- Actors: Brian Cox, Paul Dano, Bruce Altman, Billy Kay, James Costa
- Directors: Michael Cuesta
- Writers: Michael Cuesta, Gerald Cuesta, Stephen M. Ryder
- Producers: Michael Cuesta, Jose Gilberto Molinari-Rosaly, Linda Moran, Rene Bastian
- Format: Colour, DVD-Video, NTSC
- Language English
- Region: Region 1 (US and Canada DVD formats.)
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9 - 1.85:1
- Number of discs: 1
- Classification: R (Restricted) (US MPAA rating. See details.)
- Studio: New Yorker Video
- DVD Release Date: 4 Jun 2002
- Run Time: 97 minutes
- Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
- ASIN: B000065AZY
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 139,696 in Film & TV (See Top 100 in Film & TV)
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Reviews
Amazon.co.uk Review
L.I.E. features quietly electrifying performances from newcomer Paul Franklin Dano and criminally underrated veteran Brian Cox (best known on the big screen as the original Hannibal Lecter in Manhunter), as a neglected teenager and his paedophile acquaintance respectively.
Fifteen-year-old Howie derives no support from the inept parenting of his widower father and instead seeks solace and companionship firstly with a group of delinquent burglar friends and subsequently with the former marine Big John, whose complex makeup--part father-figure, part Fagin, part Svengali, part abuser--leads Howie into an ambivalent relationship in which there are no easy answers or straightforward notions of right and wrong. The premise of the movie is thrown into sharp relief by the cosy New Jersey setting, all neatly-manicured lawns and cool interiors. Indeed, the most striking images in the film are the burglary scenes, in which Howie's furtive, awkward presence in the sterile blandness of his victims' uncluttered homes forms a double-edged metaphor for both the security and the anodyne mediocrity of the society from which he feels so alienated. --Roger Thomas
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Originally I was drawn to the DVD by its title, 'L.I.E.' While director Michael Cuesta uses the Long Island Expressway as a metaphor, 'L.I.E.' also symbolises the way in which everyday people hide the truth from those closest to them, and the lies we deceive ourselves with. Without beating the viewer over the head with morality, Cuesta aims his cameras unflinchingly at the characters, never shying away from truth or brutal reality.
Howie is a sensitive fifteen year old, prone to poetry and schoolboy crushes, like the one he has on his friend Gary, a morally bankrupt male prostitute. Because of his unrequited feelings, Howie is drawn into a life of petty crime, anything to be near Gary. When a particular burglary turns sour and Howie is eventually tracked down by the homes owner; a pedophile played with excellent depth by Brian Cox, the film begins its downward spiral into emotional territory rarely experienced on film. With brilliant clarity, Michael Cuesta has filmed one of the most richly told tales I've ever had the pleasure to view.
Not for the squeamish, if sexuality is a trigger for you, 'L.I.E.' is brutally honest filmmaking at its best. Highly recommended...
Howie is a sensitive fifteen year old, prone to poetry and schoolboy crushes, like the one he has on his friend Gary, a morally bankrupt male prostitute. Because of his unrequited feelings, Howie is drawn into a life of petty crime, anything to be near Gary. When a particular burglary turns sour and Howie is eventually tracked down by the homes owner; a pedophile played with excellent depth by Brian Cox, the film begins its downward spiral into emotional territory rarely experienced on film. With brilliant clarity, Michael Cuesta has filmed one of the most richly told tales I've ever had the pleasure to view.
Not for the squeamish, if sexuality is a trigger for you, 'L.I.E.' is brutally honest filmmaking at its best. Highly recommended...
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This must strike a chord with any gay man who remembers what it was like growing up in a hostile world, or indeed anyone who lacked the love of a father. Very touching film and tastefully portrayed for a sensitive subject. The character played by Cox is not demonised as one might expect from a cliched movie, but shows both sides of a human being. We can empathise with the older man despite his obvious failings. The film is well-scripted and the actor playing the boy is superb. It shouldn't be rated restricted - a 15 rating would do but the world is hardly ready for a debate on the topics raised in this very thought-provoking film.
12 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
The Amazon synopsis is fairly comprehensive, and no more need be said about the plot of this film. As to its quality, `L.I.E.' has two main strengths: first, the acting, and second, the portrayal of `Big John'. Regarding the former, the talent of the actors is faultless. Brian Cox (Big John) gives a highly sensitive and credible performance as the pseudo-father figure to Howie. Paul Franklin Dano (Howie) is due particular praise (since it was his debut feature film) for giving life to the character of Howie. And Billy Kay (Gary) is not only stunning and breathtakingly sensual, but has an incredible magnetism and presence.
As to the second strength, it is very refreshing to actually see a man whose sexual inclinations include pederasty being portrayed as a complex character - with his sexual life being just one part of what comprises his personality - as opposed to the stereotypical bogeyman which filmmakers apparently feel obliged to portray.
However, beyond these positive aspects, there is little of value to be gained from watching this film. Whilst I certainly enjoyed it, and may - perhaps - watch it a second time, it lacks sufficient emotional depth. What depth there was existed primarily between the two teenagers, Howie and Gary, and that evaporates when, disappointingly, Gary exits less than halfway into the film. Where is the intensity? What is there to draw the viewer in and burrow itself into their psyche? Whilst the film is to be commended for it's portrayal of Big John, there is definitely nothing `provocative' or `haunting' about it - descriptions that are robotically bandied about, given its subject matter. Indeed, there is absolutely nothing to warrant the 18 certificate that the censors thought fit to proscribe - no nudity, violence or sex. In fact, excepting the small amount of swearing, the film barely warrants a 15 rating. For a significantly darker and more poignant film on a similar theme, viewers would be advised to check out Araki's fantastic `Mysterious Skin', which demonstrates what could have been achieved with `L.I.E.', but wasn't.
Overall, this film can certainly be recommended for an evening's enjoyable entertainment provided by highly talented actors - just don't expect anything particularly disturbing, emotive or dark from L.I.E.
As to the second strength, it is very refreshing to actually see a man whose sexual inclinations include pederasty being portrayed as a complex character - with his sexual life being just one part of what comprises his personality - as opposed to the stereotypical bogeyman which filmmakers apparently feel obliged to portray.
However, beyond these positive aspects, there is little of value to be gained from watching this film. Whilst I certainly enjoyed it, and may - perhaps - watch it a second time, it lacks sufficient emotional depth. What depth there was existed primarily between the two teenagers, Howie and Gary, and that evaporates when, disappointingly, Gary exits less than halfway into the film. Where is the intensity? What is there to draw the viewer in and burrow itself into their psyche? Whilst the film is to be commended for it's portrayal of Big John, there is definitely nothing `provocative' or `haunting' about it - descriptions that are robotically bandied about, given its subject matter. Indeed, there is absolutely nothing to warrant the 18 certificate that the censors thought fit to proscribe - no nudity, violence or sex. In fact, excepting the small amount of swearing, the film barely warrants a 15 rating. For a significantly darker and more poignant film on a similar theme, viewers would be advised to check out Araki's fantastic `Mysterious Skin', which demonstrates what could have been achieved with `L.I.E.', but wasn't.
Overall, this film can certainly be recommended for an evening's enjoyable entertainment provided by highly talented actors - just don't expect anything particularly disturbing, emotive or dark from L.I.E.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Huge Disapointment Why sell to UK / Europe markets ???
Naively I purchase from an Amazon advertised company a DVD thinking if sold on Amazon for UK / Europe markets one could play it on a DVD player here in the UK? Alas not! Read more
Published 3 months ago by L. WANG
Realistic and engaging; excellent treatment.
I found this film to be very engaging in its truthful treatment of topics we seem to find difficult to handle in the West at the moment. Read more
Published 4 months ago by D. M. Evans
Well worth a night in
The description may be a bit deceptive. There is really nothing in this film that would offend - no drink, drugs or sexual activity (one tiny piece perhaps which shows the top of a... Read more
Published 11 months ago by SergiusT
A Disturbing Masterpiece
L.I.E. revolves around the story of 15 year old Howie Blitzer, a troubled teen who wanders aimlessly through his suburban Long Island life. Read more
Published on 24 April 2010 by Ernie
An Indie Classic
L.I.E is one of my favourite independent films.
I saw it by chnace in the early hours of the morning on Film 4, I fell asleep after the first half hour, but I wanted to know... Read more
I saw it by chnace in the early hours of the morning on Film 4, I fell asleep after the first half hour, but I wanted to know... Read more
Published on 6 Oct 2008 by Claire Frances
Brave movie making
Michael Cuesta's first film is extremely controversial, and at some times disturbing. Yet it is remarkably well written, well directed, and well acted. Read more
Published on 24 Mar 2008 by Billy Ray Cyrus
l.i.e
this is a great film my mates didnt all understand the story line but i did its weird but a good film
Published on 15 Feb 2005 by sam stuart crouch
L.I.E.
I bought this film as it was on my recommendation list. It had (if I remember correctly) a high recommendation. Read more
Published on 13 Jun 2003 by mr c cowie
(From the DVD Liner Notes)
“I needed to make a movie that stayed with people emotionally and psychologically” says L.I.E. director Michael Cuesta. Read more
Published on 19 May 2003 by Ali Catterall
A masterpiece!!!
Given the subject matter of this film, this is a sensitive portrayal of two people who for various reasons do not fit in. One, quite rightly should not fit in... Read more
Published on 10 May 2003 by DM Webster
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