Question 1

What popular misconception exists about River Phoenix's involvement in The Basketball Diaries?

Accepted Answer

River Phoenix was not set to play the lead before his death; he had declined the role earlier due to feeling too old for the teenage character and wanting more adult roles.

Question 2

How did Leonardo DiCaprio prepare to portray a drug addict's voice for his role?

Accepted Answer

DiCaprio described lowering his voice an octave to sound like an addict, with a frog-in-the-throat quality, based on guidance from a hired drug consultant.

Question 3

Which real-life person appears as a character in the film's drug den scene?

Accepted Answer

Jim Carroll, the writer and subject of the movie, appears as the guy Jim talks to in the underground drug den.

Question 4

What lawsuit involved The Basketball Diaries after a 1997 school shooting?

Accepted Answer

Attorney Jack Thompson sued the film, claiming it influenced a 1997 school shooter, alongside video games, porn sites, and Natural Born Killers; the case was dismissed in 2001.

Question 5

Which songs in the film were written and performed by Jim Carroll's band?

Accepted Answer

"Catholic Boy" and "People Who Died" were written and sung by Jim Carroll and performed by The Jim Carroll Band in the movie.

Question 6

What popular misconception about the lead role does the film clarify?

Accepted Answer

River Phoenix was a front-runner for the lead but declined it before his death, feeling too old for a 15-year-old and seeking adult roles, not that he was set to play it.

Question 7

How did Leonardo DiCaprio prepare for his role as a drug addict?

Accepted Answer

DiCaprio described lowering his voice an octave to sound like an addict, with a frog-in-throat quality, based on advice from a hired drug consultant for authenticity.

Question 8

Which real-life person appears in the film and is also its subject?

Accepted Answer

Jim Carroll, the writer and subject of the movie, appears as the guy Jim talks to in the underground drug den.

Question 9

What lawsuit involved this film after a school shooting?

Accepted Answer

Attorney Jack Thompson sued, claiming this film, video games, porn sites, and 'Natural Born Killers' influenced the 1997 Heath High School shooter; the case was dismissed in 2001.

Question 10

Who plays Jim's mother in the film?

Accepted Answer

Lorraine Bracco plays the character Jim's Mother.

Loved this film?

Share with others

Loved this film?

Share with others

The Basketball Diaries

Customers also watched