Male Sexual Abuse Films (1996–2015)

Male Sexual Abuse Films (1996–2015)

Sleepers (1996)

C – 147m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
Novel: Sleepers by Lorenzo Carcaterra
Writer – Prod. – Dir.: Barry Levinson
Co–Prod.: Lorenzo Carcaterra
Starring: Kevin Bacon, Robert De Niro, Minnie Driver, Dustin Hoffman, Bruno Kirby, Jason Patric, Billy Crudup, John Slattery, Brad Pitt, Jonathan Tucker, Gerry Becker, Ben Hammer, Paul Herman, Lennie Loftin, Danny Mastrogiorgio, Mary B. McCann, Pat McNamara, Peter McRobbie, Mick O’Rourke, James Pickens, Jr., Wendell Pierce and Sean Patrick Reilly.
Music By: John Williams

After a prank goes disastrously wrong, a group of boys are sent to a detention center where they are brutalized. Over ten years later, they get their chance for revenge. Deliberately slowly paced but has great actors turning in great performances. The film is slightly over–long but the cinematography is impressive as are the aforementioned performances and an almost stellar script. There are a few lines that may invoke a, “No duh,” or other wised colored version of that statement from viewers. Period detail is fine and the soundtrack is fun. The indecision on a star rating is the fault of this reviewer. This reviewer can make arguments as to why this should just be a three star film but can also make arguments as to why it is the near perfect three and a half star film rating too. Rather than split hairs, this reviewer will cop to saying: flip a coin on it yourself after you have seen it and see where it lands for you. It does come highly recommended though!  

Trivia: Film Critic Roger Ebert criticized this movie as, “homophobic.” During filming, the two younger actors who play the roles that would become Brad Pitt and Jason Patric, wore contact lenses so they would have the same eye color as Pitt and Patric. This movie was filmed at Fairfield Hills, a former psychiatric hospital in Newtown, Connecticut; right after the state took possession of the property. Billy Crudup and John Slattery, in addition to this film, appeared in Spotlight (2015), which also revolves around similar themes of abuse.

Oscar® nominated for: Best Original Score – John Williams. 
Rated: [R] – Language, Graphic Violence, & Two Scenes Of Strong Sexual Content
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Mystic River (2003)

C – 138m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen (Theatrical) / 2.40:1 – Widescreen (Blu–ray)
Novel: Mystic River by Dennis Lehane
Screenplay By: Brian Helgeland
Prod. – Dir.: Clint Eastwood
Starring: Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon, Laurence Fishburne, Marcia Gay Harden, Laura Linney, Kevin Chapman, Tom Guiry (as Thomas Guiry), Emmy Rossum, Spencer Treat Clark, Andrew Mackin, Adam Nelson, Robert Wahlberg, Jenny O’Hara, John Doman, Cameron Bowen, Jason Kelly, Connor Paolo, T. Bruce Page (as Bruce Page), Miles Herter, Cayden Boyd, Joe Stapleton, Tom Kemp, Bill Thorpe, Ken Cheeseman, Duncan B. Putney, Ed O’Keefe, Michael McGovern, Susan Bergeron (uncredited), Kevin Conway (uncredited), Brian Frates (uncredited), Eli Wallach (uncredited), Victor Warren (uncredited), Jillian Wheeler (uncredited), Brian A. White (uncredited) and Kris Williams (uncredited).
Music By: Clint Eastwood

The lives of three men who were childhood friends are shattered when one of them has a family tragedy. Heavy but powerful film focuses on the tight bonds of three guys who grew up in or around Southie, Boston. It adds to the enjoyment of the film if one is familiar with the area. Solid performances abound here and Eastwood masterfully handles the direction chore. The length may not be for all tastes but this reviewer doesn’t mind it. If one can look past the language, violence and thematic element of sexual abuse of a boy, there is a lot to be enjoyed here. The subtext is as rich as the plot and the characters. Good cinematography to boot… Dig the score composed and performed by Clint Eastwood too. A MUST for Boston or Boston area natives!

Trivia: The situation at the opening of this film is based on an incident when, as a child, author Dennis Lehane’s mother castigated him for getting into a car with two men who claimed to be plain–clothes policemen. The studio execs at Warner Brothers wanted Clint Eastwood to shoot this film in Toronto, Canada to save money. Eastwood refused and pushed to have the film shot in Boston where the story takes place. He won. Michael Keaton was originally cast as Sean Devine, played here by Kevin Bacon, and had already done several table reads with the principle cast and was well on his way in his research for the role with the Massachusetts State Police Department, when he got into a huge argument with Clint Eastwood. As a result of the argument, Keaton left the film and was replaced by Kevin Bacon.

This film was shot in 39 days. Forest Whitaker was the original choice for the role of Whitey Powers, played here by Laurence Fishburne, and he almost accepted the role but backed out due to other conflicts. Clint Eastwood narrated the teaser trailer. The liquor store scene was shot in Costello’s, a liquor store on Boylston Street in the Back Bay of Boston, next to Berklee College Of Music. After filming, screen shots from the scene were placed in the front display windows. Costello’s closed in January 2007. In the novel the surname of Jimmy and his family is Marcus but in the film it is Markum. 

Oscar® winner for: Best Actor – Sean Penn and Best Supporting Actor – Tim Robbins. Additionally Oscar® nominated for: Best Picture – Robert Lorenz, Jodie Hoyt and Clint Eastwood, Best Supporting Actress – Marcia Gay Harden, Best Director – Clint Eastwood, and Best Adapted Screenplay – Brian Helgeland. Golden Globe winner for: Best Actor – Motion Picture – Drama – Sean Penn and Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture – Tim Robbins. Additionally Golden Globe nominated for: Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director – Motion Picture – Clint Eastwood, and Best Screenplay – Motion Picture – Brian Helgeland.

Rated: [R] – Language & Violence
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy 

Spotlight (2015)

C – 128m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Writers: Josh Singer and Tom McCarthy
Exec. Prod.s: Jonathan King and Josh Singer
Dir.: Tom McCarthy
Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Live Schreiber, John Slattery, Brian d’Arcy James, Stanley Tucci, Elena Wohl, Gene Amoroso, Doug Murray, Sharon McFarlane, Jamey Sheridan, Neal Huff, Billy Crudup, Robert B. Kennedy, Duane Murray, Brian Chamberlain, Michael Cyril Creighton, Paul Guilfoyle, Michael Countryman, Gary Galone, Nancy Villone, Joe Stapleton, Maureen Keiller, Laurie Murdoch, Richard O’Rourke, David Boston (uncredited), Richard Jenkins (voice, uncredited) and Colleen Kelly (uncredited).
Music By: Howard Shore

The true story of how The Boston Globe uncovered the massive scandal of child molestation and cover–up within the local Catholic Archdiocese, shaking the entire Catholic Church to its core. This is a splendid dramatization of the facts around the Catholic Church sex abuse scandal and how The Boston Globe uncovered it. While this may not technically be a thriller there is tension built during the film that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Wonderful acting by a colossal cast and a very impressive set of actors to be sure. The set on which parts of this film was shot is an achievement as well. While the subject matter may be a sore spot for some, or even unappealing or repulsive to others, the depiction of the victims of the abuse and their stories are handled with dignity and there is nothing graphically depicted here. While the purported numbers of abuse cases may be indeed huge, there are likely some minor embellishments, as is the case with most dramatizations. Should this wreck the film for you? Or even keep one from seeing the film? No. It works on too well to be ignored as a film. Watch it! 

Trivia: The Boston Globe offices were all a big set. When Michael Keaton met the man he played in the film, he did an impression of him based on tapes he had watched of the man, etc. It was so good that it unnerved the real person Keaton played in the film. The guy was quoted as saying, “If Michael Keaton robbed a bank they would come and arrest me!”

Oscar® winner for: Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay – Josh Singer and Tom McCarthy. Additionally Oscar® nominated for: Best Supporting Actor – Mark Ruffalo, Best Supporting Actress – Rachel McAdams, Best Director – Tom McCarthy, and Best Editing. Golden Globe nominated for: Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director – Motion Picture – Tom McCarthy, and Best Screenplay – Motion Picture – Josh Singer and Tom McCarthy.

Rated: [R] – Some Language Including Sexual References
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Hannibal Lecter Films & Shows (1986 – 2015)

Author Thomas Harris wrote four books in the Hannibal Lecter series. The books, in order of the story are: Hannibal Rising, Red Dragon, The Silence Of The Lambs and Hannibal. They were turned into films and a television show between 1986 and 2015. Below are the reviews for the filmed versions in the order that they were made. The star rating on each also expresses the review of the books in this reviewer’s opinion.

Manhunter (1986)

C – 120m (Theatrical Cut) / 124m (Director’s Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Red Dragon: The Pursuit Of Hannibal Lecter, Red Dragon: The Curse Of Hannibal Lecter, Red Dragon, Blutmond, Hunter
Novel: Red Dragon by Thomas Harris
Screenplay By: Michael Mann
Dir.: Michael Mann
Starring: William Peterson, Kim Greist, Joan Allen, Brian Cox, Dennis Farina, Tom Noonan, Stephen Lang, Benjamin Hendrickson, Michael Talbott, Dan Butler, Frankie Faison, Joanne Camp, David Allen Brooks and Chris Elliott.

Former FBI profiler Will Graham returns to service to pursue a dangerous serial murderer nicknamed, “The Tooth Fairy,” by the media. Well done early Lecter (Lecktor here) film doesn’t hold a candle to the subsequent films but holds it’s own nicely. Cox and Peterson are tops. The preferred cut of the film is the Director’s Cut.

Trivia: While this movie was being filmed, Anthony Hopkins (who would go on to play Hannibal Lecter from 1991 – 2002 in three theatrical outings, including this film’s remake) was playing in King Lear at the National Theatre. In turn, when The Silence Of The Lambs (1991) was filming, Brian Cox, who plays Hannibal Lecter here, was playing in King Lear at the National Theatre. Brian Cox said that he based his portrayal of Hannibal was based on Scottish serial killer: Peter Manuel. This is the only Hannibal movie where his last name is spelled: Lecktor. Frankie Faison is the only actor to appear in four out of the five Hannibal films. Anthony Hopkins is next record holder being in three of them.

Nominated for a 1987 Edgar Allan Poe Award for: Best Picture – Michael Mann. Followed by the films: The Silence Of The Lambs (1991), Hannibal (2001) and the prequel: Hannibal Rising (2007). This was remade as: Red Dragon (2002), the book’s actual title, by Brett Ratner, and starring: Anthony Hopkins, Edward Norton, Harvey Keitel, Ralph Fiennes and others. This was also remade as the television show: Hannibal (2013 – 2015).

Rated: [R]
Out Of Print on VHS, Laserdisc and DVD but Available on Blu–ray and Digital Copy in both Theatrical Cut and Director’s Cut

The Silence Of The Lambs (1991)

C – 118m (Current Cut) / 138m (Original Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Silence Of The Lambs
Novel: The Silence Of The Lambs by Thomas Harris
Screenplay By: Ted Tally
Dir.: Jonathan Demme
Starring: Jodie Foster, Scott Glenn, Anthony Heald, Frankie Faison, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Ted Levine, Tracey Walter, Dan Butler, Diane Baker, Roger Corman, Charles Napier, Brent Hinkley, Chris Isaak, George A Romero, Edward Saxon and Mike Schaeffer.
Music By: Howard Shore

A young F.B.I. cadet seeks the help of a convicted, incarcerated, manipulating cannibal killer in order to catch another serial killer known as, “Buffalo Bill,” who skins his victims. This film is a tour de force for all involved. A perfect thriller that genuinely gives someone watching the film the creeps for one reason or another. All who got awards or were nominated for awards, richly deserved them.

Trivia: Jodie Foster has said that in the scene where Hannibal meets Starling and he mocks her Southern accent, it was not planned. Anthony Hopkins mocked her and her reaction was genuine indignation and hurt. She is said to have later thanked him for eliciting such an honest response from her. Sir Anthony Hopkins was confused when he learned that he got the role of Hannibal from his portrayal of Dr. Fredrick Treves in The Elephant Man (1981). He questioned Jonathan Demme about it by saying, “But Dr. Treves was a good man.” Demme replied, “So is Lecter, he is a good man too. Just trapped in an insane mind.” Sir Anthony Hopkins only had 24 minutes and 52 seconds of screen–time, making him the second shortest performance time to win Best Actor. The shortest is still held by David Niven in Separate Tables (1958), with 23 minutes and 39 seconds of screen–time.

After Lecter is moved from Baltimore the idea was to put him in an orange or yellow jumpsuit. Sir Anthony Hopkins convinced Director Jonathan Demme and Costume Designer Colleen Atwood that he would be more sinister looking in white. It has since been reported that Sir Anthony Hopkins said that he attributed his idea to his fear of dentist. Sir Anthony Hopkins explained his voice as Hannibal as being a cross between Truman Capote and Katharine Hepburn. Jame Gumb’s dance was not in the script but was in the novel. The dance was added at the behest of an insistent Ted Levine, who said that the dance was: “essential in the definition of the character.” The first moth cocoon found in a victim’s throat was made from a combination of Tootsie Rolls and Gummy Bears so that it would be edible in the event it was accidentally swallowed. And finally: Jodie Foster tried to buy the film rights to this book but Gene Hackman beat her to it. He planned to direct the film and star as either Jack Crawford or Hannibal Lecter, however he withdrew from the idea when he saw a clip of himself in Mississippi Burning (1988) at the Oscars® and felt too afraid to make more violent films.

Oscar® winner for: Best Picture, Best Actor – Sir Anthony Hopkins, Best Actress – Jodie Foster, Best Director – Jonathan Demme and Best Adapted Screenplay – Ted Tally. It was additionally Oscar® nominated for: Best Sound and Best Editing. It was also a Golden Globe winner for Best Actress – Motion Picture – Drama – Jodie Foster. It was additionally nominated for Golden Globes for: Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director – Motion Picture – Jonathan Demme, Best Actor – Motion Picture – Drama – Sir Anthony Hopkins, and Best Screenplay – Motion Picture – Ted Tally.

Rated: [R]
Out Of Print on VHS and Laserdisc but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy as part of The Criterion Collection and separately

Hannibal (2001)

C – 131m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: The Silence Of The Lambs II, The Silence Of The Lambs 2
Novel: Hannibal by Thomas Harris
Screenplay By: David Mamet and Steven Zaillian
Pro. – Dir.: Ridley Scott
Starring: Sir Anthony Hopkins, Julianne Moore, Gary Oldman, Ray Liotta, Frankie Faison, Giancarlo Giannini, Francesca Neri, Zeljko Ivanek, David Andrews and Francis Guinan.
Music By: Hans Zimmer

Living in exile, Hannibal Lecter tries to reconnect with Agent Starling and finds himself the target of revenge from a powerful victim. Frankly a lesser entry in the series isn’t without its own gruesome interesting points. Sadly most of those are towards the rear of the film and the viewer must float through a dream state first two acts to get to the final two gory ones. Still, it is worth a watch.

Trivia: When Thomas Harris finished the Hannibal novel, he sent copies to Jonathan Demme, Jodie Foster and Sir Anthony Hopkins. The screenplay for the film was rewritten numerous times due to issues with character elements that Demme and Foster had. As it turned out, neither Demme, nor Foster stuck with the production. Only Sir Anthony Hopkins and Frankie Faison returned. At one point David Fincher was slated to direct the film but dropped out. Sir Anthony Hopkins reportedly wrote a script for a sequel to this film. It was never utilized. Though Sir Anthony Hopkins had no official say in who would play Starling, Director Ridley Scott consulted him on the matter after Jodie Foster declined to reprise her role as Starling. Sir Anthony suggested Julianne Moore whom he had previously worked with on: Surviving Picasso (1996).  The part of Mason Verger was offered to Christopher Reeve first, and he displayed some interest, though having not read the novel. When he found out Verger was a quadriplegic, facially disfigured and a child rapist to boot, he declined the role. Gary Oldman based his Verger voice on Katharine Hepburn.

Rated: [R] – Strong Gruesome Violence, Some Nudity & Language
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy 

Red Dragon (2002)

C – 124m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
Novel: Red Dragon by Thomas Harris
Screenplay By: Ted Tally
Producers: Dino De Laurentiis and Martha De Laurentiis
Uncredited Associate Producer: Terry Needham
Dir.: Brett Ratner
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Edward Norton, Ralph Fiennes, Harvey Keitel, Emily Watson, Mary–Louise Parker, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Anthony Heald, Ken Leung, Frankie Faison, Madison Mason, Bill Duke and Frank Langella.
Music By: Danny Elfman

A retired F.B.I. Agent with special psychological gifts, is assigned to help track down the mysterious killer, “The Tooth Fairy,” with the help of his old nemesis: Hannibal “The Cannibal” Lecter. This remake of Manhunter (1986), under the novel’s original title, offers a more grisly telling of the story but does so with style. Everyone connected to this film is welcome when they turn out work like this and by that this reviewer means they are in top form here. This was Sir Anthony Hopkins’s swan song as Hannibal Lecter, though he made other films where he played basically the same character sans the cannibalism. 

Trivia: Director Brett Ratner reportedly asked Sir Anthony Hopkins to get a facelift and Sir Anthony refused. Sir Anthony Hopkins showed up on set on one of his days off just to watch Philip Seymour Hoffman work, as they shared no scenes together. Philip Seymour Hoffman insisted on being glued to the chair during his encounter with Ralph Fiennes’ character. Ralph Fiennes gained fifteen pounds of muscle for the role of Francis Dolarhyde. Sir Anthony Hopkins stated that his final outing as Hannibal was to remind audiences that Hannibal is a serial killer. He stated that he didn’t like the fact that Hannibal became a fun anti-hero in the public’s minds.

Rated: [R] – Violence, Grisly Images, Language, Some Nudity & Sexuality
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Hannibal Rising (2007)

C – 121m (Theatrical Cut) / 131m (Unrated Cut)

Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen

A.K.A.: The Lecter Variation: The Story Of Young Hannibal Lecter, Young Hannibal: Behind The Mask, The Lector Variations, Young Hannibal, Hannibal 4
Novel: Hannibal Rising by Thomas Harris
Screenplay By: Thomas Harris
Producers: Dino De Laurentiis and Martha De Laurentiis
Dir.: Peter Webber
Starring: Gaspard Ulliel, Li Gong and Rhys Ifans

Hannibal grows up after escaping the Nazis and cannibalism during World War II and plans revenge on the cannibals responsible for his sister’s murder years before. Lured and frankly unnecessary prequel to the successful Hannibal series is also slow moving. One scene of revenge is welcome when Hannibal goes after the crude guy in the market. Otherwise, skip it.

Trivia: The only Hannibal outing to be scripted by the book series’ author, Thomas Harris.

Rated: [R] – Strong Grisly Violent Content and some Language / Sexual References
Available on DVD & Digital Copy

Hannibal: The Complete Series (2013–2015)

C – 44m Each, 39 Episodes
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 – Widescreen
Inspired By The Novel: Red Dragon by Thomas Harris
Creator: Bryan Fuller
Starring: Hugh Dancy, Mads Mikkelsen, Laurence Fishburne and Eddie Izzard.

Will Graham is a teacher who is recruited because of his psychological gifts to help the F.B.I. track down killers, along the way he meets Hannibal Lecter and trouble ensues in the long run. The short lived series is slow moving for the most part, which may be a hindrance for some, but the visual touches are amazing. Worth a look.

Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Last Flag Flying (2017)

Last Flag Flying (2017)

C – 125m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Novel By: Darryl Ponicsan
Screenplay By: Richard Linklater and Darryl Ponicsan
Pro. – Dir.: Richard Linklater
Starring: Bryan Cranston, Laurence Fishburne, Steve Carell and Samuel Davis.

Thirty years after they served together in Vietnam, three friends reunite to help bury on of their sons. A very sad but moving story is actually pretty well summarized as: The Last Detail (1973) and Taking Chance (2009) meets The Big Chill (1983). It is more of an emotional rollercoaster than one may think from the trailers. Fine performances by the actors! This film should not be missed.

Trivia: This is a spiritual sequel to The Last Detail (1973) and the novel was an actual sequel to it. This was filmed in and around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Rated: [R] – Language Throughout Including Some Sexual References
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy