Arguably the most disappointing story I can relate to basketball wise, that of Lenny Cooke, is one marred by bad decision, misguidance, and maybe what I would call serendipity. The fortunate mistake in it all is the example that his experience has and can be for generations to come. A legendary NYC hardcourt story, at one time Lenny Cooke was defined by his talent level and beyond anything else the potential of what he could do for others. Knowing him personally, I can remember the attention he garnered walking into the room let alone putting the ball in the basket. Such a charismatic individual, admittedly so his goal was to appease never to self-reflect.
The LENNY COOKE documentary highlights it all from when the goings were good to the reality that has become the life of a person whose objectives never materialized. The Best Player In America, now honest working man doing his best provide for his family. The friendships or so they would seem at the time have not lasted, and if they have they are now only a shell of what they once were. The young man who had everything handed to him no longer exists, the lights are no longer shining bright and at a moment notice his face forgotten. Lenny Cooke is and forever will be a legend, in the minds and hearts of those who know, as well as those who always understood.
‘Lenny Cooke’ takes us down the journey to demise, pointing out the fork in the road marking good and bad choices, most notably entering the draft at the behest of fake supporters, with the most enabling ways. Captured through it all, what he took for granted. Watch as a pivotal match up between he and Lebron James, the outcome forever changing the opinions of so many as to how good Lenny Cooke really was. His attempt to rebound, his stints in every league you can think of and ultimate submission to the reality that the dream has deferred. If you have never heard the story, let it become real, inspirational.
From high school to high school, comfort zone to comfort zone, complacent with never having developed a work ethic until it was too late, for basketball that is. June 26th 2002 his highest high became his greatest low.
In the purest sense, ‘Lenny Cooke’ is a mirror: for us the audience, and the one he has become for himself candidly denouncing his foul ways and negligence; his disrespect for an opportunity that millions desire. ‘Lenny Cooke’ is the definition of a maturation process that over the 12 years of which this film has been shot only begins to chip at, the story of Lenny Cooke.
A Documentary by Josh and Benny Safdie
Executive Produced by Chicago Bull Joakim Noah
OFFICIAL SELECTION, 2013 TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL
OFFICIAL SELECTION, 2013 VENICE FILM FESTIVAL
Opening theatrically on December 6th, 2013 in New York, roll out to follow