Review of 25th Hour (2002) by Gregory G — 03 Sep 2015
This unheralded drama by Spike Lee fuses post 9/11 era anxiety with regret in detailing the final hours of a convicted New York drug dealer (Edward Norton) before his incarceration begins. It is perhaps the only movie made in the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attacks that captured the mood of that time.
Lee shows great assurance here and limits the expected indulgences, while expressing surprising pathos to conventional material. Norton brings his usual intensity to the role, but he also has the sensitivity to reveal a man with remorse at his wasted life.
As a cocky stockbroker, Barry Pepper shows the conflicted feelings - both brutally honest and mealy-mouthed - of a close friend that rings truthful. Phillip Seymour Hoffman is a straight arrow teacher, Rosario Dawson is the beautiful girlfriend, Brian Cox is the loyal father, and Anna Paquin is a provocative student.
All give exceptional performances. Former football player Tony Siragusa is perhaps a bit too broad a caricature as a Ukrainian associate. David Benioff adapted his own book. Cinematography is by Rodrigo Prieto; music is by Terence Blanchard.
This review of 25th Hour (2002) was written by Gregory G on 03 Sep 2015.
25th Hour has generally received very positive reviews.
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