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The Believer Review: Inspired by actual events, critically acclaimed, and marred in controversy, actor/writer Henry Bean's ill-fated directorial debut has finally found its way to the masses courtesy of Fireworks Pictures and Trimark Home Video. Protested after initial screenings and relegated to a pay-cable debut when distributors got cold feet, that plan too was scrapped in the aftermath of 9/11, and the film finally made its belated debut on DVD and home video. Despite the film's troubled history, however, The Believer is a film that is certain to linger in viewers' minds by offering both a disturbingly fascinating subject and a stellar performance by star Ryan Gosling (Murder by Numbers). Gosling's fiercely impassioned performance is completely captivating: in turns quiet, introspective and truly terrifying. Likewise, Summer Phoenix offers a chilling performance as a masochistic love interest who begins to show a marked interest in the religion she so despises. Though some viewers will undoubtedly be repelled by the film's controversial subject matter, it nevertheless remains an intelligent study in faith and inner conflict as presented through the mind of a troubled youth unable to come to terms with his origins. Despite a few minor plot holes and a questionable ending, some viewers may be agitated at the film's refusal to address the reason why Gosling's character develops such an extreme aversion to the faith that had previously driven his existence. Though it does offer flashbacks to the point where he began to call his beliefs into question, the focus here is instead on the result of those changing beliefs, not on what has driven them into being. The Believer is not an easy film to take in, and the questions it raises may be objectionable and difficult to endure for the majority of viewers. If one can remain neutral enough in one's convictions to accept the film on its own cinematic terms, however, this compelling and introspective drama is sure to inspire some interesting conversation long after the credits have rolled. Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

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