Plastic Utopia is a 1997 independent comedy written by David Zellner and Nathan Zellner. It was directed by David Zellner. It was the first feature film made by the Zellner Brothers.[1][2][3]

Plastic Utopia
Directed byDavid Zellner
Written byDavid Zellner
Nathan Zellner
Produced byDavid Zellner
Nathan Zellner
Release date
  • October 4, 1997 (1997-10-04) (Austin)
Running time
98 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

The film tells the story of an embittered mime, James (David Zellner), who decides to turn to crime along with his roommate, Frank (Nathan Zellner).[4]

Cast

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Actor/Actress[5] Role
David Zellner James
Nathan Zellner Frank
Lana Dieterich Elise
Rebecca Brogden Sofia
Buddy Bruce Boyles Golden White Boy
Bryan Christner Nick
James Cochran Old Man Calahan
Rob Faubion Russell
Pat Garvey Horseshoe Emcee
John Lennon Harrison Grand Master Ted
Don House Mime Enthusiast
Justin Lincoln Corduroy Boy
Wiley Wiggins Jogger Joe
Kerri Lause Ruth
Alan Hines Buster Tuffstuff
Tracy Simpson Betsy
Stephanie Wilson The Beast

Production

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After David Zellner graduated from the University of Texas film program, he and his brother Frank began making shorts in their hometown of Austin, Texas. They shot Plastic Utopia, their first feature, in about 25 days.[6]

Reception

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Merle Bertrand of Film Threat wrote of the film: "Loaded with brilliant art design, hysterically demented sight gags, and 'Ick! Why did I laugh at that?' dialogue, 'Plastic Utopia' is an evil gem waiting to be discovered."[7]

At the 1997 Austin Film Festival, it was a nominee for Best Feature Film, losing to Robert Bella's Colin Fitz Lives!.[8][9]

References

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  1. ^ "David Zellner". Internet Movie Database. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
  2. ^ "Nathan Zellner". Internet Movie Database. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
  3. ^ Rosenblatt, Josh (March 7, 2008). "Nathan and David and 'Goliath': After years of making shorts, the Zellner Brothers go big". Austin Chronicle. Retrieved March 1, 2023. The brothers released their first feature, Plastic Utopia, in 1997, followed by 2001's Frontier
  4. ^ "Plastic Utopia". Letterboxd. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
  5. ^ "Plastic Utopia". Internet Movie Database. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
  6. ^ Bertrand, Merle (April 9, 2023). "Living in a Plastic Utopia". Retrieved March 1, 2023. Shot over the course of about a month – ("I'm kind of embarrassed, but I don't remember the exact number of days. Around 25," David admits sheepishly.)
  7. ^ Bertrand, Merle (11 April 2001). "Plastic Utopia". Film Threat. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
  8. ^ "Plastic Utopia: Awards". Internet Movie Database. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
  9. ^ "Austin Film Festival - 1997". Internet Movie Database. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
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