15 Minutes (2001, DVD)

15 Minutes (2001)

15 Minutes takes a serious look at the public's obsession with dirt and the media's eager willingness to dish it up, all the time absolving itself of any responsibility for possible fall out. After all, they're only doing it to serve the public interest is how they rationalize it.

The story centers on the highly rated tabloid television show, Top Story, hosted by Robert Hawkins, a character played by Kelsey Grammer. Grammer plays his part with just the right tinge of unctuous self-righteousness that makes you want to punch him in the mouth.

Grammer is always looking for the next big scoop. Right now he needs another story he can sensationalize for his upcoming show and his producer is telling him he needs to get something a little more substantial to broaden the fan base, "Nonsense; if it bleeds it leads," he says, ever mindful of his ratings.

He goes on a ride along with a highly decorated NYPD detective, Eddie Flemming (Robert DeNiro), and they do a keystone kops style roust of a Jamaican involved in a domestic crime. Nothing is usable for his show, so Grammer is frustrated but little does he know that he will soon be at the nerve center of the biggest story in years, partially created by himself.

Another story thread concerns two tourists from behind the iron curtain, Emil and Oleg, played by Karel Roden and Oleg Taktarov. These two make a real odd couple; with the first a full blown psychopathic killer and the other just deluded into thinking he is a movie director. He steals a $2,200 camcorder from a downtown store and begins making his movie. The film he makes will prove instrumental in the denouement of the film.

Still another thread concerns a fire investigator (Ed Burns) who meets DeNiro on a possible crime scene. This is actually one created by the two foreigners but the investigators don't know that yet. They will soon run smack up against the dangerous duo.

The point of this movie is a broad based, well reasoned blitzkrieg on popular culture and the purveyors who prey on the public's credulity day after day. The title comes from Andy Warhol's widely reported comment that someday everybody will have "15 minutes of fame." This is exactly the mentality projected by the television host, the foreigners who believe they have found a way to exploit the system, and the viewer - unless they are too wrapped up in the unfolding story to see that part of the joke is aimed squarely at them and their prurient interests.

All of the characters play their parts well, with Robert DeNiro doing possibly his best job ever as part of the ensemble. He doesn't monopolize the whole film as he usually does and his performance is much more realistic here. He even has a loving girl friend, admittedly the top reporter for a big TV station, but for DeNiro it is his most believable role and he seems to be defined by it.

Edward Burns is good also, but he lacks enough charisma to carry much of the story all by himself. With the good support provided by the others he was able to carry his part, but a better actor would have made this film truly exceptional. The two Eastern Europeans are unknowns and are simply superb as they must carry a significant part of the film by themselves. They will alternately fascinate you and make your skin crawl.

The New Line DVD is presented in 2.35:1 theatrical format, in color, with a running time of 121 minutes. The DVD is part of the Sony Infinifilm series that has significant extra content that can be accessed while the film is running with your remote control. You can watch the film several different ways and it is a unique experience. Thre is also a full length commentary available by director John Herzfeld and a music video of the hit "Fame."

I would give the movie five big stars except for the weakness of casting Edward Burns in what turns out to be the key role. I highly recommend this movie to your attention if you haven't seen it. It is much better than the average score reported on Epinions. Take it from me.