Cast
View AllWill Krisanda
as X
Tracy Kowalski
as Alex
Faith Bryant
as Susan
Leontine White Foster
as Joyce
Denise Turkan
as Arnie
D'Lo
as Gio
Jessica Hogan
as Frannie
Kymi Kawaii
as Jan
Luka Fisher
as Anne
Ariel Mahler
as Film-within-a-film 'Feminist Director'
Alexa Best
as Film-within-a-film '1st AD'
Delia Rawdon
as Film-within-a-film 'Producer' 1
Lauren Tannenbaum
as Film-within-a-film 'Producer' 2
Crew
Director
- Lyle Kash
Producer
- Ariel Mahler
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Death and Bowling 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 Lyle Kash 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 2021, 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 Death and Bowling took approximately 15 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 63 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 122 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 68 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2021, when this film is released:
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Death and Bowling shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Coming of Age: Vol. 1, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Death and Bowling subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Coming of Age: Vol. 2 and Coming of Age: Vol. 3 explore similar territory, Death and Bowling 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: August 13, 2021
- Runtime: 1h 3m
