Speak (2004)

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.

Director:

Jessica Sharzer

Writers:

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

Stars:

Kristen Stewart, Elizabeth Perkins, Richard Hagerman

2 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Kristen Stewart	...	Melinda Sordino
Elizabeth Perkins	...	Joyce Sordino
Richard Hagerman	...	School Bus Driver (as Dick Hagerman)
Allison Siko	...	Heather
Remy Brommer	...	Yearbook Photographer (as A. Remy Brommer)
Robert John Burke	...	Mr. Neck
Grace Ameter	...	Emily
Tyanna Rolley	...	Nicole
Leslie Lyles	...	Hairwoman
Hallee Hirsh	...	Rachel
Michael Angarano	...	Dave Petrakis
Kimberly Kish	...	Ms. Keen
Megan Pillar	...	Ivy
Steve Zahn	...	Mr. Freeman
D.B. Sweeney	...	Jack Sordino

Storyline

In the book Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson, Melinda Sordino is forced into the worst year of her life. Her best friend, Rachel Bruin, has turned against her with all other of Melinda's fellow students looking away; not daring to take a single glance at Melinda. All because of one stupid end-of-summer party.

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Plot Keywords:

high school | teacher | depression | art | title directed by female | 

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Taglines:

The Truth Will Change Everything.

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

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

Did You Know?

Trivia

In 2016, Mara Wilson revealed she had wanted the role of Melinda Sordino, which was played by Kristen Stewart.

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Goofs

In one scene Melinda and her parents are unwrapping a large box while sitting on the floor. In the next scene, the box is fully wrapped again.

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Quotes

Rachel Bruin: [to Melinda] Oh, my God! Why didn't you tell me?
Melinda Sordino: It's just... when the police came, everyone just started freaking out. I got scared. I walked home. After that night, I couldn't tell anyone.
Rachel Bruin: Did you get pregnant? Did you get AIDS? Are you okay?
Melinda Sordino: Yeah. I mean, no. I didn't get pregnant. I'm fine.
Rachel Bruin: Was it someone from this school? Who was it? Melinda, tell me!
Melinda Sordino: It was Andy Evans.
Rachel Bruin: [angrily] What? I can't believe you. Liar! You're jealous! I'm popular and I'm going to prom and you're telling me this. That's ...

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Connections

Featured in Chris Stuckmann Movie Reviews: Speak (2004) - Overlooked Movies (2020)

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Soundtracks

Because of You
Written & Performed by Starving Goliath
Used with permission

User Reviews

Kristen Stewart proves herself to be our next great actress

More than anything, watch SPEAK for Kristen Stewart's raw, honest, beautiful performance. This young actress can convey more with one look than most veterans can with an entire monologue. She reminds me of a young Mary Louise Parker. And as a director, she shot up on my wish list of people I'd one day like to work with!

Aside from Stewart, the film is very well directed, tightly scripted...Steve Zahn is quite good as the art teacher with the heart of gold...

And I love the score, which owes a lot to Neutral Milk Hotel.

But really it's all about Stewart. There isn't one beat of her performance which does not ring true.

Masterful!

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 January 2004 (USA)

Also Known As:

Speak

Filming Locations:

Columbus, Ohio, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$1,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Speak Film Inc.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

89 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1