7.0
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Billy Bates
2013·Movie
·1h 20min·
Billy Bates fingerprint
Big heart, funny.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension6
- Fast Pace5
- Violence5
Heart
Moving and romantic
Much of it is about growing up.
- Pathos8
- Coming of Age8
- Romance7
Humor
Plenty of dark humor and absurdist humor
- Dark Humor8
- Absurdist Humor7
- Cringe Humor6
World
Everyday modern life, a real life story, and show business
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Novelty7
Craft
Standout performances, storytelling, and characters
- Acting8
- Narrative Structure8
- Character Depth8
Style
Standout visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
- Visual Stylization8
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Billy Bates is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence5Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline4High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Grotesque6Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
HighMoving and romantic
Much of it is about growing up.
Emotionally, it's moving, romantic, and melancholic. Much of it is about growing up.
All heart traits
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Coming of Age8Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Romance7Love stories and emotional connections.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder6Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
HighPlenty of dark humor and absurdist humor
Expect plenty of dark humor and absurdist humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor8Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Absurdist Humor7Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Cringe Humor6Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody4Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Physical Comedy3Slapstick and visual gags.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
Related traits
- Eccentricity9Oddball tone and quirks.
- Camp & Irony5Stylized exaggeration and wink.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, a real life story, and show business
Its world is built around everyday modern life, a real life story, and show business.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism10Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Biographical10Lives of notable figures.
- Showbiz10Entertainment industry and performance.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Surrealism8Dreamlike, bizarre imagery.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout performances, storytelling, and characters
The performances, storytelling, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative7Time-shifts and structure play.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Meta Narrative2Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
HighStandout visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the visual style stand out.
All style traits
- Visual Stylization8Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality5Songs central to storytelling.
Related traits
- Psychedelic7Mind-bending, trippy visuals.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Grotesque6Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Camp & Irony5Stylized exaggeration and wink.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
On the one hand, Billy's reality is a kaleidoscope of artistic beauty and on the other, an extremely troubled existence. As Billy floats the tightrope between brilliance and madness, he seeks solace in overcoming his personal inner-demons. Billy's hyper -sensitive mind and colorful soul are haunted by the abandonment of his nurturing mother and also by the abuse from his monstrous and envious father. Billy, intellectual and poetic, eventually meets Kaia, a beautiful singer who seems to understand exactly who Billy is. The layers of Billy’s psyche are explored through an extensive interview done in documentary fashion infused with the dark and provocative images from Billy's past and present. Through fragmented memories of underground parties, inside the insane asylum, and his rise to become a famous contemporary artist, Billy takes us on a love story quest and journey to transcendence, all with the looming question: How important is it to know what is 'real?'
Troubled ArtistPsychological ExplorationDocumentary StyleFragmented MemoriesDark & ProvocativeMental HealthAddiction & AbuseContemporary Art
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
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Questions about Billy Bates
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Billy Bates worth watching?
70
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 70/100 (IMDb 7 and Metacritic 30). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Billy Bates rated?
Disturbing imageryDrug use
Content advisories: disturbing imagery and drug use.
How long is Billy Bates?
1 h 20 min
Billy Bates runs 1 h 20 min.
Is Billy Bates based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
Do critics and audiences agree on Billy Bates?
Critics30
Audiences70
Not quite. Audiences rate Billy Bates higher (70) than critics (30). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
What language is Billy Bates in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.