L.I.E. (2001)

Cast: Paul Dano, Billy Kay, Brian Cox, Bruce Altman, James Acosta

Directed By: Michael Cuesta
Written By: Michael Cuesta & Stephen M. Ryder & Gerald Cuesta
Cinematography By: Romeo Tirone
Editor: Eric Carlson & Kane Platt


I was hooked on this film when I saw the trailer in theaters for the first time showing glimpses of scenes and vivid visuals while the song “Hurdy Gurdy man” Played

Going into this film I thought it would be more shocking. I mean there are not too many movies that have a pedophile as a main character who is not a villain but a realistic character. I think the strength of the role comes from Brian cox’s performance as big john who is very charming and doesn’t play him as a simpering whiny wimpy character he is a former armed forces officer.

The story is of Howie who’s best friend Gary is a hustler for pedophiles he is saving up his money to run off to Hollywood he brings Howie to the house of big john for a party and a chance for them to make some cash promising him he doesn’t have to do anything Howie comes form a bad home life him and his father don’t get along. Later his father is arrested and Gary steals the money his father had left for him he has nowhere to go and no one to help or take care of him. What will become of him?

Now this film could have gone for real shocking. I mean there is a incest subplot that is played for laughs but the film comes off lite when it comes to taboo subjects. Go watch a todd solondz film if you want to get down and dirty into taboos and shocks. This film doesn’t manage to shock in some ways but more subtle and less sensationalistic

Here the pedophile is one of the more decent characters he is attracted to the main protagonist and that is why he initially takes a interest in him but as the story goes on he more want s to protect him and take care of him but it doesn’t seem guided by sex and more just trying to look out for him they won’t live happily ever after and they shouldn’t but at least he has someone actually looking out for him.

This film is pretty good it’s the Screen debut of acting wunderkind Paul Dano and in a lead role.

There could be many reasons why Brian Cox took this role I believe partially it is a shocking yet powerful role that is a craftsman dream to pull off a likeable pedophile and he passes with flying colors. It was brave of him to take the role as he went against the advice of his agent and his colleagues in accepting the role which could have ended his career. This film isn’t for everyone but it is worth seeing

GRADE: A-