The Basketball Diaries
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Scott Kalvert
Produced by	Liz Heller John Bard Manulis
Written by	Jim Carroll (novel) Bryan Goluboff (screenplay)
Starring	Leonardo DiCaprio Lorraine Bracco James Madio Mark Wahlberg Bruno Kirby
Music by	Graeme Revell
Cinematography	David Phillips
Editing by	Dana Congdon
Distributed by	New Line Cinema Palm Pictures Vivendi Entertainment
Release date(s)	April 21, 1995
Running time	102 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Gross revenue	$2,424,439

The Basketball Diaries is a 1995 drama film, directed by Scott Kalvert, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Lorraine Bracco, James Madio, and Mark Wahlberg. It is based on the autobiographical book of the same name by Jim Carroll. The film features original music by Red Hot Chili Peppers' bass player, Flea.

[edit] Plot

Film adaptation of street tough Jim Carroll's (Leonardo DiCaprio) epistle about his kaleidoscopic free fall into the harrowing world of drug addiction. As a member of a seemingly unbeatable high school basketball squad, Jim's life centers around the basketball court and the court becomes a metaphor for the world in his mind. A best friend who is dying of leukemia, a coach ("Swifty") who takes unacceptable liberties with the boys on his team, teenage sexual angst, and an appetite for heroin—all of these begin to encroach on young Jim's dream of becoming a basketball star. Soon, the dark streets of New York become a refuge from his mother's mounting concern for her son. He can't go home and his only escape from the reality of the streets is heroin for which he steals, robs and prostitutes himself. Only with the help of Reggie, an older neighborhood friend with whom Jim "picked up a game" now and then, is he able to begin the long journey back to sanity. The film is set in the early 90s, while Carroll's actual book recounts experiences from growing up in the 60s.

[edit] Cast

• Leonardo DiCaprio as Jim Carroll
• Lorraine Bracco as Mrs. Carroll
• James Madio as Pedro
• Patrick McGaw as Neutron
• Mark Wahlberg as Mickey
• Roy Cooper as Father McNulty
• Bruno Kirby as Swifty
• Alexander Chaplin as Bobo
• Juliette Lewis as Diane Moody
• Michael Imperioli as Bobby
• Ernie Hudson as Reggie
• Manny Alfaro as Manny
• Cynthia Daniel as Winkie
• Brittany Daniel as Blinkie

[edit] Reception

The film received mixed reviews, and currently holds a 38% rotten rating based on reviews from critics at the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes due to the film's intense depictions of drug abuse and addiction. Considerable praise was given towards Dicaprio, with some saying "bravura turn that should've won him an Oscar", as well as praising Mark Wahlberg's supporting performance as the violent Mickey.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Controversy

After the Heath High School shooting, lawyer Jack Thompson brought this film into a $33 million lawsuit claiming that the film's plot, among other media, caused the 14-year-old Michael Carneal to shoot members of a prayer group. The case was dismissed.^[1]

[edit] See also

• List of American films of 1995

[edit] References

[edit] External links

Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to: Basketball Diaries

• The Basketball Diaries at the Internet Movie Database
• The Basketball Diaries at Allmovie
• The Basketball Diaries at Rotten Tomatoes
• The Basketball Diaries at Metacritic