Cast
View AllKevin Bowe
as Robert
Dean Ricca
as John
Kurt Andrew Hansen
as Andy
Kleev Guessford
as Rick
Sean Abley
as Mike
Scott Alan
as Brian
Shea Scullin
as Chris
Tony Matthews
as Tim
Jeffrey Paul Morgan
as Thomas Chadway
Leif Hanson
as Hustler
Sabrina Hansen
as Sabrina
Ariana Hansen
as Ariana
Yoko Kawada
as Lisa
Joe Smith
as Bear in the living room
Vito Grandolfo
as In Pool (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Vincent Mtzlplck
Producer
- Sean Abley
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, A Bear's Story 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 Vincent Mtzlplck 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 2003, 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 A Bear's Story took approximately 31 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 20 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 48 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 35 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 102 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2003, when this film is released:
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While A Bear's Story shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Where the Bears Are, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, A Bear's Story subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like I Was a Teenage Werebear and A Dirty Shame explore similar territory, A Bear's Story 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: June 21, 2003
- Runtime: 20m
