Lenny Cooke Poster

Lenny Cooke 2013

★ 6.812 votes88 min📅 2013-12-06

"Remember His Face."

Dive into the raw, unfiltered journey of Lenny Cooke in this gripping 2013 documentary by the Safdie brothers, Joshua and Benny.

Director: Josh Safdie

Cast

Lenny Cooke
Lenny Cooke
Self
Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony
Self
Joakim Noah
Joakim Noah
Self
Harvey Araton
Self
Damany Eastman
Self
Sonny Vaccaro
Sonny Vaccaro
Self
Howard Garfinkel
Self
LeBron James
LeBron James
Self
Mike Fratello
Self
Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lenny Cooke (2013) about?

Lenny Cooke (2013) follows the rise and fall of one of basketball's most hyped high school prospects, whose career stalled just before reaching the NBA. The documentary traces his journey from national stardom to the harsh reality of a future that never materialized, blending personal interviews with archival footage.

Who directed Lenny Cooke?

Lenny Cooke was directed by Joshua Safdie, one half of the acclaimed Safdie brothers filmmaking duo. Known for their gritty, character-driven storytelling, the Safdies bring a raw authenticity to Cooke's unfulfilled journey.

Who stars in Lenny Cooke?

The film features Lenny Cooke himself alongside NBA stars Carmelo Anthony and Joakim Noah, sports journalist Harvey Araton, and figures from Cooke's basketball world like Damany Eastman and Sonny Vaccaro.

Is Lenny Cooke (2013) worth watching?

With its gripping blend of sports drama and personal reflection, Lenny Cooke is a standout documentary for fans of raw, unfiltered storytelling. While it doesn't have an IMDb rating, its themes of ambition and missed opportunities resonate universally, making it a compelling watch.

How long is Lenny Cooke?

Lenny Cooke runs for 88 minutes, offering a tight, immersive dive into its subject's life and legacy.

🎥 Trailer

About Lenny Cooke (2013) — The Rise and Fall of a Teen Basketball Phenom

Dive into the raw, unfiltered journey of Lenny Cooke in this gripping 2013 documentary by the Safdie brothers, Joshua and Benny. Once hailed as the nation's top high school basketball prodigy—ranked ahead of legends like LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony—Cooke's story is a poignant exploration of fleeting fame and unmet potential. The film captures the electric atmosphere of early-2000s basketball hype culture, where a single misstep could derail a destiny that once seemed inevitable.

Lenny Cooke is more than just a sports story; it's a deeply human documentary that peers into the pressures of youth stardom and the cost of chasing the American Dream. With intimate access to Cooke's life and candid interviews from figures like Carmelo Anthony and Joakim Noah, the Safdies craft a narrative that's equal parts heartbreaking and thought-provoking.