Genre
Director
Country
USA
Cast
Kristen Stewart, Michael Angarano, Robert John Burke, Hallee Hirsh, Eric Lively, Elizabeth Perkins, D. B. Sweeney, Steve Zahn, Allison Siko, Laurie Halse Anderson, Leslie Lyles
Storyline
After a blurred trauma over the summer, Melinda Sordino (Kristen Stewart) enters high school a selective mute. Struggling with school, friends, and family, she tells the dark tale of her experiences, and why she has chosen not to speak.
Opinion
After finding out Kristen Stewart can actually act, I was curious to see how she was before the Twilight Era, so I gave this film a try. I ensure you they - both the film and Stewart's performance - are worth your time.
A little too slow at times, Speak is a different kind of teen movie that delivers a great message, and deals with such a serious subject matter - rape - in an unusual way.
Based on Laurie Halse Anderson's novel of the same name, this film's story is very simple, so simple that the trauma is completely predictable, therefore there are no surprises to come. However, the film finds part of its strength in its simplicity, which is full of expressiveness, and in the realistic story. Also, for once, the voiceover is appropriate and brings us inside the head of the fragile, and interrupted girl played by Stewart.Jessica Sharzer does a great job both writing and directing this film: the camera work is good, the flashbacks work fine, and the key moments are not over dramatized.
This film also finds its strength in Kristen Stewart's leading performance. She gives a stunning, raw, and honest performance in the role of Melinda, the traumatized girl dealing with her rape. Part of the merits goes to the character whose apathetic expression very simplified Stewart's job. Standing out from the crowd is also Steve Zahn in the role of the Art teacher.
If you have the chance to watch this, please do, you won't regret it.
Quotes
Melinda Sordino: All that crap you hear on TV about communication and expressing feelings is a lie. No one really cares what you have to say.
I couldn't agree more with the strengths and weaknesses you point out.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny how we all seemed to turn our back on Stewart, yet she made varied, interesting choices throughout her career. Panic Room, this, Adventureland, Welcome to the Rileys, Clouds of Sils Maria, American Ultra. Not all of the films ended up being outstanding, but she was almost always solid-to-great. I appreciate someone who's willing to take chances.
You should watch Camp X-Ray if you haven't already. Great film and she is outstanding in there.
DeleteStewart is so good in this movie. I agree with the comment about where you pointed out Camp X-Ray. Fantastic film and she's amazing.
ReplyDeleteIf you have time,watch her other film Welcome to the Rileys.She is outstanding in it.I became her fan after watching it.She was/is often underestimated and generalized based on some mediocre movies.Just like all the other actors she too has some weak movies,but what matters most to her(her words) is she enjoyed filming all her roles and identifies herself in all the roles.
ReplyDeleteAlso to mention 'The Cake Eaters'. She is fantastic in it. And 'The Yellow Handkerchief', an outstanding performance as well.
ReplyDeleteI actually like Kristen Stewart as an actress and I know this one is a book but never knew they had a movie of it. You learn something new :3
ReplyDelete