About Rocket Science (HBO)

"Rocket Science" is a 2007 HBO film directed by Jeffrey Blitz. The movie is a heartwarming comical drama that focuses on the life of a stuttering teenager trying to win over his crush through the complexities of a high school debate team. The story provides a glimpse into the world of competitive high school debating, and the pressure and chaos it can potentially ingrain into the lives of teenagers.

Making / Production

The film was produced by Picturehouse and HBO Films, under the directorship of Jeffrey Blitz. Shot on location in Baltimore, Maryland and Trenton, New Jersey, the film's realistic settings, coupled with Blitz's distinctive storytelling approach, bring out the unique themes of teenage turmoil and triumph.

Actors

• Reece Daniel Thompson as Hal Hefner: He's the shy, stuttering protagonist who joins the debate team to impress his crush. Thompson's compelling performance strikes a balance between vulnerability and determination.
• Anna Kendrick as Ginny Ryerson: A fiercely ambitious and sharp-tongued debater who inspires Hal to join the debate team. Kendrick captures Ginny's complex personality with subtlety and depth.
• Nicholas D'Agosto as Ben Wekselbaum: A confident and talented debater who struggles with a sudden speech impediment. D'Agosto portrays this character with a sense of fragility and uncertainty.
• Vincent Piazza as Earl Hefner: Hal's unruly older brother, Piazza excellently depicts the role of a wild and troubled teenager.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The director, Jeffrey Blitz, himself underwent speech therapy to correct a stutter.
• The movie features an original song called "Rock n' Roll" by The Velvet Underground.
• Anna Kendrick was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for her role in the movie.

Music, Soundtrack

• "Bach - Well Tempered Clavier" performed by Wendy Mae Chambers
• "Rock & Roll" performed by The Velvet Underground
• "The Sun Will Shine" performed by The Make-Up

Quotes

• "Sometimes finding the answer means changing the question."
• "Stuttering says more about you than the words that you can't say."
• "Debate is blood sport. It's combat. But your weapons are words."

Note: The above information is only available in "Rocket Science" HBO official description and details. For any discrepancy, it is advised to cross-verify with HBO official source.