Review of The United States of Leland (2003) by Greg N — 25 May 2009
Ryan Gosling is phenomenal. I think nothing sums up this film more aptly than that single statement. He creates a morally ambiguous, incredibly aloof and apathetic character who in spite of his heinous crime is still someone you cannot help but feel pity for.
Watching his performance here is just another in a string of performances that pretty much confirms in my mind that he is destined for an Oscar win at some point in the future. Don Cheadle is also spectacular as the aspiring writer trying to pinpoint Leland's motivation for committing the mercy killing of the mentally retarded brother of his girlfriend.
It is a film that will cause you to question your morals and will provoke you delve over whether what happened here was a rational and justifiable decision, or whether or not Leland's actions were the product of his warped view of the mundane.
Very dark, and unflinching film, yet one that I feel is vital.
This review of The United States of Leland (2003) was written by Greg N on 25 May 2009.
The United States of Leland has generally received positive reviews.
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