Warner
as Laura
Seth Cheek
as Teaching Assistant
Crew
Director
- Fernanda Cardoso
Writer
- Fernanda Cardoso
Producer
- Jason Shumway
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Bloomington 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 Fernanda Cardoso 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 2010, 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 Bloomington took approximately 11 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 83 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 137 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 380 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2010, 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 Bloomington shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Oppressed Majority, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Bloomington subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like O'er the Land and The Death of Empedocles explore similar territory, Bloomington stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: June 23, 2010
- Runtime: 1h 23m