Bully is another of writer/director Larry Clark's raw-edged looks at teen angst. Based on a true story that surfaces from underneath the Florida palm trees, Bully doesn't pull its punches. It's an ugly film.  Any hope of redemption seems smothered by the horrible acts committed by numb characters. 
     Clark doesn't waste any time getting down to the nitty-gritty aspects of his films. Before you can say Larry Clark, there are a couple of guys picking up a couple of girls for casual sex. The film depicts the symbiotic relationship between Marty and Bobby, lifelong friends. Bobby habitually abuses Marty is a disheartening variety of ways from physical to mental. When Marty forms a bond with Lisa, he begins to feel the power of revolt fueled by Lisa's own determination. There's an inevitability to Bully. It's bound to end with horrific results.

Just another night out. ©Trimark

      The drama is powerful but never pleasant to watch. Promiscuity is a way of life for these young people. There is so much perverted behavior. Lots of explicit sexual behavior and nudity in the film. It's frightening and disgusting. I guess Clark does not want to make you comfortable. He succeeds unequivocally. These kids are out of touch with reality. They are stoneheads displaying a dubious level of intelligence at best. 
     Amateur night at the dance club is quite a scene. Bully explodes with sudden jolts of violence. 
   Zachary Long's screenplay based on a book by Schutze script jumps ahead far too quickly for my sense of timing. There are virtually no transitions. Mean nasty behavior permeates almost every moment of Bully. The film drags as the kids plan their terrible deed.  Their confusion and hesitation slows things down., sapping some of the dramatic power. The flow seems wrong. The movie seems like it took place in a psychiatric jungle peopled by wild teen animals rather than in a suburban Florida neighborhood. Bully is nothing less than frightening in its portrayal of disaffected aimless teens. 
      Director Clark knows where he's going, but his pacing could have been tighter. It's almost as if the material has been stretched. Surprisingly, there are some ostentatiously annoying cinematic camera moves, particularly out of step with the film's content. One thing for certain: Clark knows how to peal back emotions exposing the flesh beneath a bruised and rotten banana. 
     The youngsters are very good under Clark's guidance. Clark seems to be a master of guiding actors down simple unaffected acting paths.  Nick Stahl is an edgy Bobby Kent. Brad Renfro doesn't always seem quite natural as Marty Puccio, however, I was never sure if it was part of the character or not. Rachel Minor is spaced out as Lisa and Bijou Phillips appears almost used up as Ali. 
     Clark's naturalistic style of shooting often makes for grainy films. Very fine grain, tightly delivered. Good black levels. Very nice depth in the night scenes. Shadow detail is in balance and revealing.  Sharp stable images deliver excellent detail  Skintones are natural. Dolby Digital 5:1 surround sound really rocks. It's punchy and in your face, much like Clark's film. The rap music pounds and punctuates the action.  Some of the dialogue was little difficult to decipher owing likely to the way it was recorded on the set.
    You may need a strong stomach to sit through Bully's uncompromisingly dark view of life. Bully doesn't pretend to be entertaining, but it is controversial and thought provoking.  

Reviewed on a Sharp 9000VX DLP Projector

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