Cast
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John Leguizamo
as Vinny
Adrien Brody
as Ritchie
Mira Sorvino
as Dionna
Jennifer Esposito
as Ruby
Michael Rispoli
as Joey T
Saverio Guerra
as Woodstock
Brian Tarantina
as Bobby Del Fiore
Al Palagonia
as Anthony
Ken Garito
as Brian
Bebe Neuwirth
as Gloria
Patti LuPone
as Helen
Mike Starr
as Eddie
Anthony LaPaglia
as Detective Lou Petrocelli
Roger Guenveur Smith
as Detective Curt Atwater
Ben Gazzara
as Luigi
Crew
Director
- Spike Lee
Writer
- Victor Colicchio
- Michael Imperioli
- Spike Lee
Producer
- Jon Kilik
- Spike Lee
Reviews
John Chard
There's a homicidal maniac wandering around the neighbourhood. You don't want to do anything about it?
Summer of Sam is directed by Spike Lee and Lee co-writes the screenplay with Victor Colicchio and Michael Imperioli. It stars John Leguizamo, Adrien Brody, Mira Sorvino, Jennifer Esposito, Michael Rispoli, Saverio Guerra, Brian Tarantina, Al Palagonia, Ken Garito, Bebe Neuwirth and Michael Badalucco. Music is by Terence Blanchard and cinematography by Ellen Duras.
It was met with some indifference upon release, for many film fans went into it expecting another "Se7en" type serial killer thriller. What we get is Spike Lee doing a clinical character piece of how the residents in a South Bronx neighbourhood react to having a serial killer in their midst. It's 1977 and it's the time of the "Son of Sam" murders in New York City, mistrust and vile character traits start to come to the fore...
Lets face it, Spike Lee is often about as subtle as a sledgehammer over the head, but when it comes to characterisations - particularly when it comes to New York - he's one of the best around. He positively revels in dropping a group of unsound characters into a pressure cooker atmosphere and let them play out their respective human fallibilities. Who else could run a concurrent strand of a serial killer with a serial adulterer and produce such edgy and sly rewards?.
The musical backdrop to the plotting gives us the move from disco into the punk explosion, with the juxtaposition between good friends - Leguizamo's disco dancing philanderer and Brody's (excellent) punk rocker turning gay tricks to pay for his musical aspirations - proving to be more pivotal than "Son of Sam" (Badalucco off the chain) himself. All while the "hood" lowlifes gather themselves as an army to seek out the serial killer themselves, which unfortunately means anyone remotely not in their circle of friends is a suspect!.
It's no Lee masterpiece, for it's a touch too long and could have been trimmed by 15 minutes of pointless sexual exposition, while it sometimes feels like Lee is stuck between blaxploitation verve and mainstream appeasing ticket selling. Yet it's a bold piece of film making, with some genuinely jaw dropping sequences within. Prepare for a film that's big on characters during the reign of a serial killer and you might just appreciate Summer of Sam much more. 8/10
Mar 28, 2020
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Summer of Sam examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Spike Lee brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1999, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Summer of Sam took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $22.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 142 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 181 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 294 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1999, when this film was released:
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Summer of Sam shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Poseidon Adventure, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Summer of Sam offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Frenzy and The Man Who Knew Too Much explore similar territory, Summer of Sam stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 28, 1999
- Runtime: 2h 22m
- Budget: $22,000,000
- Revenue: $19,288,130
