A masterpiece (The Basketball Diaries (DVD))

Name: Lakerfanster

Hello doyoo user, You have to be logged in to use these functions... Login or register Close window

Send message to member

Product:	The Basketball Diaries (DVD)
Date:	05/04/08 (73 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great film

Disadvantages: None

...Introduction...

Most sporting films arent that great in terms of plot. That was all changed when Basketball Diaries was released. It's the film that made Leonardo Di Caprio (before Titanic of course). It was released in 1995 and tells the tale of a talented High school basketball player played by Leo who dreams of playing in the National Basketball Association one day and this is his story.

...The Plot...

The film centers on Leonardo Di Caprio's character Jim Carroll as his dreams of playing Basketball professionally take a tumble as he spirals into drug addiction. It leads through his later years at High School and gives a real perspective of someone falling into the depths of drug addiction. It shows the deepest lows and the highest highs of his young life. Half way through the film Jim loses his best friend to cancer at age just sixteen.

It used to be they played Basketball and did a few drugs but it ends up being the drug addiction and petty crime that is Jim's life. In order to get clean he has to spend time in prison to see what he is doing to himself with the drugs. There are some very powerful scenes of drug taking and the comedown effects are frighteningly portrayed by Di Caprio.

...The Acting...

Leonardo Di Caprio puts in an absolutely extraordinary performance in this film and he makes his character seem so real. There are also great performances from Mark Wahlberg who plays Jim's friend Mickey and also from Jim's mother Lorraine Braco who is fantastic as a mother grieving as her sons drug addiction spirals out of control.

Juliette Lewis also puts in a fine performance as Diane Moody, a prostitute and recovering drug addict who recovers while Jim's addiction starts to spirals out of control. It is very interesting to see Jim acting almost the same way as Diane Moody did when she was at the rock bottom of her drug addiction.

...Main Cast Members...

Leonardo Di Caprio as Jim Carroll
Lorraine Bracco as Mrs. Carroll
James Madio as Pedro
Patrick McGaw as Neutron
Mark Wahlberg as Mickey
Roy Cooper as Father McNulty
Bruno Kirby as Swifty
Alexander Chaplin as Bobo
Juliette Lewis as Diane Moody
Michael Imperioli as Bobby
Ernie Hudson as Reggie
Manny Alfaro as Manny
Cynthia Daniel as Winkie
Brittany Daniel as Blinkie

...The Music...

Music plays a very big part in movies and Basketball diaries plays along with this. The soundtrack features the likes of Pearl Jam, Flea, Soundgarden, Jim Caroll (who the film is based on). The Doors, PJ Harvey and many more. This isnt the best soundtrack you will ever here but there arent likely to be many more poignant that this films soundtrack.

...Overall...

This is a really powerful film which I have to admit does produce a tear. It is an extraordinary film which combines great acting with a hard hitting story. One thing I love about this film is that it's not just a Basketball film. It has a great story behind it, how someone can beat serious drug addiction and turn their life around. It truly is an inspiring story. If you havent seen this film yet you owe it to yourself to go out and rent it or why not buy it. A truly remarkable film that has a lot of offer.

Summary: Great film