Synopsis

After the death of his mother, 15-year-old Howie Blitzer drifts through suburban Long Island with his delinquent friend Gary, breaking into homes and struggling with an emotionally absent father. Their lives take a darker turn when a burglary brings Howie into contact with Big John, an older man whose apparent kindness masks a dangerous interest in teenage boys.

Factoids & Trivia

• The title refers to the Long Island Expressway, the major highway running through the film's suburban setting. "L.I.E." also evokes the word "lie," reflecting the characters' secrecy, deception, and emotional self-protection.

• The film was shot on Long Island, including locations in Dix Hills, Amityville, Greenlawn, and Harborfields High School.

• It was made as a low-budget independent production and had its Long Island premiere at the 2001 Long Island International Film Expo.

• The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival before receiving a limited theatrical release in the United States.

• Its treatment of adolescent sexuality, exploitation, and moral ambiguity attracted controversy. An NC-17 rating reportedly limited its commercial reach, despite strong critical notices.

• The film received major festival recognition, including the Grand Jury Award for Outstanding American Narrative Feature at L.A. Outfest and a Jury Special Prize at the Deauville Film Festival.

• Paul Dano won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Debut Performance. The film also earned the National Board of Review's Special Recognition award.

• Brian Cox received several critics' awards and nominations for his performance, including a Boston Society of Film Critics Award and a Satellite Award.