25th Hour
June 5, 10:00pm
Neptune Theatre

Edward Norton is scheduled to introduce the film

Can you change your whole life in one day? In Spike Lee’s (SIFF 2009 Tribute) adaptation of David Benioff’s compelling novel, convicted drug dealer Monty (Edward Norton) spends his final day of freedom with friends, family, and in New York City. Terrified about his dangerous journey ahead, he seeks comfort and advice from his closest friends, his girlfriend, and disconsolate father. Norton is heartbreaking as guilty yet harmless Monty. As he rants against the city that graced him with success and disappointed him with failure, channeling the powerful rage of post-9/11 America, Monty looks to place culpability beyond himself: blame minorities, blame the wealthy, blame religion. Ultimately, however, Monty must take responsibility for the fact that he took advantage of the weaknesses of others for his personal gain. Lee chooses to highlight the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, often showing images of Ground Zero, while Terence Blanchard’s haunting soundtrack beautifully accents to the evocative film. A strong script and excellent performances would allow the film to stand alone, but Lee’s film is something more; it exists as a symbolic gesture to the terror and confusion surrounding our collective life-altering event.

To read more about the screening, please visit: http://www.siff.net/festival/film/detail.aspx?id=43950&FID=166