Speak (2004)

User Rating:

8.0/10   

Director:

Jessica Sharzer

Writers (WGA):

Laurie Halse Anderson (novel)
Jessica Sharzer (screenplay) ...

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

The Truth Will Change Everything.

Plot:

After a blurred trauma over the summer, Melinda enters high school a selective mute. Struggling with school, friends, and family, she tells the dark tale of her experiences, and why she has chosen not to speak.

Plot Keywords:

Teacher | Mute | High School | Art | Art Teacher

Awards:

1 win & 2 nominations

Cast

Kristen Stewart	...	Melinda Sordino
Michael Angarano	...	Dave Petrakis
Robert John Burke	...	Mr. Neck
Hallee Hirsh	...	Rachel Bruin
Eric Lively	...	Andy Evans
Leslie Lyles	...	Hairwoman
Elizabeth Perkins	...	Joyce Sordino
Allison Siko	...	Heather
D.B. Sweeney	...	Jack Sordino
Steve Zahn	...	Mr. Freeman
Dick Hagerman	...	School bus driver
Remy Brommer	...	Todd (as A. Remy Brommer)
Grace Ameter	...	Emily
Tyanna Rolley	...	Nicole
Kimberly Kish	...	Ms. Keen

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for mature thematic material involving a teen rape.

Runtime:

89 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

Australia:M | USA:PG-13

Filming Locations:

Columbus, Ohio, USA

Company:

Speak Film Inc.

Trivia:

A downpour during the filming of some outdoor party scenes required the on-the-spot alteration of a few key sequences, including the replacement of some underage extras by miscellaneous crew members. Also, the indoor scene in which Andy Evans (Eric Lively) towels Melinda's (Kristen Stewart) hair dry was a last minute improvisation due to the unexpected rain.

Goofs:

Miscellaneous: In the gym during the pep rally, you can see the letters in the center of the court, and they clearly show a letters E and A - which don't make sense since they're supposed to be in Merryweather High School.

Quotes:

Melinda Sordino: My English teacher has no face. I call her Hairwoman.

Not bad at all

I just finished watching this film and decided that I should say something about it. Firstly, Wow! Kristen Stewart. There is an actress with a great future. An impressive performance. The support cast, which it must be remembered, play a fairly incidental role in this film, were adequate at allowing her to shine through. The Directing was solid. I didn't get lost, it wasn't all over the place.

Plotwise, I was quietly moved. I had seen this film on cable a couple of times before and just flicked passed it thinking it was just more "made for TV" crapola, but tonight I tuned in at the beginning and failed to channel surf away. I stuck with it till the end, and if anything, was sorry that it was over. It managed to suck me right into the story, I wanted to see where I was being taken.

It's not a bold film, even though it discusses a challenging topic. I was worried the Teen Angst Engine may kick in, and was glad to see it nowhere in sight. It was a film that left me thoughtful, and wanting to tell someone to give it a chance.... so... give it a chance, I thought it was worth it.