The Laramie Project is a 2002 drama film written and directed by Moisés Kaufman and starring Nestor Carbonell, Christina Ricci, Dylan Baker, Terry Kinney, and Lou Ann Wright. Based on the play of the same name, the film tells the story of the aftermath of the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyoming. It premiered at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival and was first broadcast on HBO in March 2002.
Cast
- Nestor Carbonell as Moisés Kaufman
- Christina Ricci as Romaine Patterson
- Dylan Baker as Rulon Stacey
- Terry Kinney as Dennis Shepard
- Lou Ann Wright as Judy Shepard
- Mark Webber as Aaron McKinney
- Laura Linney as Sherry Johnson
- Peter Fonda as Dr. Cantwore
- Jeremy Davies as Jedadiah Schultz
- Camryn Manheim as Rebecca Hillicker
- Andy Paris as Stephen Belber
- Grant Varjas as Greg Pierotti
- Kelli Simpkins as Leigh Fondakowski
- Clea DuVall as Amanda Gronich
- James Murtaugh as Reverend Fred Phelps
- Frances Sternhagen as Marge Murray
- Michael Emerson as Reverend
- Summer Phoenix as Jen Malmskog
- Margo Martindale as Trish Steger
- Steve Buscemi as Doc O'Connor
- Greg Pierotti as Jon Peacock
- Janeane Garofalo as Catherine Connolly
- John McAdams as Jonas Slonaker
- Joshua Jackson as Matt Galloway
- Ben Foster as Aaron Kreifels
- Amy Madigan as Officer Reggie Flutty
- Tom Bower as Father Roger Schmit
- Clancy Brown as Rob Debree
- Kathleen Chalfant as Female Rancher
- Bill Irwin as Harry Woods
- Lois Smith as Lucy Thompson
Reception
Matt Roush of TV Guide praised the film for "elevating Shepard's murder to a higher crossroads of journalism and theatricality." Roush singled out the film's cast, and its "original" and "unique investigation", likening its focus on Nestor Carbonell's Kaufman to Truman Capote making himself the star of In Cold Blood. Roush also noted the film's emotional range and its examination of homophobia, saying that it could "enlighten" viewers.[1]
Awards
| Year | Award | Category | Recipient |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Berlin International Film Festival | First Movie Award — Special Mention | Moisés Kaufman |
| Humanitas Prize | 90 Minute or Longer Network Category | Moisés Kaufman | |
| L.A. Outfest | Special Programming Committee Award for Outstanding Artistic Achievement | Moisés Kaufman | |
| National Board of Review, USA | NBR Award, Best Film Made for Cable TV | ||
| 2003 | GLAAD Media Awards | Outstanding Television Movie |
Recent Comments