These pages offer reviews and commentary of Scott Kalvert’s The Basketball Diaries, a film based upon Jim Carroll’s autobiographical book of the same title. What you will find here is not especially praiseful of the film. Leonardo DiCaprio is a wonderful actor, as are all of the actors in the film, and they all do a great job with what they were given. But these pages are not going to discuss DiCaprio’s work or talent, nor the merits of all the other actors. If you are a die-hard DiCaprio fan looking for effusively positive reviews of his work, go to the beautifully-done Official Leonardo DiCaprio Website or the Unofficial Leonardo DiCaprio Website. Likewise, you are free to explore the many other websites praising the work of all of the other actors.
Scene-by-Scene Guide
Compares each scene in the film to entries in the book.
Jim Carroll’s Comments
Carroll offered comments on the film following a spoken-word performance in 1996.
Problems with the Film
Inaccuracies and other issues with the film.
Another Fan’s Perspective
Robin Ladrach reviews the film.
The Book
Information about Jim Carroll’s book, The Basketball Diaries
Controversies Surrounding the Book and Film
Articles, discussion, and links concerning the shootings in Kentucky and Colorado and other controversies.