Speak
Short description
Melinda Sordino is a high school freshman who has stopped speaking after calling the police to a party over the summer. Her former friends avoid her and treat her as an outcast for ruining the event, while her parents remain largely unaware of her distress. Melinda isolates herself to hide a traumatic secret: she was raped at the party by a popular senior named Andy. While she struggles with bullying and emotional withdrawal, she finds a sense of peace and support through her art class and the guidance of her teacher, Mr. Freeman.
Directed by Jessica Sharzer, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Annie Young Frisbie, the film stars Kristen Stewart as Melinda. The cast includes Elizabeth Perkins, Steve Zahn, Michael Angarano, D.B. Sweeney, and Hallee Hirsh. Produced by Showtime Networks, Speak Film Inc., and Showtime Independent Films, the drama was made with a budget of 1 million USD.
The film has been received positively by both viewers and professionals. It holds a rating of 7.1/10 on TMDB based on 551 votes. This audience reception is mirrored by film critics, who gave the movie a higher rating of 8/10 across 5 reviews.
What's left behind the scenes
- The film is based on Laurie Halse Anderson's novel "Speak" (1999).
- Due to severe flooding, filming time at the school was reduced, and some scenes had to be changed. For example, the scene where Eric "dries" Melinda's hair with a towel was pure improvisation.
- "Sordino" (Melinda's last name) means "mute".
- When Melinda opens the large gift, she unwraps it completely, but in the next shot it is wrapped again.
Auditions in India
Casting calls in USA
Castingi w Polsce
Кастинги в Україні
