Review of Speak (2004) by Barbara C — 17 May 2010

CAST: Kristen Stewart, Hallee Hirsh, Erio Lively, Elizabeth Perkins, Michael Angarano, Allison Siko, Steve Zahn, D.B. Sweeney.

DIRECTED BY: Jessica Sharzer.

SUMMARY: An unfortunate incident has left Melinda (Kristen Stewart) shunned by her friends and completely traumatized. Now, she enters the ninth grade a selective mute, isolating herself from everyone at school until a sympathetic teacher (Steve Zahn) encourages her to express herself -- and, ultimately, heal herself -- through art.

MY THOUGHTS: Saw this movie for a third time today and thought I would give it a review since is one of my favorite movies. Fan of Kristen Stewarts, and this movie is what started it. I saw her in this film and thought she did amazing at playing not only such a difficult role, but playing it perfectly. This movie touches on some sensitive issues that go on, but never gets reported. It's unfortunate and I was glad to see a movie touch base with the issue.

Kristen was really good at bringing the inner torment and anguish from this character. Liked Steve Zahn as the art teacher. He, not knowing was the one who was really helping Melinda in healing and coming to terms with what happened to her. It's a really emotional film to watch and to know these things happen, and are most of the time over looked, is sad. This movie gives a message of hope. Hope that some will see this movie and help them in some way. But the star of this film was definitely Kristen Stewart. She really brought it with this character. She said a lot without saying anything. So more than anything, see this movie for Kristen's raw, honest, and beautiful performance alone.