The Believer (2001)

A young Jewish man develops a fiercely anti-Semitic worldview. Based on the true story of a KKK member in the 1960s who was revealed to be Jewish by a New York Times reporter.

Director:

Henry Bean

Writers:

Henry Bean (screenplay), Henry Bean (story),

Stars:

Ryan Gosling, Peter Meadows, Garret Dillahunt

6 wins & 9 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ryan Gosling	...	Danny Balint
Peter Meadows	...	Orthodox Student
Garret Dillahunt	...	Billings
Kris Eivers	...	Carleton
Joel Garland	...	O.L.
Billy Zane	...	Curtis Zampf
Theresa Russell	...	Lina Moebius
Summer Phoenix	...	Carla Moebius
Jack Drummond	...	Old Coot
Sig Libowitz	...	Rav Zingesser
James McCaffrey	...	Young Avi (as James G. McCaffrey)
Jacob Green	...	Young Danny
Frank Winters	...	Young Stuart
Ronald Guttman	...	Danny's Father
Heather Goldenhersh	...	Linda

Storyline

"The Believer" explores a Jewish student's private journey to understand the meaning of Judaism in his life. Set in New York City, the Plot follows a morally confused young adult struggling with the conflict between his beliefs and his heritage. "The Believer" examines themes of religion, family, and self-loathing. It is a psychological examination into the forces of intolerance, both on the individual and society as a whole.

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Plot Keywords:

reporter | new york times | new york city | judaism | self loathing | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong violence, language and some sexual content

Details

Official Sites:

Official Site

Country:

USA

Language:

English Hebrew

Release Date:

23 August 2001 (Russia)

Also Known As:

Danny Balint

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$1,500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$26,236 (USA) (17 May 2002)

Gross:

$406,035 (USA) (27 September 2002)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Fuller Films, Seven Arts Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

102 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Black and White Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Inspired by the story of Dan Burros, an American Jew, who joined (and left) the American Nazi Party, and then joined the United Klans of America (KKK). Burros killed himself when a journalist revealed his heritage in The New York Times.

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Goofs

In the final synagogue segment, while the congregation is singing "Aveenu Malchenu," they keep changing keys from shot to shot, up a half-step and down a half-step and back up again again, indicating a string of takes edited together.

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Quotes

Young Danny: I'm the only one who does believe. I see him for the power-drunk madman he is. And we're supposed to worship such a deity? I say never.

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Connections

References The Wizard of Oz (1939)

User Reviews

Intelligent and Provocative

I found myself alone in an small theater yesterday watching "The Believer". The absence of a crowd didn't have any impact what so ever on my experience with this film.

Daniel Balint is a promising new right wing extremist who, with his radical ideas and eloquence, wins over the minds of a small group of neo-Nazis. At first he expresses that he wants Jews dead because, as he states, anti-semitism is a human instinct. But Daniel is a Jew himself. He denies his roots, But as the movie progresses he must come to terms with who he is. And that's not always easy.

Ryan Gosling who plays Daniel is a frightening good actor, who almost manages to persuade the audience of his anti-semitic views. I really can't praise Ryan Gosling enough! He could be one of the great new actors to come. The interesting aspect of this movie is the mental struggle in Daniels mind whether he's a Nazi or a Jew. Or both? It's about finding out who you are. The films poses some very intelligent questions, and provokes at times, and this is the films force. This movie is brilliant! Go see it!