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, Dick Hagerman

2 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Kristen Stewart	...	Melinda Sordino
Elizabeth Perkins	...	Joyce Sordino
Dick Hagerman	...	School Bus Driver
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 | trauma | depression | mute | 

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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

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 January 2004 (USA)

Also Known As:

Beszélj!

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

Did You Know?

Trivia

Many of the actual teachers at the school were extras in the film.

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Goofs

The mashed potatoes thrown on Melinda's shirt changes between shots. When we first see it, the spot is large and the next time we see it, it's smaller and more flat.

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Quotes

Mr. Freeman: In here is a piece of paper and on that piece of paper is a word. You are gonna spend the rest of the year turning that object into art.
Ivy: Uh, Mr. Freeman? When I was little, I was really scared of clowns and I don't wanna relapse and have to go back into therapy.
Mr. Freeman: Oh, yeah, well, fear is a great place to begin art.
[Melinda picks a piece of paper that says "tree" and tries to put it back]
Mr. Freeman: Hey! Whoa. You just chose your destiny. You can't change that.
Melinda Sordino: I learned how to draw a tree in like the 2nd ...
[...]

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Connections

Referenced in Awkward.: Pilot (2011)

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Soundtracks

Requiem, Op. 48
Written by Gabriel Fauré
Performed by Lisa Beckley, Nicholas Gedge, Colm Carey and the Schola Cantorum of Oxford conducted by Jeremy Summerty
Courtesy of Naxos by arrangement with Source/Q

User Reviews

A faithful, moving adaptation of a wonderful book.

I was luck enough to see this film at Sundance. I'd read the book when it came out and loved it, but wasn't sure how it would translate to film, given that the main character really doesn't talk at all in the book. Jessica Sharzer's adaptation handles all of the potential problems beautifully, without changing the fundamental story and using voiceover only sparingly. What really makes the movie, though, is Kristen Stewart's complete embodiment of Melinda. She does things with her face that actors twice her age with twice her experience only wish they could do. Though the film is not at all didactic in nature, it would be a great one for teens to see with their parents. Lots of good material for discussion. It's great to see Laurie Halse Anderson's wonderful book get the screen treatment it deserves. If you like this movie, you might also like BLUE CAR, MANNY & LO, and THE CHOCOLATE WAR.