15 Minutes (DVD, 2001)

Set in a tabloid world of murder and mayhem, 15 MINUTES is a fast-paced, electrifying thriller that takes on modern America's tawdry fascination with crime. Arson investigator Jordy Warsaw (Edward Burns) tags along with celebrity cop Eddie Flemming (Robert DeNiro) to investigate a double murder committed by a pair of Eastern European criminals, Emil and Oleg, who have come to America seeking money owed them by an old partner. As the crimes continue, the duo decide to escape prosecution by videotaping their crimes (Oleg dubs himself "Frank Capra")--an act that seems so crazy that it would allow them to plead insanity. With this out as a safeguard, they then plan to make millions by selling their footage to a sleazy journalist (Kelsey Grammar). But as the brutality of the crimes intensifies, Eddie and Jordy are pushed to the limits of the law and beyond in their search for justice.Director John Herzfeld (2 DAYS IN THE VALLEY) uses lurid cinematography and extreme characters to make a scathing, yet boldly funny, point about guilt and responsibility in modern, media-obsessed America. Actor Karel Roden (Emil) is a leading Czech stage actor, while newcomer Oleg Taktarov (Oleg) is a former Ultimate Fighting Champion from Russia.