Gentlemen Broncos

Gentlemen Broncos is an American comedy film released in 2009, directed by Jared Hess, who had created a unique voice for himself in comedies, evident from his previous work "Napoleon Dynamite". The film features Michael Angarano, Jemaine Clement, and Mike White in leading roles, supported by the likes of Sam Rockwell and Jennifer Coolidge. The story, while bizarre and unconventional, is a captivating exploration of a unique world that lays its foundation on individual creativity, art, and the cutthroat world of authorship.

Michael Angarano portrays the character of Benjamin Purvis, a home-schooled, shy but highly talented teenager with a passion for writing. The setting is suburban Utah where Benjamin lives with his widowed mother, played by Jennifer Coolidge. She sells nightgowns for a living and supports her son's ambitions. Benjamin, who carves out of the ordinary sci-fi stories amidst roller domes and church groups, aspires to become a famous author. His quiet, ordinary life takes a surprising turn after he enrolls in a two-day writing camp hoping to learn from his idol, the legendary science-fiction author Dr. Ronald Chevalier, played exuberantly by Jemaine Clement.

Dr. Chevalier, on the contrary, isn't as successful as he seems. Struggling with his career and facing a severe creative block, he stumbles upon Benjamin's work. What follows is a comical saga as we see how the world of writing can become callous and manipulative. Meanwhile, Benjamin's world turns topsy-turvy as his work becomes part of someone else’s grand scheme.

Sam Rockwell plays Bronco, the archetype within Benjamin's original science fiction story. 'Yeast Lords: The Bronco Years,' maneuvering through an utterly surreal universe filled with snaky spacecrafts, vibrant sets, far-fetched scenarios, and ostensibly bizarre outfits. The film successfully demonstrates the stark contrast between the boundless imagination of a young, innocent author and the lackluster world that engulfs his creativity.

Mike White, who plays Dusty, Benjamin's awkward and innocent friend steals every scene he’s in. His character swings between weird hygiene practices while giving off a vibe that is equally funny and sad. The friendship between Ben and Dusty adds another layer to the film - showcasing the contrast between Benjamin's innocent creative enthusiasm and the harsh realities of the world outside his mind and home.

Hess navigates the storyline through several subplots, each more bizarre and eccentric than the previous one. From a local film producer opportunistically adapting Benjamin's story into a low-budget film, to Dr. Chevalier's desperate attempts to regain his lost fame, 'Gentlemen Broncos' is a buffet of over-the-top eccentricity. The narrative toggles between the real world and the fictional world in Benjamin's story, blending a hint of surrealism with bruising comedy.

The film stands out due to its distinct visual style and a proclivity towards weird and awkward humor. From unusual costume choices to peculiar set designs, 'Gentlemen Broncos' dives deep into the absurdity of the art and maintains a firm grip throughout its run time. Despite its strange, and sometimes, unsettling aesthetics; the movie remains grounded in the themes of friendship, courage, integrity, and the dire need to stay true to one’s artistic vision, especially when that creativity is threatened.

In conclusion, 'Gentlemen Broncos' is a unique blend of science fiction and coming-of-age storytelling; it might be weird, often extravagantly so, but it's this peculiarity that makes the film stand out. The comedic charm paired with dramatic undertones surrounded by an aura of distinct surrealism makes it a roller coaster ride - but one worth taking for enthusiasts of unconventional comedy and cinema.