Crime and Punishment in Suburbia **** (2000, Monica Keena, Ellen Barkin, Michael Ironside, Vincent Kartheiser) – Classic Movie Review 1658

Director Rob Schmidt’s 2000 thriller is a sizzling, disturbing but ultimately life-enhancing American teen movie version of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment – hey, don’t switch off just yet! – with Monica Keena as an outwardly ‘normal’ teenager, who decides to avenge herself on her stepfather who’s abusing her.

Among a brilliant cast, Michael Ironside finally gets a chance to show what a fine actor he can be as the stepfather from hell, Ellen Barkin is telling as the blousy mother and Vincent Kartheiser gives a marvellous turn as a glad-to-be-oddball teen. A ‘doom generation’ trip to the dark side, it is not at all comfortable but it is totally compelling, and filmed with vibrant, in-your-face style.

Kartheiser is known as spitfire advertising executive Pete Campbell on Mat Weiner’s Golden Globe, Emmy and SAG Award-winning TV drama series Mad Men.

© Derek Winnert 2014 Classic Movie Review 1658

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