As fifteen-year-old Leland Fitzgerald (Ryan Gosling) tells us about a day he can’t remember very well, we watch a young boy on his bike in a park. It’s obvious from Leland’s narrative that something horrible and tragic occurred in the park concerning the boy on the bike and that Leland is responsible. When Leland’s mother comes home from work, she finds blood patches near the front door and Leland in his bedroom, who instantly tells her that he thinks he’s made a mistake. Soon, the police arrive, and Leland is arrested. The community is filled with the news that Leland brutally murdered the young boy on his bike, a young boy who is mentally disabled. The victim is also the brother of Leland’s girlfriend, Becky (Jena Malone). Becky and her family are now mourning and suffering, which is made worse because they can’t understand why Leland would commit such a horrible and disturbing crime.
While in juvenile detention, Leland and other prisoners have teaching sessions with Pearl Madison (Don Cheadle), who focuses on various subjects, including English and history. As Pearl learns more about Leland and speaks with him in class, he finds Leland fascinating and likable. So much so that Pearl is inspired to write a book about him, provided Leland’s father, Albert (Kevin Spacey), permits him. Leland also enjoys writing and expressing his thoughts, a common interest that the two share. Pearl helps Leland by sneaking pencils and booklets into his prison cell, allowing him to develop his craft and passion and giving him time to express himself sincerely. Pearl continues working with Leland outside of class time while many in the community outside the juvenile hall continue to grieve, suffer, and question the recent actions.
The United States of Leland is a dramatic film that starts with a genuinely heartbreaking, gripping, and disturbing storyline with a mysterious outline as to why Leland would do such a thing to a mentally disabled boy. The film was directed and written by Matthew Ryan Hoge, whose only other credit is a comedy titled Self Storage from 1999.
Captivating the audience through the vague, poetic and introspective narrative of the opening, The United States of Leland shows us Leland’s attempts to come to terms with his recent actions and thoughts while also trying to express them. Leland’s character remains calm and relaxed throughout the film, seemingly unaffected by the events around him. While his demeanour and thoughts may appear obscure and detached, Ryan Gosling’s performance in this role is commendable. The characters impacted by Leland’s actions, particularly his girlfriend and father (portrayed by Kevin Spacey), deliver a more compelling and heartfelt performance. They effectively convey the depth of sadness, anger and the bewildering process of grappling with Leland’s motives. Don Cheadle’s portrayal of Pearl is also noteworthy, as his character delves into an earnest quest to understand Leland on a deeper level while pursuing his aspirations and success as a writer.
The United States of Leland is visually pleasing, and the audio track, including dialogue, captures emotion and drama. However, due to its themes and tragic storyline, it may not be a film that viewers would want to watch repeatedly. Nevertheless, there is a lot to analyse and think about after a single viewing. The film’s conclusion, the reasons behind the main character Leland’s actions, and the impact on those affected by him will leave a lasting impression.
Overall, when it comes to drama, I can’t deny it: The United States of Leland hits heavily with its disturbing premise and lack of reasoning behind it. These dramatic details only hook viewers, leaving them curious to know more. The story shows how one person’s choices can affect many others, showing us various characters who are emotionally destroyed or left trying to understand the reasons behind the events. The performances are strong overall, but some characters, including the main character, Leland, may be forgettable. The side performances and characters are more memorable and bring a more realistic quality to the screen. The visual and audio quality is good, but given the film’s heaviness and themes, you may not want to watch it repeatedly. It’s more of a one-time experience due to its intense drama and outcomes.
The United States of Leland (2003) is Now Available on Blu-ray thanks to Imprint Films
6.8/10
11th August 2024
Written by Peter Walkden
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