L.I.E. (2001)

User Rating:

7.2/10   

Director:

Michael Cuesta

Writers:

Stephen M. Ryder (written by)
Michael Cuesta (written by)

Release Date:

29 November 2002 (UK)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

On the Long Island Expressway there are lanes going east, lanes going west, and lanes going straight to hell.

Plot:

A 15-year-old Long Island boy loses everything and everyone he knows, soon becoming involved in a relationship with a much older man.

Plot Keywords:

Underwear | Arrest | Murder | Long Island New York | Bare Chested Male

Awards:

20 wins & 15 nominations

Cast

Paul Dano	...	Howie Blitzer (as Paul Franklin Dano)
Bruce Altman	...	Marty Blitzer
Billy Kay	...	Gary
James Costa	...	Kevin Cole
Tony Michael Donnelly	...	Brian (as Tony Donnelly)
Michelle Carano	...	Newscaster
Tatiana Burgos	...	Marty's Girlfriend
Brian Cox	...	Big John Harrigan
B. Constance Barry	...	Anne Harrigan
Walter Masterson	...	Scott
Brad Silnutzer	...	Henry
Bob Gerardi	...	Clifford
Adam LeFevre	...	Elliot
Frank Rivers	...	Man with Pizza (as Frank G. Rivers)
Anthony F. Peragine	...	Tough Kid #1

Also Known As:

Long Island Expressway (USA) (alternative spelling)

MPAA:

Rated R for strong sexual content involving teens, language and brief violence. (video version)

Runtime:

97 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Canada:18A | France:-16 | Germany:12 | Mexico:C | Portugal:M/12 | Switzerland:16 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:16 (canton of Vaud) | Switzerland:16 (canton of the Grisons) | UK:18 | USA:NC-17 (original rating) | USA:Open (rating surrendered) (2002) | USA:R (video rating) (2002) (cut)

Filming Locations:

20 Swarthmore lane, Dix Hills, Long Island, New York, USA

Company:

Alter Ego Entertainment

Trivia:

The distributor, Lot 47, appealed against the NC-17 rating at the same time as launching a publicity campaign about how arbitrary the rating system was. Both failed.

Goofs:

Continuity: In the shots of Big John leaving after dropping Howie off at the prison, there is a steady rain (noticible by raindrops in the puddles). However, in shots of Howie, it does not appear to be raining and the ground is even dry in places.

Quotes:

Gary: I don't like that kid. He smiles too much.

Movie Connections:

Featured in "John Waters Presents Movies That Will Corrupt You: L.I.E. (#1.2)" (????)

Soundtrack:

My Sh*t is Digital

A Film About Consequences

This is a great little film about consequences. Howie is a typically confused but bright middle class kid with a one dimensional father and lug-nuts for friends. This film explores the soft underbelly of middle class Long Island, as well as the consequences that are borne as a result. Howie's explorations for attention lead him dangerously close to a pedophile who is more than willing to play "dad" to the affection starved teen. The low-budget aspects of this movie are not distracting, and though the subject matter is raw, the scenes are handled with taste. The film is kept honest through some thoughtful provocation, and the audience is kept honest as well. This film should be seen by parents of teens, and especially seen by anyone who is a father.