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The United States of Leland (2002)

The United States of Leland (2002)
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Produced by Kevin Spacey, The United States of Leland is a psychological drama concerning the aftereffects of a brutal murder. It's also the first big-studio theatrical release for writer/director Matthew Ryan Hoge, whose previous work consists of the independent comedy Self Storage. Ryan Gosling plays Leland, an imprisoned teenager doing time for the stabbing murder of a disabled boy. Prison writing teacher Pearl Madison (Don Cheadle) gets caught up in the story with the intention of making a book out of it, especially when he finds out that Leland's father is the famous novelist Albert Fitzgerald (Spacey). Pearl's investigation uncovers some of the details and effects of the murder for everyone involved, including the victim's parents, Harry (Martin Donovan) and Karen Pollard (Ann Magnuson). Jena Malone plays Becky, the teenage junkie who is both Leland's ex-girlfriend and the victim's sister. The situation also complicates the relationship between Becky's older sister, Jennifer (Michelle Williams), and her sensitive boyfriend, Allen (Chris Klein). The United States of Leland premiered at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi

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Starring:
Ryan GoslingDon Cheadle, (more)
Director(s):
Matthew Ryan Hoge
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of The United States of Leland

Produced by Kevin Spacey, The United States of Leland is a psychological drama concerning the aftereffects of a brutal murder. It's also the first big-studio theatrical release for writer/director Matthew Ryan Hoge, whose previous work consists of the independent comedy Self Storage. Ryan Gosling plays Leland, an imprisoned teenager doing time for the stabbing murder of a disabled boy. Prison writing teacher Pearl Madison (Don Cheadle) gets caught up in the story with the intention of making a book out of it, especially when he finds out that Leland's father is the famous novelist Albert Fitzgerald (Spacey). Pearl's investigation uncovers some of the details and effects of the murder for everyone involved, including the victim's parents, Harry (Martin Donovan) and Karen Pollard (Ann Magnuson). Jena Malone plays Becky, the teenage junkie who is both Leland's ex-girlfriend and the victim's sister. The situation also complicates the relationship between Becky's older sister, Jennifer (Michelle Williams), and her sensitive boyfriend, Allen (Chris Klein). The United States of Leland premiered at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
104 mins

Complete Cast of The United States of Leland


Director(s):
Matthew Ryan Hoge
Writer(s):
Matthew Ryan Hoge
Producer(s):
Bernie MorrisJonah SmithKevin Spacey
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(Adult Situations, Profanity, Drug Content)
Categories:
Independent Films
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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    Member Reviews
     
    Linda D.

    Good performanes by Don Cheadle, Ryan Gosling and Kevin Spacey. This movie seemed to be about motives, not only by the young man who allegedly murdered a retarded teenage boy, but by the teacher in the prison that counseled him, his father and those in his life - all of us really. Very good intentions here and some smart and memorable lines, however the story itself was very fragmented in jumping around in time lines, for me it was hard to follow at times. I believe this was intentional so that the viewer would perhaps have to go through the same processes of the others in the movie to come to the "why" of the motive. Over-all a good though very dark film.

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    Marlene S.

    Even though it left you feeling hopeless and depressed, it was a good film. The acting was superb and it DID make you think about life. Had an intriguing story line and lots of interesting characters. Would highly recommend.

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    Jared R.

    Not bad.

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    Read All 38 Reviews