DVD Review: Believer, The (A-)

The Believer (2001)
Directed by Henry Bean
Starring Ryan Gosling, Summer Phoenix, Billy Zane and Theresa Russell
MPAA: R
Grade: A-

Review by Scott Standish

Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, The Believer is about as good as independent film gets.

Danny Balint (Gosling) is a young Jew that refuses to accept the teachings of his mentors. His rebelliousness grows and before long he has completely jumped to the opposite point of view, becoming a vicious anti-Semite. His well spoken manner makes him an attractive candidate to neo-nazi groups. Aligning himself with these hate groups, Danny angrily espouses his views to larger audiences as the movie progresses. This character is based on the true story of Daniel Burrows, a neo-nazi who killed himself when the public learned that he was in fact a Jew himself.

Who would have thought that a former child star of the Mickey Mouse Club (1989 cast) would turn into such a fantastic actor? Ryan Gosling is absolutely incredible in this lead role. One moment thoughtful, the other vicious, the range shown here is remarkable. Billy Zane and Theresa Russell also sparkle as the leaders of a fascist group intent on expanding into terrorism. Lastly, the lovely Summer Phoenix (the youngest of the Phoenix family actors) plays Danny's love interest and she is nothing short of brilliant here. We expect to see Summer become a star in her own right, she's that good.

The Believer is the first film directed by Henry Bean and hopefully its not his last. Bean wrote and produced the highly underrated film noir Deep Cover starring Jeff Goldblum and Laurence Fishburne. Bean shows a strong skill for bringing intense character studies to the screen, while allowing his actors to flourish without special effects trickery.

Well acted and perfectly directed, The Believer is highly recommended.

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