L.I.E. (Unrated)
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Movie Reviews of L.I.E. (Unrated)
Movie Review: A Quiet Film That Speaks Volumes
Summary: 5 Stars
The first thing that captured me when I inserted the DVD was the music by composer Pierre Foldes that plays at the title screen. It made me hope that L.I.E. would deliver. I dove into the added features first, including the movie's trailer. Upon playing the feature I was a bit leery when I heard the first words by Howie (Paul Dano) at the very beginning. I thought it might be a movie saturated with narration, but it wasn't at all. Let me cut right to the chase: L.I.E. grabbed me and held my attention from start to finish. At some stages I wondered where this disturbingly well- written and acted movie would go. I became uneasy at times as the story developed, but wanted to watch completely before making an opinion. At just a few different moments it was predictable. But director Michael Cuesta still managed to blend everything well. I have yet to watch L.I.E. with the commentaries, but I plan to after submitting this. And I plan to add this movie to my list of essential films. It is an intelligent movie. I empathized with Howie; his character unfolded in some surprising ways. Most of the characters who know Howie have prejudged him without bothering to sincerely want to understand him. And he spends the movie discovering himself, eventually getting help of the most unlikely friend. The filming by DP Romeo Tirone had some nice, but simple visual moments. A very quiet film that spoke volumes.
The DVD showed some evidence of what looks like Macrovision protection lines in some of the dark scenes. You may see them if you choose to make your monitor slightly brighter to view some of the dimly- lit scenes. In addition to the trailer there are deleted scenes, an audio option to listen to the commentary of Cuesta or of actor Brian Cox (Big John), plus an option to watch other trailers of movies from New Yorker Video, which has been in existence since 1965. They have added some info about the company that you can read by going past the additional trailers area.
***Spoilers revealing the movie's unfolding theme, but essential reading for those who are sensitive on topics about youths*** There are suggestive themes of homosexuality and child molestation, which was why the movie was blackballed with an NC-17 rating (preventing its widespread theatrical release). If you decide to view and watch more than half the movie, I urge you to view the rest. I don't want to give away too much.... Let's just say that L.I.E. really pushed the emotional envelope on some taboo subjects but didn't go overboard, IMO. It's hard to describe how I like the film, but it's a must- see. No gratuitous violence, pyrotechnics, or special effects.
Movie Review: A movie you won't soon forget
Summary: 5 Stars
Big John is a retired marine homosexual pedophile whose Long Island doorbell plays "From the Halls of Montezuma..." when rung. He is a guy who has lived a James Bond kind of life who likes to... Well, I can't say, but it should be obvious what he likes to do.
Howie is a 15-year-old boy who has lost his beloved mother and has a father who is too busy for him and hasn't a clue about what is going on in his son's life. Howie and his friends are into breaking into the mini-mansions on Long Island for fun and profit. One night they break into the cellar of Big John's house and steal his prized set of handguns. Big John goes looking for the perps and what he finds is true paternal love.
What makes this an outstanding movie is director Michael Cuesta's relentless and uncompromisingly realistic treatment of what is essentially a taboo coming of age story. I can tell you that if the theme appeals to you, you will be completely captivated by this movie. And even if such a tale is not your cup of tea, you might want to see this anyway because it is so very, very well done without a hint of contrivance or pandering. It is beautifully acted (Paul Dano playing Howie is outstanding, as is Brian Cox as Big John) and beautifully directed and cut. The script by Stephen M. Ryder, Michael Cuesta and Gerald Cuesta is replete with precise and totally authentic dialogue. The characters are nuanced and faithfully realized. The theme of love over predatory sexuality is convincing and worthy. Furthermore, the sexuality depicted is just vivid enough to make sure we understand what is going on without resorting to anything graphic.
(I saw the R-rated version, but I think it is the same as this one, which Amazon says is unrated. I understand there is an NC-17, but I don't think it matters. For those who are going to be offended, I think a PG-13 version of this movie--were it possible--would offend them.)
I think the resolution of the film, both in terms of what happens to Big John and to Howie was exactly right, but some may find it a little too neat. Certainly the ending as done does not leave any ambiguities lying around, although I suspect there is a scene where Howie's dad accuses him of stealing his hundred dollar bills somewhere on the cutting room floor, and really that's okay, since it wasn't needed. Or maybe I missed it.
Bottom line: something close to a small masterpiece: the kind of movie that tells us some truths about life that cannot be expressed in so many words--in other words, a work of art.
Movie Review: Fathers and Sons in the Nuclear Family Meltdown
Summary: 5 Stars
L.I.E. is one of a growing number of 1990s and post-90s films that deal with the subject of the chosen (and erotically charged) father-son relationship. Others include Our Lady of the Assassins, Wonder Boys, The Apt Pupil, and Gods and Monsters. The movie is full of beautiful mournful music and the ubiquitous zooming sounds of vehicles speeding along the Long Island Expressway. It is a superb coming-of-age story, worthy to be mentioned with Stand by Me or Y Tu Mama Tambien, but it's bolder than both of them...Bolder because it deals with the taboo of physical intimacy between men and adolescent boys. Where most movies depict pederasts as monstrous villains and one-dimensional predators, Brian Cox's John Harrigan is a nuanced character we both like and despise. In fact, given how 15-year-old Howie Blitzer's blood father Martin ignores him, focusing instead on his job, his legal troubles, and his rebound girlfriend (and blackens his son's eye in one impulsively violent scene), we're not even certain if John wouldn't be a better male presence in Howie's life than Martin!
The movie shows a band of male teenagers (Howie's hangout buddies) who seem true to life, and therefore prone to popping boners unexpectedly, bawdy and inane conversation, roughhousing, and nonchalant homoeroticism. This particular teen wolfpack is more transgressive than most, adding prostitution, burglary, and incest to the mix. Yes, L.I.E. won't be for everyone. It doesn't flinch at marginal sexuality, and mentions unmentionable subjects.
One last comment: Paul Franklin Dano's performance as Howie is phenomenal, some of the best teen acting I've seen. I hope this gifted actor has a huge career, not necessarily in blockbusters but in small, subtle, and intelligent films like L.I.E. The scene in which Dano's Howie recites a piece of Whitman's "Out of the Cradle Endlessly Rocking," turning the tables on his would-be seducer, is stunning. It's with a shudder that we realize it's a poem about lost innocence. Congrats in fact to everyone involved in this picture.
Movie Review: L.I.E. : Conscience, Choices and Consequences
Summary: 5 Stars
On the Long Island Expressway, there are lanes going east, lanes going west, and lanes going straight to hell. I cannot overly emphasize this point: If this film does not grip your heart in some manner, you are unmovable. This masterpiece is about a young adolescent trying to find his manhood in the wake of his mothers death in a car accident on the L.I.E.. (Long Island Expressway). His neglectful father is arrested by the FBI and placed in a federal prison, leaving the boy alone, and trying to find his way against insurmountable odds. He is coming to terms with his identity, sexual and otherwise. His best friend whom he doesn't know is gay, has been involved in a lurid trap with a local child predator, while also prostituting himself for money. Another friend is having sex with his own sister, while another is game for anything, and all are in trouble with the law. Howie is played by Paul Franklin Dano, who does an outstanding job portraying his character. An award-winning debut performance. Howie's only person to turn to, becomes the predator who now has his eyes on him for his own pleasure. Howie seeks in this man, the positive role model he lacks, while at the same time trying to explore his sexual feelings. The ball is in the court of the predator, who must chose whether to sexually abuse him, or become his mentor and show him a way out. This is an eye opening film that should speak to all of us about troubled teens and the challenges some of them face. This movie is not about the obvious subjects: sex, death, predators, gay, etc... There are no sex scenes, and everything is handled in pretty good taste. It is more to the point about conscience, choices and consequences. Which lane are you traveling in? I highly recommend this film to anyone! One tip: Buy it on DVD, NOT VHS as the VHS quality (at least on the copy I own) is very poor. My only negative to point out, is the snake scene I could have lived without!Movie Review: Complex And Daring
Summary: 5 Stars
"L.I.E." is one of the most underrated movie in 2001. Its complex and daring storyline has a lot of depth that forces the audience to think clearly about the scenes and what's truly happening. The plot was written brilliantly. Its combination of two different stories connect as one beautifully: a boy, Howie, struggling with many demons in his life and a pedophile, "Big John", in action. Its graphic nature deserves the producers tremendous respect for exploring what few others have dared. The eyeopening scenes begin as Howie walk along the Long Island Expressway ledge. Many twists and turns occur, keeping the audience interested, especially Howie's yearning for a deeper relationship with his male best friend and his struggles against his newly widowed father's neglect. After Howie and his best friend burglarize "Big John's" house, the film's complexity builds up to the end, and lots of irony from the first half is discovered.Paul Dano makes a triumphant acting debut as Howie. He pours every drop of heart and soul through his character. Such quality proves that he will become a big-name celebrity in the near future. Brian Cox plays "Big John" brilliantly. Despite many not liking the character, he plays one of the best pedophiles in independant film history. All other actors, major or minor, also play their roles wonderfully. Dano and Cox are to be most noted for their highly daring movie roles, deserving tremendous respect as actors.
"L.I.E." is a great film for those looking for something unique. This is an unforgettable experience. Those interested in watching this film should watch the unrated or the NC-17 rated version. The R-rated eliminates some important details, though still excellent. Most must watch this more than once to further understand the events. All will be glad they did.