15 Minutes

A 2001 American satirical action thriller directed and written by John Herzfeld, the film follows two Eastern European criminals, Emil Slovak (Karel Roden) and Oleg Razgul (Oleg Taktarov), who arrive in the United States to claim their share of a bank heist. Oleg steals a video camera and begins filming their crimes, aiming for fame. They murder their former partner and his wife, then set the apartment on fire to cover their tracks. Czech immigrant Daphne Handlova (Vera Farmiga) witnesses the murders and escapes. The case is investigated by NYPD detective Eddie Flemming (Robert De Niro), a media-savvy officer, and arson investigator Jordy Warsaw (Edward Burns), a young and ambitious specialist. They team up to catch the criminals. Emil and Oleg continue their killing spree, filming their crimes and selling the footage to the tabloid TV show "Top Story". Emil plans to plead insanity to avoid punishment and profit from his story. Flemming becomes their victim, and his murder is broadcast on television, causing public outrage. Warsaw seeks revenge for his partner and ultimately kills Emil on live TV. The film critiques the culture of sensationalism and the pursuit of fame at any cost.