Review of Bully (2001) by Stuart K — 10 Mar 2013

Directed by Larry Clark (Kids (1995), Another Day In Paradise (1999) and Ken Park (2002)), this is based on a true life murder case, which was made into the book Bully: A True Story of High School Revenge by Jim Schutze, which became the basis for this film.

It's an uncomfortable watch, but it would help if you understood Clark's style of directing, showing the dark side of growing up, but it does make for a compelling film. In Southern Florida, a group of teenagers, Ali Willis (Bijou Phillips), Lisa Connelly (Rachel Miner), Heather Swallers (Kelli Garner), Marty Puccio (Brad Renfro) and Donny Semenec (Michael Pitt), who become acquainted with Bobby Kent (Nick Stahl), who proves to be a misogynistic, controlling bully.

Whose idea of sex is out-and-out rape, which he does to Lisa, and makes her pregnant. Ali receives a similar treatment from Bobby, who forces her to watch gay pornography. They've all had enough of his behaviour, and they come up with a drastic plan to put a stop to it, but it's a decision that would affect all of their lives forever.

The film is an arty version of films like I Spit On Your Grave (1979), and there is something very exploitative about it that does betray it's realistic roots. But, the young cast all give good performances, but it would be nice to see Clark do something a little light hearted in future.