UNITED STATES OF LELAND, THE
Released: January 18, 2003
Kevin Spacey's Trigger Street production house made this interesting film, and Spacey also has a small part. Ryan Gosling stars as a troubled youth who inexplicably stabs a retarded kid. The film received some attacks because the director appears not to pick sides. I prefer it actually - the audience gets to make up their own minds for a change. The film has a great soundtrack plus a great cast, including Don Cheadle, Chris Klein, Jena Malone, Lena Olin, Michelle Williams, Martin Donovan and Sherilyn Fenn. What the film lacks in explaining certain situations or character motives is more than made up for by the great performances of all involved.
108 Minutes
Paramount Classics/Paramount