The Believer (2001)

A young Jewish man develops a fiercely anti-Semitic philosophy. Based on the factual story of a K.K.K. 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, Summer Phoenix, Peter Meadows

6 wins & 10 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ryan Gosling	...	Danny Balint
Peter Meadows	...	Orthodox Student
Garret Dillahunt	...	Billings
Kris Eivers	...	Carleton
Joel Marsh Garland	...	O.L. (as Joel Garland)
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:

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

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong violence, language and some sexual content

Did You Know?

Trivia

Due to the film's low budget, the crew could not afford permits and many scenes had to be shot quickly.

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Goofs

A copy of The New York Times is shown with an article about Danny. However, the article is not printed in the font the Times uses.

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Quotes

Daniel Balint: Just take a look at the last three most well-known Jews - Marx, Freud, and Einstein. What have they given us? Communism, infantile sexuality, and the atom bomb.

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Connections

Featured in MsMojo: Top 10 Must-Watch Ryan Gosling Performances (2016)

User Reviews

Brilliantly disturbing performance

Danny Balint (Ryan Gosling) is angry. He questions his Jewish heritage and challenges his faith. The movie starts with him bullying a Jewish boy on the subway in New York. He joins a small group of fascists led by Curtis Zampf (Billy Zane) and Lina Moebius (Theresa Russell). Danny pushes for the group to start killing Jews. Carla Moebius (Summer Phoenix) finds him fascinating. Curtis doesn't want to go down that road again while Lina finds it appealing for their cause even if she doesn't believe in it. Reporter Guy Danielsen is writing about the right wing movement. Danny joins up with others as his star rises in the movement.

This is a character study of anger and self-hatred. Ryan Gosling is brilliantly unbalanced as he challenges religious authority. He's also superficially very convincing in his insane rants. More than anything, he's very charismatic. It is a bone chilling performance.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Hebrew

Release Date:

23 August 2001 (Russia)

Also Known As:

The Believer

Filming Locations:

Sunnyside, Queens, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$1,500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$26,263, 19 May 2002

Gross USA:

$416,925

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$1,309,316

Company Credits

Production Co:

Fuller Films, Seven Arts Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1