Plastic Utopia Explained

Plastic Utopia
Director:	David Zellner
Producer:	David Zellner Nathan Zellner
Runtime:	98 minutes
Country:	United States
Language:	English

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]}

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

Actor/Actress^[5]	Role
	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
	Jogger Joe
Kerri Lause	Ruth
Alan Hines	Buster Tuffstuff
Tracy Simpson	Betsy
Stephanie Wilson	The Beast

Production

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

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]}

Notes and References

1. Web site: David Zellner. Internet Movie Database. March 1, 2023.
2. Web site: Nathan Zellner. Internet Movie Database. March 1, 2023.
3. Web site: Nathan and David and 'Goliath': After years of making shorts, the Zellner Brothers go big. Rosenblatt. Josh. March 7, 2008. Austin Chronicle. March 1, 2023. The brothers released their first feature, Plastic Utopia, in 1997, followed by 2001's Frontier.
4. Web site: Plastic Utopia. Letterboxd. March 1, 2023.
5. Web site: Plastic Utopia. Internet Movie Database. Internet Movie Database. March 1, 2023.
6. Web site: Living in a Plastic Utopia. Bertrand. Merle. April 9, 2023. 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. Web site: Plastic Utopia. Bertrand. Merle. Film Threat. March 1, 2023.
8. Web site: Plastic Utopia: Awards. Internet Movie Database. March 1, 2023.
9. Web site: Austin Film Festival - 1997. Internet Movie Database. March 1, 2023.