Cast
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Gorman Ruggiero
as Mac
Lukas Barnett
as Brandon
Avery Kellington
as Corah
Jackie Walker
as Sarah
Brock Beltz
as Young Mac
Ryan Cassidy
as Thomas
Logan Donaldson
as Wyatt
John Carl Jr.
as Cattle Auctioneer
John Rudegeir
as Passerby
Mason Hostetter
as Cowboy Kid at Auction
Carter Geesaman
as Cub Scout
Chase Jennings Gray
as Cub Scout
Logan Koch
as Cub Scout
Drew Martin
as Cub Scout
Max Peña
as Cub Scout
Crew
Director
- Bradley Hawkins
Producer
- Sarah Hawkins
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Calf Rope 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 Bradley Hawkins 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 2020, 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 Calf Rope took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 28 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 48 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- The musical score contains over 30 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2020, when this film is released:
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Calf Rope shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Brothers in Space, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Calf Rope offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Sthorzina and Lost for Words explore similar territory, Calf Rope stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: June 7, 2020
- Runtime: 28m
- Budget: $23,800
Where to Watch
