Who's
In It: John Leguizamo, Mira Sorvino, Bebe Neuwirth, Ben Gazarra, Michael Badalucco,
Jennifer Esposito, Anthony LaPaglia, Adrien Brody Who Directed It: Spike
Lee
In
the summer of 1977, New York City was gripped with fear as serial killer David
Berkowitz (a.k.a. Son of Sam) began a violent, random killing spree. Ironically,
it was that same summer when Spike Lee decided he wanted to be a filmmaker.
Summer
Of Sam is Lee's most ambitious work since Malcolm X (my personal favorite Lee
film). It's also a project unlike any of his previous. The film is a flashy, roller
coaster ride, chronicling the effect that Berkowitz's mayhem had on a group of
young, flawed New Yorkers.
The
film boasts a solid ensemble that includes the strong talents of Mira Sorvino,
Bebe Neuwirth, Ben Gazarra, Michael Badalucco, Jennifer Esposito, Anthony LaPaglia,
and countless others. The most notable performances come from John Leguizamo (in
a career defining role as Vinny--a drug abusing hairdresser who constantly cheats
on his wife) and Adrien Brody as a completely energetic, spike-haired punk who
many suspect is the Son of Sam.
Obviously,
the real star of the movie is Lee. Although the film is flawed (there are some
moments that don't seem to work), it is a vibrant, exhilarating piece of filmmaking
that rarely gives you a moment to breathe. It also captures the feel of the era--bringing
to mind movies like Boogie Nights and Saturday Night Fever.
In
terms of tension, Summer Of Sam doesn't work as a mystery, because the audience
already knows who the killer is. It does, however, work beautifully as a character
study--as so many of Lee's films do. The film builds to a blistering climax, that
recalls one of Lee's earliest and best films, Do The Right Thing.
In
the end, Lee once again demonstrates with great skill and energy why he's one
of our best filmmakers. Summer Of Sam is a breathtaking, provocative film that
is one of the years best.
