(viewed on 7/18/11)
The Believer is oddly one of the frequently suggested movies that made it into this project. It’s Ryan Gosling’s first big film role.
A wise move on his part.. nothing will get you noticed like playing a Jewish Neo-Nazi. It’s an interesting film, kind of based on a true story, but some parts were terribly melodramatic. Cringe-worthy, even. I don’t know how you get around that with this subject matter, since the character of Danny Balint was a pretty melodramatic guy. It’s like watching your angsty little brother “act out” because he has to go to school with people who aren’t as smart as him. Wahh. 
Though bubble: “I’m a Neo-Nazi and secretly Jewish, I’m so conflicted, I hate EVERYONE.”
I think what makes the film powerful and memorable is Balint’s internal struggle between his deep respect for sacred Jewish customs and his anger at his own people. There is a recurring flashback to a scene in WWII that really nails the frustration that arises about how the Holocaust happened, how people were made so powerless. The film offers some insight into a crazy person’s head, which is fun… and scary! You never want to think, “Ok I can see where you’re coming from, but…”, while watching a film like this. Along as there’s a “but”, I guess.
