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This
bleak, pitch-black drama based on the true high-school
exploits of poet/drug addict/schoolyard basketball
player Jim Carroll, (based on his auto-biographical
book of the same title) was directed by Scott Kalvert,
co-stars former rapper (Marky-) Mark Wahlberg, Samuel
L. Jackson and Bruno Kirby, Jr., with Leo in the lead
role as Carroll.
Shot
for a low budget on the streets of New York, the film
has a gritty, stark feel aided by its equally gritty
subject matter. The scenes between Carroll and his
mom (Lorraine Bracco) are particularly uncomfortable.
Watching Leo - his skin clammy with the sweat of withdrawl,
eyes red and brimming with tears, pupils contracted
in panic and need - beg for money to buy drugs through
a locked door as his mom weeps on the other side,
is an image that doesn’t go away quickly.
Drawn
by his love for roles that take him to one edge or
another of the human condition-in-extremis, playing
Jim Carroll gave Leo an open field in which to run
free… and, once again, run he does.
Directed by
Scott Kalvert
Produced by
Chris Blackwell (executive)
Dan Genetti (executive)
Liz Heller
Kathie Hersch (line)
John Bard Manulis
Writing credits
Jim Carroll (I)
Bryan Goluboff (novel)
Cinematography by
David Phillips (II)
Cast
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