Hey folks, Harry here with a look at Spike Lee's latest film THE 25TH HOUR which has been getting some very strong word. This simply adds to that, there's also quite a nice Q&A section at the end that took place in London where we hear some of Spike's usually acidic comments... Nice. Here ya go...
Managed to catch a London screening of Spike Lee's latest '25th Hour' last night. Actually had the option of watching Gangs of New York instead but since I'd heard so little about this flick and wanted to know more I plumped for this. I was very pleasantly surprised.
Very Basic Plot Outline: We follow Monty (Ed Norton) on his final day of freedom before serving a 7-year prison sentence for drug dealing/possession. We also meet his friends (Barry Pepper, Philip Seymour Hoffman), girlfriend (Rosario Dawson) who may have betrayed him to the police and father (Brian Cox). I'm not really going to say that much more on the plot.
Thoughts on the flick
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It is quite slowly paced, it does take its time but because of this we do really get to know the characters and develop a connection to them.
As soon as the starting credits kick in the music really hits you and draws you into the film, it is absolutely exceptional. Very orchestral with some Middle Eastern influences in there as well. The score is so good that I overheard Terry Gilliam raving about it to someone in the gents restroom after the screening!
Discussed this with a friend after the screening and it seems that particular scenes in the film are really evocative of other films. In particular: The ending is very much in a similar vein to "Raising Arizona". Don't know if this is because Edward Norton is in both films but there is a certain scene under a bridge that is very Fight Clubesque. Didn't quite agree with my friend on this but there is a certain "mirror" scene that evokes memories of Taxi Driver.
I guess what will become the main talking point of this movie and possibly the source of some controversy will be the aforementioned "mirror" scene in which Edward Norton goes on a 5 minute "fuck you" against pretty much everyone (Bin Laden, Pretty much every racial group,Enron,Homosexuals,....) and ultimately himself. This is possibly the "classic scene" of the movie. I just hope the ending of the scene isn't too subtle to label the film as racist and homophobic. ItÃs just trying to convey what the character is feeling at that point and it works for me.
Edward Norton's performance is pretty much excellent but the true standout in the cast is Barry Pepper, he is truly outstanding as Norton's best friend. I'm really surprised I haven't seen much of him since Saving Private Ryan but I guess starring in Battlefield Earth didn't really help.
After the screening there was a short Q&A with Spike Lee, I'll summarize what I can remember.
The screenplay is by David Benioff adapted from his own novel. It was initially optioned by Tobey Maguire who was set to take on the role filled by Edward Norton until Spiderman beckoned. He still retains a producer credit.
Michael Eisner was pretty much looking for projects that would come good around "Awards" season. This was one of them. Though Spike said that he no longer cares about that since he has been burnt before. He felt that why should something like the Oscars validate his work? It should stand in its own right.
He also commented on the Ocar wins by Halle Berry and Denzel Washington. He'll believe there is a so-called landmark in wins for coloured actors/professionals when its happens on a regular basis.
The film cost 15 million dollars.
The 9/11 backdrop was added because that is what was happening in New York at the time. Spike Lee felt that New York is basically a character in the film.
The cinematography is by the same "Mexican brother" as Spike put it who worked on Amores Perros and 8 Mile, Rodrigo Prieto.
Ana Paquin's role was initially given to another actress who was booted after two weeks. Despite cajoling from the host and the audience Spike wouldn't reveal who this was.
Spike Lee was asked whether it was strange that the film ends with a Springsteen track, to which Spike pretty much said why should it be, he enjoys all kinds of music.
I enjoy celebrity spotting at these kind of events and those that I spotted were Thandie Newton (whoa!), Joseph Fiennes, Terry Gilliam, and Sacha Baron Cohen AKA Ali G.
All in all a very good film, brave in some ways as it mentions to some extent the events of 9/11 rather than ignoring them totally. Hopefully it will get the attention it deserves.
Mr XYZ
