Long Island Expressway is a gritty Coming-of-Age story that explores loss, belonging, and the complexities of growing up. When I first watched this film in 2003 (over 15 years ago), I thought it was mostly about controversial topics. Yet, now I realise how wrong I was in my initial assessment, as the narrative strikes me as a deeper Coming-of-Age story that requires a little maturity to appreciate fully.
Why did I think it was controversial? It could have been because of the dialogue at times. The conversations among young characters in the film are raw, vulgar, and reckless. Yet, as I can confirm from my life experience at that age, such discussions are true to life.
The film does not waste time involving the viewer with its characters and their story. From the very first opening scene, the gritty, realistic visuals make the movie feel grounded, while the dramatic music hints at the emotional intensity to come—no fancy visuals or idealized portrayal of childhood (which I enjoy so much in other flicks). Instead, the overall aesthetic leans towards realism, with a raw and unembellished portrayal of the environment.
In the first scenes, the main protagonist, 15-year-old Howie Blitzer (portrayed by Paul Dano), uses first-person narration to give us a unique look into his mind. Although this first-person narration is used sparingly, it sets the scene and one’s expectations for an intimate Coming-of-Age story. It also introduces some of the film’s central themes, such as fate, loss, and the dangers lurking beneath suburban life.
The dynamic musical score begins with an intense, drama-thriller feel, hinting at the emotional intensity to come. It then shifts through rebellious energy and eventually settles into an easygoing Americana vibe before it morphs back into that drama feel that characterizes the film.
Paul Dano’s character Howie is portrayed in a relatable, intimate context, which makes it easy to identify with him and care about his fate. His character projects a mix of naivety and toughness, as if he will grow up too soon. This doesn’t come as a surprise when you have a kid with a dead mother, an overworked, absent father (whom I am willing to blame for Howie’s downward spiral), and a manipulative best friend.
For better or worse, I have connected to the character of Howie Blitzer based on some of my past experiences. It is not necessarily related to the film’s plot – but it would be wrong to say that some of the Coming-of-Age experiences that Howie goes through are not universal. From the desire for validation and idealization of people you don’t know to the refusal to accept advice or the information others seem willing to provide.
Paul Dano’s facial expressions often hint at Howie’s internal conflicts and emotional state. His expressions frequently portray a mixture of defiance and vulnerability, indicated by his slight frown and intense gaze. The interpersonal relationships between the characters of the story are dynamic and complex. Everything is in the mix: friendship, attraction, manipulation, mentorship, and even indifference—all these interactions shape the boy’s character even further. The result is a dynamic central character reminiscing Truffaut‘s Antoine in the classic 1959 film The Four Hundred Blows.
You may notice many visual metaphors in the narrative. For example, in a scene in which Howie observes his reflection in a mirror at home, the mirror serves as a powerful metaphor for self-reflection and identity. The Long Island Expressway could metaphorize fate, direction, and moral descent. Even mentioning poetry and literature in the later scenes reinforces a longing for self-expression and deeper connection. In other scenes, a simple gesture can become imbued with significance – highlighting themes of discretion and the weight of unshared knowledge.
Those metaphors and the dialogue evidence skillful screenwriting (Stephen M. Ryder) and clever direction (Michael Cuesta). Last, I will mention the editing style, especially when actions are cut between two scenes simultaneously. This makes the movie feel more dynamic and adds to the tension.
Why did it take me so many years since I first saw the film to finally review it? I am not sure. But we live and learn. Yes, the film does portray a specific unconventional bond and manipulation. Still, it also offers a unique and powerful look at the struggles of youth – making it a prime example of an excellent Coming-of-Age narrative. Overall, Long Island Expressway is a film that demands your attention. It’s a challenging watch, but it’s also a rewarding one.
