L.I.E. (2001)

User Rating:

7.2/10   

Director:

Michael Cuesta

Writers:

Stephen M. Ryder (written by)
Michael Cuesta (written by)

Release Date:

29 November 2002 (UK)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

On the Long Island Expressway there are lanes going east, lanes going west, and lanes going straight to hell.

Plot:

A 15-year-old Long Island boy loses everything and everyone he knows, soon becoming involved in a relationship with a much older man.

Plot Keywords:

Teen | Birthday Party | Ephebophile | Intergenerational Friendship | Jealousy

Awards:

20 wins & 15 nominations

Cast

Paul Dano	...	Howie Blitzer (as Paul Franklin Dano)
Bruce Altman	...	Marty Blitzer
Billy Kay	...	Gary
James Costa	...	Kevin Cole
Tony Michael Donnelly	...	Brian (as Tony Donnelly)
Michelle Carano	...	Newscaster
Tatiana Burgos	...	Marty's Girlfriend
Brian Cox	...	Big John Harrigan
B. Constance Barry	...	Anne Harrigan
Walter Masterson	...	Scott
Brad Silnutzer	...	Henry
Bob Gerardi	...	Clifford
Adam LeFevre	...	Elliot
Frank Rivers	...	Man with Pizza (as Frank G. Rivers)
Anthony F. Peragine	...	Tough Kid #1

Also Known As:

Long Island Expressway (USA) (alternative spelling)

MPAA:

Rated R for strong sexual content involving teens, language and brief violence. (video version)

Runtime:

97 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Canada:18A | France:-16 | Germany:12 | Mexico:C | Portugal:M/12 | Switzerland:16 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:16 (canton of Vaud) | Switzerland:16 (canton of the Grisons) | UK:18 | USA:NC-17 (original rating) | USA:Open (rating surrendered) (2002) | USA:R (video rating) (2002) (cut)

Filming Locations:

20 Swarthmore lane, Dix Hills, Long Island, New York, USA

Company:

Alter Ego Entertainment

Trivia:

Brian Cox took the part of Big John Harrigan against the advice of most of his colleagues and his agent.

Goofs:

Continuity: When Marty parks his car to confront Howie and Gary in the parking lot, he obviously parks it in a vacant lot (no other cars are around). However, when he returns to his car a few moments later, several cars have now appeared in the parking lot although there hasn't been time for them to arrive and park.

Quotes:

Gary: I don't like that kid. He smiles too much.

Movie Connections:

Featured in "John Waters Presents Movies That Will Corrupt You: L.I.E. (#1.2)" (????)

Soundtrack:

Lascia ch'io Pianga

Thought-provoking, unsettling and at times downright disturbing ...

Thought-provoking, unsettling and at times downright disturbing, this is nevertheless a brilliant movie. An excellent script is given justice by some tight direction and marvellous performances, particularly by Brian Cox (Manhunter, The Ring) in a career-best performance.

It may not be sunny and happy, but it's a powerful piece of film-making. I could go on and on about it - but that's what message boards are for.

9/10