Whenever I go to a film screening, I try to bust the biggest ostrich possible: I donít want to know anything about the film, who stars is in it, plot developments, anything. I want to enter the theatre as a blank slate. Imagine my joy, then, after watching The United States Of Leland. Directed by Matthew Ryan Hoge, Leland is a gripping story acted superbly by an ensemble cast that includes Kevin Spacey, Don Cheadle, Chris Klein, Jena Malone, and focuses on the life of gifted-but-troubled youngster Leland Fitzgerald, played wonderfully by up and coming actor, Ryan Gosling. Without giving much of anything away, the plot revolves around a horrific act committed by Fitzgerald and Cheadleís character, among others, trying to make sense of it all and come to grips with the events that pass. A thought-provoking film, it also features a score from ex-Sunny Day Real Estate and current Fire Theft frontman Jeremy Enigk, as well as tunes by The Pixies and Imperial Teen. Paramount Classics is even releasing a promo-only 4-track EP of Enigkís material, featuring the songs ìSet It On Fire,î ìBallroom,î ìOne and One is One,î and ìDon’t Go Racing.î Only 6000 were pressed up, so SDRE fans and music lovers alike are panning for them like the gold they are.
