Summer of Sam

Released 1999
Stars John Leguizamo, Adrien Brody, Mira Sorvino, Jennifer Esposito, Anthony LaPaglia, Bebe Neuwirth, Patti LuPone, Ben Gazzara, Joe Lisi, Michael Badalucco
Directed by Spike Lee

Spike Lee's Summer of Sam is only tangentially about Berkowitz; as a character, his role is minor. Actually, the movie is an exploration of '70s culture and how the paranoia fueled by the killing spree illuminated the worst aspects of human nature. Like Boogie Nights, this picture delves beneath the facade of glitz and glamour that was the disco era and uncovers a rotten, hollow shell. It is a dark, violent, sexually explicit motion picture that will surely offend timid viewers.

Summer of Sam focuses on a small group of Italian-American characters living in the Bronx. They aren't necessarily the most compelling individuals - Lee relies on a few too many clichés to develop them (especially those with supporting parts) - but they get the job done. There's Vinny (John Leguizamo), the slick, Travolta-like disco king who is married to the lovely Dionna (Mira Sorvino), but is constantly unfaithful. Ritchie (Adrien Brody) is Vinny's closest friend, but his punk hairdo and standoffish attitude have made him persona non grata in the old neighborhood. It doesn't help that he's dating Ruby, the local slut, or that he's leading a secret, double life. Other players include Luigi, the local Mafioso; Gloria, Vinny's oversexed boss at the hair salon where he works; Detective Lou Petrocelli, a cop investigating the Son of Sam killings; and Berkowitz himself.

Summary by James Berardinelli