The Laramie Project Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
When a small town comes face to face with murder, everybody has a tale to tell.
Everyone Carries a Piece of the Truth.
'Moisés Kaufman' (qv) and members of New York's Tectonic Theater Project went to Laramie, Wyoming after the murder of 'Matthew Shepard (I)' (qv). This is a film version of the play they wrote based on more than 200 interviews they conducted in Laramie. It follows and in some cases re-enacts the chronology of Shepherd's visit to a local bar, his kidnap and beating, the discovery of him tied to a fence, the vigil at the hospital, his death and funeral, and the trial of his killers. It mixes real news reports with actors portraying friends, family, cops, killers, and other Laramie residents in their own words. It concludes with a Laramie staging of "Angels in America" a year after Shephard's death.
| Christina Ricci | Romaine Patterson |
| Steve Buscemi | Doc O'Conner |
| Laura Linney | Sherry Johnson |
| Summer Phoenix | Jen Malmskog |
| Moisés Kaufman |
7.20 out of 10 (2485 votes)
Visitor Reviews
A true crime
posted on 25 Jun 2009When i first saw this movie i was filled with many different feelings, it was an truthful, accurate story about a young man who should not have had to die because of who he was. It shows the ignorance there is in people, the fear some harbor and absolute evil there is in some. This young man, a sweet small, man someone who was someones child was killed brutally because he was gay. Because he chose to be with men. Its a story from people who knew him, of other gay people who live with the fear of being harmed for being who they are. Its a story of how things are in this day and age. Its sad, horrible and tragic that this young mans family had to lose him because there are such narrow minded homophobic people out there. It shows up the different types of hate crime and racist there is out there. Its a touching, story one that makes you think, one that makes you feel and one that makes you wish you could change things. I would recommend this movie to any one who wants to see something meaningful, something with a touch of truth, something with a lot to say. Its a great movie with a tragic loss within it.
A cast member's perspective
posted on 13 Jun 2009My high school performed this play a few moths ago, and we were the first amateur group to perform it. Performing it at the high school level, in the enviroment we were in, we saw a wide range of reactions to the show, but most people really took it in. This story, probably because it was on stage, right there in front of people, really seemed to affect them. So watching this movie, for one, having been in the play, and knowing all the lines, I didn't watch it the same as everyone else, I was comparing it to how I did it, what I thought it should be. But also, I have no sense of the impact on the audience transferred from the stage to the screen. From my perspective, I thought it was very well acted, sometimes differently than my cast, but still very well, especiall by Laura Linney, who is only in one scene, but was really spectacular. As for the effect, the people I watched it with seemed as affected as those at the play, I think because the film is able to dwell on moments we couldn't when on stage. So what am I saying? It's a superb story, well written, and I think, well performed. Give it a shot.
Wonderful documentary that is very moving.
posted on 16 May 2009I just finished watching the Laramie Project on HBO. I've read the comments about too many big shots being in the movie and that taking away from it, but I feel that if you felt it took away from it then you're watching it as if it is a movie - not what it was made for.The documentary was very moving and made me tear up in some parts of it. It was beautifuly directed and had some great shots that really capture the moment. They did an excellent job producing this and I urge you to see it. Hopefully this will help change people's views and open their minds up to realize that crimes like these are horrible.
A Powerful Statement
posted on 27 Mar 2009Matthew Shepard was about two months short of his twenty-second birth when he was robbed, beaten, tied to a fence post and left to die in a rural area of Wyoming. The man who found him at first thought he was a scarecrow. Rushed to Poudre Valley Hospital at Fort Collins, he died on 12 October 1998--and when Russell Henderson and Aaron McKinney were arrested for the crime they resorted to a defense known as "gay panic." Matthew Shepherd had propositioned them, they said, and they were so horrified that they killed him in response.The gay community and numerous civil rights watchdog groups were outraged by the defense, and as more and more facts came to light it seemed that the crime was somewhat more complicated than Henderson and McKinney wanted the public to know. Witnesses stated that Henderson and McKinney had specifically targeted Shepherd because he was gay. After much legal wrangling, Henderson pled guilty and testified against McKinney, who was convicted; after still more legal wrangling, and at the request of Shepherd's parents, McKinney escaped the death penalty but has no chance of parole.The case made headlines from end of the United States to the other and prompted numerous calls for Hate Crimes legislation, which had long been stalled both at the state and federal level. And in the midst of the confusion, chaos, and controversy, Moises Kaufman and the members of The Tectonic Theatre Project arrived on the scene, interviewing more than two hundred people about their thoughts and feelings on the case. These were shaped into THE LARAMIE PROJECT, a drama that debuted in 2000 and which has since shocked, impressed, and deeply moved audiences from coast to coast.On the stage, THE LARAMIE PROJECT is played by eight performers who enact the numerous interview subjects in a three act, three hour performance on a largely bare stage. When filmed by HBO in 2002, it was reduced in length by about half and each interview subject was performed by a different actor--some of them members of the Techtonic Theatre Project, some of them well-known actors such as Laura Linney and Peter Fonda. The result is indeed powerful... but not as effective as the stage version, for on film it tends be a series of readings by "talking heads," a sort of pseudo-documentary, rather than as a cohesive whole.That said, the great difference between the film and the original script is one of balance. On stage, THE LARAMIE PROJECT takes no sides per se; it simply sets forth the words and allows the audience to judge. On screen, it is distinctly slanted, cutting much of the commentary that gave the original such remarkable balance. Even so, and although far outstripped by the stage version, it is a powerful voice for equality, tolerance, and simple human decency. Recommended.GFT, Amazon Reviewer
A powerful film not for everyone
posted on 11 Mar 2009Plain and simple, this is a strong film. Based on the play of the same name, actors portray the words of Laramie residents after the murder of Matt Shepard. There have been several negative reviews regarding this film, but those must be taken with a grain of salt because these people have obviously brought their own bias to their viewing of this film. Bias towards homosexuals, Hollywood films and actors, or what they may perceive as liberal ideas.Laramie was not presented in a negative light, an agenda was not being pushed and actors were not patting themselves on the back for their performances. This murder touched a raw nerve in America and many other countries and that is presented thoughtfully throughout this film.The stars were not a distraction, there was not any ham fisted scenery chewing. It was a verbatim retelling of the Laramie people trying to understand what happened. Those were their words. Supportive, or otherwise.If people decide to negatively review this film because they have "chosen" a conservative "lifestyle", then we should accept them as they are and "live and let live." We can't challenge these people to be more open, because they're usually not up to the challenge. We must hope that this film reaches the people who haven't decided how they will treat those around them--who are not like themselves--for the rest of their lives.It took me a long time to watch this film because I knew the ending: one guy is dead and two guys are alive and living off the state and signing autographs as "killer". It's painful to watch if you've been a victim of violence, but more painful if you have ignored hate, or violence directed at minorities. I think that is why people have a hard time accepting this film. We hear bigoted comments, name calling and threats against people and ignore what we hear. We as a society need to grow a collective backbone and stand up to these people. If you tell someone not to use the word fag, no one will perceive you as gay. More likely they will see you as a man, taking the action that a real man would take.While watching this film, if you'd like to, imagine Matt as yourself, or a minority, a woman, a child, a poor person, a senior, a disabled person, someone who's learning disabled, or even someone you imagine is suffering from the white man's burden, or any other person who gets kicked around pretty regular by us as a society at large. If that helps you understand what gays and liberals have seen in this film, then good. A little empathy goes along way.
Amazing
posted on 19 Feb 2009This isn't a film, nor is it a documentary. It's an adaptation of an incredible play, and it works beautifully. It has an amazing cast, but the real greatness of this movie is how close it stays to the play--and what's great about the play is how it uses the *exact* words of the people of Laramie. This isn't supposed to be a traditional film, and if you walk into it expecting that, you'll be disappointed. I rate this an absolute 10. Amazing.
A tragedy that is being exploited to promote controversy.
posted on 17 Feb 2009Have no idea why the producers of this film, based on a real life tragic incident, could not have used the residents of Laramie themselves to produce this film. Using Hollywoodites the film came across so phony in its presentation that the message of violence against and murder of any person, regardless of their chosen life-styles, got sidetracked by the struggle to focus on and promote, favorably, a very controversial life-style. Will this film become the "Reefer Madness" of today? It is surely in the top running for same!
both artistically well-done and breathtakingly powerful
posted on 24 Jan 2009I don't often cry during movies. In fact, I've only cried during Schindler's List, Amistad, Snow Falling on Cedars -- and tonight -- The Laramie Project. I was fortunate enough to attend a free screening of it through my school (I attend New York University) and to meet the producer, Ross Katz, after the film was shown. Mr. Katz, Director Moisés Kaufman, and all the actors involved put together an extraordinary piece of work. At times it was hopeful, at others, disturbing -- but always touching, profound, and brutally honest. Additionally, it was fair to all the points-of-view held by the citizens of Laramie, Wyoming -- whether presenting the mindset of the murderers of Matthew Shephard, the grief of Matthew's parents and friends, the fear of Laramie's gay community, or the outrage and confusion of the town in general. Janeane Garofalo, Amy Madigan, Christina Ricci, Joshua Jackson, John MacAdams, and the gentleman who plays Matthew Shephard's father (whose name escapes me at the moment) give standout performances. I'm very happy I got to congratulate Mr. Katz for an extremely well-done production, and will be both surprised and angered if he isn't nominated for *some* award.
Moving and Original
posted on 29 Dec 2008This film was one of the most concise, fearless, and moving portrayals of the devastating effects of the Mathew Shepard killing that I have yet seen. Perhaps the film's most striking attribute is the originality with which its director chooses to tell the real life story.This being his choice to use Hollywood actors to re-create interviews gathered in Laramie after Mathew's murder. Through the vast array of differing points of view, a complete picture is successfully painted which I believe not only gay and lesbian people, but people from every walk of life can connect to.
Thoughtful, Stunning.
posted on 13 Dec 2008A work that is exceptional both in terms of its structure and in terms of the unique nature of the presentation. It brings into sharp focus many of the complex elements of a horror like this and the profound effects which it has on the many disparate participants.The quality of the acting is superb evidencing a dedication to the material that goes beyond mere craftwork; many of the performances are obviously from the heart and the soul. Dylan Baker, Amy Madigan, Jeremy Davies, Peter Fonda, Joshua Jackson, and Camryn Manheim are stellar. The courtroom speech by Matthew's Father is historical. The direction is challenging and engaging.It takes a truly cold, trite, and hardened heart to dismiss such a moving film predicated solely upon the prejudices, regressive political posturing, and obvious homophobia brought to such dismissals.
Based on a Play
posted on 20 Oct 2008When watching this movie, it is important to remember that the original script was written for a stage production. The Tectonic Theater Project went to Laramie, interviewed the residents, and wrote a three act play from these interviews. This play has been performed all over the country at professional and school theaters alike and has received rave reviews.The movie, therefore, is based on the play - so it is not a conventional movie. It is essentially a re-enacted documentary. The movie is done like this because the play is actually a series of monologues and short dialogues taken from the interviews - it does not flow from scene to scene but instead is presented in "moments" that are not in chronological order and are mixed together to give the play an overall feel. The movie does the same thing. So you are not going to get a story with a plot. You're going to get a slice of life.This is an amazing movie. It is unique in the way it is presented and the issues it addresses. I highly recommend it. You will not be disappointed.
An okay film filled with familiar faces.
posted on 24 Sep 2008This screened at Sundance last night to a receptive if mute crowd.
Clearly the story is worth relating, it's powerful and true, but did the director have to cast every single role with a recognizable face? I mean, really, you spend have your time saying "Oh look, it's the guy from 'Armageddon'", or "Hey, it's Easy Rider!" and you lose sight of the story. Perhaps it's the only way this guy could get his movie made, but it's a little distracting, sort of like 'The Love Boat", or those old Towering Inferno movies, that were 'chock o' block with stars!'. I wish he's just told the story simply with less famous faces. Also, the camera work seems kind of lazy, like there wasn't any thought about where to put the camera to best tell the story. All in all, I thought it was okay, but could have been really good.
One of the most important films of the year...
posted on 16 Sep 2008It's disappointing that it has taken me this long to finally see "The Laramie Project." I had the opportunity to attend the screening in LA, but something came up. Then I made plans to see it when it originally aired on HBO, and was unable to see it then either. I recently got a copy in the mail from my parents. Again, it has taken me several weeks to actually sit down and watch it. This is relevant because I think too often many of us put off paying attention...put off getting involved...put off making films like this one. There were a lot of "recognizable faces" associated with this film. And many of those faces gave, in my mind some of the most outstanding performances of their careers. This film has many great performances, some lovely cinematography, beautiful editing and so on...but most importantly...this film has heart.
An exceptionally well done docu-drama.
posted on 05 Aug 2008Generally I stay away from documentaries, preferring stories with a plot to hold my wavering attention. "The Laramie Project" is, I suppose, not strictly speaking a documentary at all, as it uses professional actors, but it's closely based on audio interviews recorded right at the time of the events following Matthew Shepard's abduction, torture and murder in the eponymous Western town. I think that in this case realism and professionalism combined to fine advantage. This film communicates the pathos and poignancy of the drama itself, but also tremendous need of basically good citizens and good people to make things "all right," even when they are not all right at all. Prejudice and baseless hatred have been the bane of humankind forever. They derive from our roots as territorial creatures, where maximizing INTRA-group similarities and INTER-group differences were a means to survival. Now that our planet has become truly a "global village," such attitudes are not only shameful, but unless we can truly obliterate them from our minds and hearts, will ultimately lead to our own destruction. This is another of those films that everybody needs to view.
A brave and affecting screen adaptation of a uniquely theatrical work. .
posted on 08 Jul 2008The Laramie Project is a play in three acts which was developed through a process that explores and brilliantly exploits various formal and semiotic elements of theatrical storytelling. As the text investigates the disintegration and subsequent regeneration of a community in crisis, it also provokes critical thought in regard to the inherent effectiveness of the theatrical medium in the telling of such a story. Armed with this knowledge, most fans of Moisés Kaufman and Tectonic Theater Project's play sit down with trepidation to watch the newly finished screen adaptation by the same title. The intelligent viewer will be largely impressed. Despite the parade of celebrity cameos, the piece retains its emotional core. The town of Laramie is still explored, criticized and affirmed with eloquence and sensitivity. Perhaps most impressive is that in spite of the shift in medium, The Laramie Project still serves as an exploration of the methods and ethics of theatrical development and interview based work. Rather than losing this provocative, self-reflexive edge, we are presented with the added element of an overriding commentary on the alienation and manipulation often associated with filmic representations of sensitive events. The piece is changed, but remains exquisite. It's great strength remains in its ability to raise questions, both of its subjects and of its own means of communication. I hope that this venture into the cinematic realm will be the first of many for Mr. Kaufman.
Brilliant and moving
posted on 06 Jul 2008An incredible movie that was brilliantly cast. I watched this movie my freshmen year of college and have revisited it time after time. There is never a lull in the movie--it hits hard and fast with character shifts and emotional dialogue that never sounds forced coming from the actors' mouths. It is the dialogue, transcribed from hundreds of hours of actual interviews with the people of Laramie, that gives this heinous crime a whole new dimension. Though the bigotry that is illustrated is hard to watch, as you observe the courage that certain people in the town showed, you might just find your faith in the human race restored. A must see for everyone.
Interesting, but slightly detrimental toward Laramie.
posted on 24 Jun 2008Watching The Laramie Project early this spring, I was overcome with emotion and horror. Being 21, male, gay, and a university student, I feel that I have a lot in common with Matthew Shepard, and I was amazed at how the story really struck a nerve in me. By the time the movie ended, I actually had to go into the bathroom, splash water on my face, and calm down.Then, after the whole sensationalism died down, I realized that... Laramie, Wyoming is no different than a huge number of places in the USA and abroad. There's always going to be a prejudice toward homosexuals in any community. I've grown up here in the Ozarks of Northern Arkansas -- the bible belt -- and the exact same attitudes are present here. I've even been insulted, verbally attacked, and threatened due to my sexuality.Unfortunately, I have heard a lot of insults thrown toward Laramie, Wyoming and its residents. I think this is highly unfair, because if people were to go around in their hometowns and ask "What do you think of homosexuals?" they'd probably get a lot of the same responses from Laramie. People who are staunch haters of homosexuals, some who view it as a sin but decide to live and let live, some who honestly don't care, and some who are gay themselves. I've lived in rural Arkansas, rural Wisconsin, rural Maine, and urban Boston. I found all 4 types of these people in all those areas, even a more "liberal" urban area. Why the shock?I have friends in Laramie, Wyoming. All of which are heterosexual. They're not homophobic in the least. Just recently, I read in the news of a gay beating in West Hollywood of a prominent gay actor. Why hasn't there been a movie about that? I can be quite assured that gay hate crimes happen all over the world. Why would someome be shocked that a gay hate crime would happen in the Heartland of America? They're even MORE conservative here!My point is... look, this movie was good. It definitely drove a point home that hate crimes are evident and are a horrible thing. But Laramie isn't unique in the least, so don't make it out to sound like the evil homophobic core of America. (This message goes out to anyone who felt any type of revulsion toward Laramie after watching the movie. I hope others have used more judgement.)
Powerful, moving
posted on 10 Mar 2008Excellent cable movie dealing with the horrendous murder of gay Matthew Shepard in 1998 in Laramie, Wyoming. A theatre group went to the town and interviewed the citizens and came back with 400 hours of material. This became a play with actors playing the towns citizens. It's now been done as an HBO film with a top-notch cast playing the citizens. There are also reenactments of the trial of the two murderers and their convictions. This is definetely a strange film but totally fascinating with many powerful moments. The scene where Matthew Shepard's father addresses one of the killers of his son is gut-wrenching--it's hard to believe it's just an actor reading dialogue. Previous posters have complained about not using the real townspeople talking. I don't think that's a valid argument--many of these people probably wouldn't want to appear on film and would they really want to go through recreations of the trial and the protests outside?Also, there's not one bad acting job from anybody in the cast but special honors go to Camryn Manheim, Christina Ricci and Amy Madigan.A powerful, painful film. A definite must-see for everybody.
A Sad and Eye Opening Story
posted on 30 Jan 2008I live in Cheyenne, WY, a short 45 minute drive from the beautiful small town of Laramie. Unfourtanitly, after the murder of Matthew Sheppard, we are seen as a heavily Conservative hate-state. This is absolutely false. We are, for the most part, a very accepting and tolerant state. While we do have a very Conservative/Republican population, as well as a large Mormon population, we are not a hate state.With that said, this was an eye opening film. It truly shows the problebms we have with tolerance and hatred towards homosexuals these days. If we can learn anything from these tragedies, it should be that tolerance towards homosexuals is of utmost importance. Also, love can heal every would. Mrs. Sheppard's foregiveness towards the murderes is a great example.By the way, I am a Catholic. Jesus did not hate anyone. Keep that in mind.
Sad, powerful, excellent..MATT WE MISS YOU!
posted on 08 Aug 2009The 1998 gay hate crime murder of, Matthew Shepard, really hurt many people around the world, including myself. The very fact that this sweet young man, so slight in height and weight, with an angelic face could be kidnapped by two idiot kids, tied to a spit rail wooden fence and pistol whipped and tortured until his skull was literally bashed with fractures, and then left there to die, tied to that fence for 18 hours in the near freezing temperatures until a bicyclist came upon him. Matthew was at this time, in a coma, and for 4 days the world watched, waited, and hoped he would recover. Matthew did not. He died October 12th, 1998 in the hospital. This film, through a series of massive interviews with the residents of this town, is done in a documentary style, with the actors repeating the words collected in those interviews. It is very well made, very powerful and also very very sad. They filmed this in the actual town. You get to see the inside of the bar Matt was in before his abduction, as well as the college he attended, the rail fence he was tied to (THANK GOD NO MURDER IS RE-CREATED HERE), as well as the actual courtroom the trial took place at. Hopefully, people who are homophobic can see by watching this film, people are people--no matter if they are of a different race or sexual orientation. We all need to stand UNITED, encourage state laws to include zero tolerance of gay hate crimes. Matthew Shepard did not deserve to die. If anything good can come from such an evil thing that happened, let's hope this movie can open some eyes and we can stop the hate and innocent people being murdered.