Time of Dying

Author: Matthew LaRusso
Location: New Jersey

"Time of Dying"

Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Written by: Christopher Nolan
Music by: John Williams

Principal Cast:

Nick Stahl as Steven Willingham, Jr.
Vanessa Lengies as Lorie del Russo
Kevin Bacon as Steven Willingham, Sr.
Marisa Tomei as Maria Willingham
Justin Bartha as Mike O'Connor
Jessica Alba as Jennifer Novan
Jake Gyllenhaal as Matt Franzoni
Brandon Routh as Stephen Novan
Elisha Cuthbert as Jessica Zaches

Tagline: "We know man is not invincible, but the soul tells us different..."

Synopsis: Based on actual events, this is the story of the short and tumultuous life of a 24 year old New Jersey man named Steven Willingham, Jr. (Stahl). Being born to teenage, drug abusing parents Willingham's life starts out on the wrong foot. He ends up hating his parents for what they've done and resents his father for cheating on and abusing his mother while his father (Bacon) develops an equal hatred for his son. Willingham rises to meteoric fame through the motocross circuit but ultimately becomes dependent on drugs and alcohol to get through his life. He finds some solace in his girlfriend (Lengies) and his friends but ultimately his inner demons take control of him and he ends up taking his own life by plummeting off a highway overpass.

What the press would say:

Christopher Nolan brings the agonizing true story of a young man's tragic life to the big screen. Nolan shows no shyness in tackling major issues including drugs, alcohol and suicide and his direction in such scenes leaves the audience in a state of unrelenting pity and despair, especially the suicide scene which is quite graphic. Despite the overall themes, it is the tragic subtleties that bring this story to life.

It is a haunting look at a seemingly normal young man's life and his tragic end. With breakthrough performances throughout, especially Stahl and Lengies, this movie is not for the faint at heart, but it also is not to be missed.

Best Picture
Best Director- Christopher Nolan
Best Actor- Nick Stahl
Best S. Actress- Vanessa Lengie
Best Screenplay
Best Editing
Best Original Score