Bully (2001 film)
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Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Larry Clark |
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| Based on | Bully by Jim Schutze |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Steve Gainer |
| Edited by | Andrew Hafitz |
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| Distributed by | Lionsgate Films |
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Running time | 114 minutes |
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| Language | English |
| Budget | $2.1 million |
| Box office | $1.4 million |
Bully is a 2001 crime drama film directed by Larry Clark, and starring Brad Renfro, Bijou Phillips, Rachel Miner, Michael Pitt, Leo Fitzpatrick, Daniel Franzese, Kelli Garner, and Nick Stahl. Its plot follows a group of teenagers in South Florida who enact a murder plot against their mutual bully who has emotionally, physically, and sexually abused them for years.
The film is based on the murder of Bobby Kent, and its screenplay was adapted by David McKenna (under the pseudonym Zachary Long) and Roger Pullis from the book Bully: A True Story of High School Revenge by Jim Schutze. Filming took place in southern Florida in the summer of 2000.
Bully was given a limited release in the United States on July 13, 2001 by Lionsgate Films. The film received mixed reviews from critics, with some deriding it as an exploitation film for its graphic depiction of teen sexuality, though many praised it for its straightforward portrayal of youth crime and murder. It was nominated for the Golden Lion award at the 58th Venice International Film Festival, and both Miner and director Clark received awards at the Stockholm Film Festival.