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15 Minutes

15 Minutes (2001)

When Eastern European criminals Oleg and Emil come to New York City to pick up their share of a heist score, Oleg steals a video camera and starts filming their activities, both legal and illegal. When they learn how the American media circus can make a remorseless killer look like the victim and make them rich, they target media-savvy NYPD Homicide Detective Eddie Flemming and media-naive FDNY Fire Marshal Jordy Warsaw, the cops investigating their murder and torching of their former criminal partner, filming everything to sell to the local tabloid TV show "Top Story."

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Directed by John Herzfeld

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • John Herzfeld
Writer
  • John Herzfeld
Producer
  • Keith Addis
  • David Blocker
  • John Herzfeld
  • Nick Wechsler

Reviews

Andre Gonzales
6/10

Liked the movie. Lots of suspense and keeping you guessing.

Mar 17, 2023

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Thematic Analysis

This high-octane Action/Crime/Thriller film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, 15 Minutes distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.

Director John Herzfeld 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2001, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of 15 Minutes took approximately 6 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $60.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 120 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 172 minutes long.
  • The musical score contains over 61 unique compositions.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
  • The film contains approximately 1865 individual shots.

Historical Context

  • In 2001, when this film is released:
  • Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
  • The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
  • Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.

How This Film Stands Out

While 15 Minutes shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike When the Bullet Hits the Bone, which focuses more on action than character development, 15 Minutes offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Straw Dogs and Mulholland Drive explore similar territory, 15 Minutes 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: March 1, 2001
  • Runtime: 2h
  • Budget: $60,000,000
  • Revenue: $56,359,980

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