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The Bellwether

The Bellwether (2020)

Aug 20, 2020 1h 11m Horror Drama Science Fiction

To the outside world Joanne is just a book-store owner, but the Conspiracy knows different. She's dangerous. She's a bellwether: a quiet leader who is well on her way to being her whole self. When they kidnap her to break her to make her conform, they discover that Joanne is something so much more than even she ever knew. Joanne is a feminist, one-room, one-character elevated genre thriller. It is a modern rite of passage story which most women have to go through to become a whole human being: How does one be oneself in the face of massive misogyny and hatred (both overt and institutionalized). It is also the world's first one-person film (a movie with only one on-screen character) that features a woman.

Directed by Christopher Morrison

Cast

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Alex Reid
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Alex Reid

as

Crew

Director
  • Christopher Morrison

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Thematic Analysis

This Horror/Drama/Science Fiction film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Bellwether presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.

Director Christopher Morrison 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 The Bellwether took approximately 28 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 71 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 102 minutes long.
  • The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The costume department created over 245 unique costume pieces for the production.

Historical Context

  • In 2020, when this film is released:
  • The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
  • Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: August 20, 2020
  • Runtime: 1h 11m

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