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The United States of Leland

One of the hardest things to achieve in life is the ability to see the world from another’s perspective. Don Cheadle attempts to do just that in this thought provoking film about the different visions people have of the world around them.

Leland Fitzgerald (Ryan Gosling) is a 16 year old boy who is sent to a juvenile detention facility for the alleged murder of his ex-girlfriend’s autistic brother. Originally thought of as a “devil-boy” by everyone he encounters within the center, his teacher Pearl (Don Cheadle) sees much more in the humbleness, simplicity and artistry that Leland presents. First for selfish reasons, then for a deeper understanding, Pearl slowly unravels the mind of his student: the situations he has been in, the outlook he has on life and the way in which he views the world. The cast in the movie and the fact that all characters presented in it have flaws is part of what makes it so inspiring and challenging.

Kevin Spacey plays Leland’s father, a prominent author whose relationship with his son has been all but non-existent since he was a child. Jena Malone, an actress known for her roles in inventive and contemplative films ("Donnie Darko," "Life as a House"), plays the role of Leland’s ex-girlfriend, a relationship which is key to understanding the way that Leland thinks and feels about everything around him. She is also the focus for Pearl, who assumes that the reason for Leland’s murder was because of her breakup with him. Through Pearl and Leland’s discussion, the viewing audience is able to contemplate and challenge the different views and meanings conventional society has led us to believe. Everything about this film can be interpreted according to the viewer. Even if they do not agree with Leland or Pearl’s perspectives, they can appreciate them as forms of art and use them to strengthen their own beliefs.

One of the most amazing features of the film is that throughout it, Leland is blinking from the right to left eye when looking at things. Each time one eye opens and the other shuts he gains a different view on his surroundings than he had before. The symbolism surrounding these images could refer to a number of things. My interpretation is that it is simple to view the world at a different angle; we just have to be willing to understand and accept that there are different angles from which the world is to be viewed.

This film will challenge your mind in a way you never thought possible by a movie. With an amazing cast, unusual shot techniques and unique editing this film is a work of intense art, emotion and passion. What art, emotion, and passion it inspires in the audience remains up to them to decide.

Written by: Amy Hillard

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