The Bigfoot Election

In the quirky small-town American comedy, The Bigfoot Election, director Ryan Turri weaves an engaging story that satirizes the world of politics and explores local folklore. This 2011 movie features performances by Marc Shuter, Matthew David Peterson, Randall Oliver, and a supporting ensemble cast that helps bring this hilarious story to life.

The basis for The Bigfoot Election is the endearing and covert wilderness of Delaney, a fictional town where life is simple, and everyone knows each other. The primary character, the town's underqualified and subdued Animal Control officer, Chuck, is played by Marc Shuter. Chuck's prevailing tedious life takes an unexpected turn when he stumbles upon what he believes to be Bigfoot's footprints. While this might be brushed off as a mere oddity in a larger town, in Delaney, it sets the rumor mill ablaze, and it's all anyone can talk about. The strange find forces Chuck out of his comfort zone and plunges him into the center of the town's attention.

Matthew David Peterson plays the role of Carl, the conniving mayor of Delaney who is more interested in advancing his political career than genuinely serving the people. The plot thickens when Mayor Carl learns about Bigfoot's footprints. Seeing an opportunity in the town's newfound obsession, the mayor artfully uses it to distract from the upcoming local city council election and increase his odds of successive terms.

All this buzz about Bigfoot awakens the interest of local conspiracy theorist, Fred, uniquely brought to life by Randall Oliver. Fred is a persistent character who relishes any chance to dig into the unexplained mysteries of his quiet town. His obsession with cryptids and conspiracies are considered ridiculous by many townsfolk, but the recent 'Bigfoot sighting' seems to be the proof he's been keenly looking for.

As the story unfolds, the contrasting motives of these characters begin to collide. Chuck, who is initially overwhelmed by the attention, starts to relish his role as the town's unexpected hero. Carl is doing everything in his power to use the Bigfoot hysteria to his advantage, while Fred is consumed with proving Bigfoot's existence. The narrative cleverly spins this bizarre situation into a heightened drama that engulfs the entire town, all leading up to the local city council election.

One of the most appealing aspects of The Bigfoot Election is how it blends humor with subtle critique of political manipulation. The movie displays how media, fear, and the promise of spectacle can be used as instruments of distraction from real issues. Furthermore, it's a respectful nod to small-town dynamics, showing the depth of personal interactions and the speed with which news, especially of the bizarre kind, can travel.

The performances of the leading trio – Shuter, Peterson, and Oliver – are commendable. Shuter's portrayal of Chuck is both endearing and humorous, a reluctant hero who is visited by an extraordinary adventure. Peterson's depiction of Mayor Carl is enjoyable as he wears the smugness and cunning of small-town politics on his sleeve. Oliver as Fred is absolutely delightful, providing comic relief and progressing the plot with his boundless enthusiasm.

The naturalistic dialogue, combined with picturesque settings and relatable characters, make The Bigfoot Election a delightful comic jaunt. The film uniquely captures the spirit of rural America, and the sets and props only add to the authenticity.

At its core, The Bigfoot Election is a satirical look at how rumors and urban myths can take over community sentiment and be manipulated by those seeking a personal or political agenda. With its unique blend of comedy, eccentric Americana, and local folklore, this film aims to please audiences who value humor, light-heartedness, and a commentary on human behavior. The Bigfoot Election offers an enjoyable excursion into a world of political satire and whimsical conspiracy theories, where unexpected occurrences can lead to laughter, learning, and an exercise of community spirit.