Summer of Sam **** (1999, John Leguizamo, Adrien Brody, Mira Sorvino, Jennifer Esposito, Michael Rispoli, Ben Gazzara, Anthony LaPaglia) – Classic Movie Review 469

There’s panic, fear and distrust in the streets as a real-life serial killer maniac called Son of Sam is on the loose, stalking the streets of New York in the long, hot summer of 1977. Director Spike Lee’s scalding 1999 look at the city in the grip of panic and decay is one of his best movies.

Sultry John Leguizamo and Mira Sorvino star as Vinny and Diona, a young couple in danger at the heart of the drama, in a film that runs like a Seventies disco version of West Side Story on acid. The film centres on the residents of an Italian-American South Bronx neighbourhood. Adrien Brody (Best Actor Oscar winner for 2002’s The Pianist) is the crazy punk Richie, Jennifer Esposito is Ruby, Michael Rispoli is Joey T, Ben Gazzara is Luigi and Anthony LaPaglia is Detective Lou Petrocelli.

As expected from this hand-picked, quality ensemble cast, the acting is first rate. Dark, gripping, complex and provocative, this distinguished crime thriller is a riveting change of pace for Lee.

The family members of the victims objected to a film that might glorify the killer, so the script was profitably changed to focus more on the community than the killer. Lee co-scripts the very satisfying result, along with Sopranos actor Michael Imperioli and Victor Colicchio.

© Derek Winnert 2013 Classic Film Review 469 derekwinnert.com