Robogeek here...
Go see this movie.
I'm tempted to simply end my review there -- but all the posts in "Talk Back" would say "why?" so I guess I'd better tell you.
If you were to ask me to describe this movie, the first word that would come out of my mouth would be "mesmerizing." The second would be "brilliant." "Engrossing" would be third, and "terrifying" probably the fourth.
In fact, I would classify "Summer of Sam" as a horror film -- and a far, far better one than the over-hyped "Blair Witch Project." Comparatively, "Witch" is little more than a curiosity, a trifle. "Summer" is virtuoso cinema.
And while I'm on the subject of comparing films, it's ironic to note the timing of this film's release. I mean, when most readers of this site think of the summer of 1977, they think of "Star Wars" -- especially giventhe current prequel. Well, there were other things going on in the world then, and this film offers an infinitely more satisfying journey than that served up by Lucas' unmitigated exercise in unrealized dramatic potential. "Summer of Sam" offers a _real_ menace, one that is both palpable and truly frightening.
But comparing this film to others really does it a disservice. It is simply hands-down the best film of the summer so far -- though I admit that isn't saying much. Perhaps a more resonant statement would be to say that it's Spike Lee's most accomplished film to date, and one of the best films of the year. (Academy members, you'd better remember it!)
Back to the timing of this film's release, though: Aside from the fact that it may fade from Academy members' memories (dammit), it's perfect. Like all of Spike's films, this one holds up a mirror to our society, forcing us to examine issues that aren't easy or simple, but important and relevant.
The effects of violence are something we, as a culture, are dealing with right now in the wake of Columbine -- though not very well. "Summer of Sam" dramatizes _brilliantly_ the dangers of fear, paranoia, and helplessness that violence incites. And this is what is most terrifying about the film -- not the murderous violence incurred the serial killer, but what it ignites and incites. How rationality can so easily be tossed out the window when we are consumed by fear.
The fact that we, as Americans, are currently thisclose to actually considering censorship rather than addressing our real problems is terrifying. The fact that Spike Lee has been taking static for making this movie is so ridiculously insane it's frightening.
Sure, to be honest, before seeing the film I had some worries. I feared the violence would be too extreme, and the film might be too difficult and painful to watch. And while the film is, at times, terrifying, and the violence difficult to watch, it is _right_. The film is honest, responsible, and courageous. It's also fantastic.
(By the way -- the troubles "Summer of Sam" had with the MPAA ratings board were not with the violence, but with the sex scenes. Which, once you see the film, you'll find ridiculous. But I digress...)
This film transports the audience to the Bronx of 1977, in the middle of a scorching summer. The serial killings of David Berkowitz serve as a backdrop to the drama, a springboard to the narrative. The focus of the film is on an ensemble of characters, their relationships with each other, and how the murders affect them. The characters are vivid, real, and engaging -- perhaps the most fully realized on film so far this year.
What struck me most about the film is how impressive the acting is across the board. Spike Lee gets superlative performances from every single person on screen -- though some may take issue with his arguably distracting inclusion of himself as a TV reporter, who pops up periodically. But that criticism couldn't possibly amount to more than a minor nitpick in the context of such brilliant work from leads John Leguizamo, Mira Sorvino, Adrien Brody, and Jennifer Esposito (who I am _thrilled_ to see on film in a dramatic role after admiring her comedic talents on ABC's "Spin City"). All the supporting players shine as well, and Michael Badalucco (who is perpetually wonderful on ABC's "The Practice") gives a terrifying and chilling turn as Berkowitz.
Don't waste your time and money going to see crap like "Wild Wild West" when there is a film this important and brilliant out there. It is infinitely more worthy of your attention and support, and is the kind of film I wish there were more of. I think you will come away from it amazed -- so much so that you'll go rent some of Spike Lee's earlier films that you've never gotten around to seeing.
I hope that Touchstone gets behind this film and pushes it hard, rather than drop the ball after its opening weekend. This film deserves to find an audience -- and can build one if given a chance. I, for one, look forward to voting with my wallet this weekend and seeing this film a second time -- especially since I suffered through Cinemark-induced incompetence at the sneak. (No THX is bad enough, but no sound and bad framing for the first two minutes is inexcusable. I hate Cinemark. But I digress...)
Go see this movie.
- Robogeek
P.S.: I've been having problems receiving mail at my robogeek@aint-it-cool-news.com address, so if you've sent me mail there in the last week or two, please resend it to my old address at robogeek@hotmail.com. Thanks!
