Elizabeth Banks Claims Cocaine Bear Is A Metaphor For Overcoming Obstacles

Elizabeth Banks has come a long way since being a supporting player in the Sam Raimi "Spider-Man" movies, and she has starred in several well-crafted motion pictures over the years that have been dubbed Certified Fresh by Rotten Tomatoes. She has also made a name for herself in the director's chair, helming several intriguing projects, including the feature film "Cocaine Bear," which the gifted filmmaker claims have a deeper meaning than the title suggests.

While the titular animal, whose real-life counterpart can be found at a mall in Kentucky, is the true star of the entire affair, several other big names are also on the roster, such as Keri Russell, Alden Ehrenreich, Margo Martindale, and Ray Liotta in his final film role. It's arguably already pretty hard to fathom that there is a full-length flick with considerable star power and a story about a forest-dwelling animal that goes on a murderous rampage after consuming cocaine. But when one finds out that the wild premise is actually based on true events, it's quite understandable if people register this one as a need to see it to believe its situation. So far, every glimpse of this fascinating feature has caused quite a stir, with many making their voices heard on how they felt about the provocative poster and the over-the-top trailer (via YouTube).

On the surface, "Cocaine Bear" may look like it's all fun and games, but according to Banks, who serves as director and producer, there is an uplifting message to be gained from watching the antics of a drugged-up bear in the woods.

Elizabeth Banks set out to make an entertaining experience for moviegoers when she decided to make the film, but she also believes there is more to the movie than just an overly aggressive scary bear. According to the director, her projects have a common theme on some level that revolves around the idea that adversity comes in many forms and sometimes the hardships that people have to overcome can be comprised of various factors, including animals and drugs. "All of my films so far, mostly, are about underdogs, and no matter who you are, if you meet a bear who is high on cocaine, you are the underdog in that situation," she told The Hollywood Reporter. "And that presents an opportunity just for a lot of comedy and delight."

No matter the story, Banks seems pretty invested in whatever ordeal she has lent her talents. When discussing her efforts directing "Charlie's Angels," she wasn't shy about commenting on her commitment to the project and the cast. "I can't deny I had a lot of control over making that movie," Banks said in an interview. "It took like five years until we made it ... And at that point, I was very invested. And I loved my actors."

A crazy concept would require a determined individual with enough cinematic resolve to make it a worthwhile affair for viewers, and it seems Banks was a dependable choice. Given the fanfare and buzz surrounding the movie and the talented players involved, it appears that many people are motivated to see the legend of "Cocaine Bear" brought to life on the big screen.