Urban Desires Movie Reviews
reviews by Jackson Armaly
BASKETBALL DIARIES
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Leonardo Decaprio is a star. Let's just get that out of the way. If this movie was a test to see whether he can carry a film - he can. Let's also say the acting in general is very strong. From Lorraine Bracco to Mark (don't call me Marky) Wahlberg, the ensemble does their job beautifully. Director Scott Kalvert is to be credited with choosing a fine cast and creating an obviously actor-friendly work environment.
Now, that said, this movie is a mess! I mean like messy as its major theme, and messiness without contrast is just not that interesting. For example, the whole reason to watch this film, or any I- was - a - teen - junkie movie, is to see that moment of redemption. Isn't it? Otherwise, descending into junkie hell is sort of - well - a downer.
Which brings us back to the film at hand. We never get that moment. It's brushed aside in two lines of voice-over narration. And, perhaps even more surprising for someone who cut his teeth on music video, Mr. Kalvert's film has some really awkward editing. The sense of contrast is lost primarily because every moment is given the same weight. The result is a plodding sameness which destroys the film's rhythm.
The artistry and athleticism that were the saving graces of Jim Carol's life never seem to be enough of an influence to draw him back to sobriety. So what does? Not his friends, not his mother, not the faculty of his Catholic high school and certainly not Juliet Lewis in a small role as a very messy junkie whore who manages to get herself together. (This fine young actress seems to be drawn to characters with substance abuse problems.)
As an exploration of the detours and dead ends of a young artist's life, the film fails in its storytelling. I'd give everyone involved with this film another chance, but this one doesn't work.
| CREDITS: New Line Cinema Photos - John Clifford |
