FilmScene Shows “Barb’s Not Dead”

Too Bad They Missed the Oscars

In a bold new attempt to put the I(owa) back in “cinema”, the FilmScenes at the Chauncey and Ped Mall are screening a new Iowan drama film, Barb’s Not Dead.

The film follows an Iowa City native, Herkold Hawks, who enrolls in a philosophy class at Iowa State University taught by Dr. Ihateiowa Massachusetts. On the first day, the professor demands that his students sign a contract which states that Barbara Wilson is dead in order to pass the class, but Herkold, being a good, red-blooded Iowan, refuses, raising his right wing (straight up, not at any angle) and bravely declaring: “Barb’s not dead”.

As always, we at the Doily Allergen are extremely concerned about the moral fiber of good old Iowa City, so we interviewed the director of the Barb’s Not Dead, Ignatius Buttercow, to ask about his film.

DI: Thank you for meeting with us, Mr. Buttercow.

IB: It’s no problem— ope! Dropped the microphone. Sorry ‘bout that.

DI: No problem. We’ve all seen the film—big fans—and we really wanted to ask you about what sort of things you were thinking about when you made the film. What persuaded you to make such a brave step?

IB: Oh, yeah, what we’re seeing nowadays is a huge attack on Iowan values, particularly in places like Ames, but also here as well. Frat houses are shutting down, people are eating less corn, Iowans are afraid to say they’re Iowans, or—worse—are going to Iowa State. It’s a real crisis for our youth, and something we really wanted to address in this film.

DI: Yeah, that 100% comes through. What’s the response been like?

IB: Oh, it’s been amazing. We’re seeing a lot of support from Iowans who needed this to feel heard, people finally finding the courage to come back to Iowa and the university. We do get the occasional message of hate, mostly from the critics saying the film is “poorly made” and “perpetuating the Iowan persecution complex”, but we’re treating them with Barb’s grace, and really including them in our prayers.

DI: Fantastic, fantastic. Now that you’ve really made a breakthrough, how do you perceive the cinematic landscape changing?

IB: Oh yeah, I envision a lot more movies- y’know we’re… we’re really breaking new ground, making the first Iowa-type movie, and I can perceive a lot of sequels, at least like four. Maybe we’ll even take it up to the national level, ha ha. Get Iowans in office.

DI: That’d be wonderful. Thanks for talking with us, Mr. Buttercow.

IB: Oh, it’s nothing, nothing at all… I should get on going.

DI: Yeah, yeah, drive safe. Definitely get home safe.

IB: Yeah… Ope, where’s my coat?

DI: Over there, I think— Do you want leftovers? We actually have some—

IB: No, no, you’re too kind—

DI: Seriously, we insist. There’s enough.

IB: Ough, might as well… You know, reminds me of my cousin Freddy…