40 Days and 40 Nights

2002 Comedy

Following memorable roles in the military action-adventures Pearl Harbor (2001) and Black Hawk Down (2001), young actor Josh Hartnett is propelled to romantic leading man status with this semi-autobiographical comedy from screenwriter Rob Perez. Hartnett stars as Matt Sullivan, a young man smarting over the bitter breakup of his most recent relationship. With Lent approaching, Matt decides to observe the 40-day tradition by abstaining from all sexual contact, including self-gratification. Once his odyssey of discipline has begun, he meets the girl of his dreams, while his ex begins campaigning to get him back. Co-starring Shannyn Sossamon, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Vinessa Shaw, 40 Days and 40 Nights inspired another round of controversy between distributor Miramax and the Catholic League, which accused the film of being a "vulgar parody" of Lent. The League previously protested the company's releases of Priest (1994) and Dogma (1999). more..

Director: Michael Lehmann

Starring: Josh Hartnett, Shannyn Sossamon, Paulo Costanzo, Adam Trese, Emmanuelle Vaugier

Reviews

  • Can be taken as a mildly risque frothy date movie, but there's serious subtext for those who choose to look beneath surface sheen.

    Kevin Thomas - Los Angeles Times

    29 November 2012

  • It's funny! It's not Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" or anything, but it's pretty darned good!

    Desson Thomson - The Washington Post

    29 November 2012

  • It's very funny, terrifically lively and, considering how awful it might have been, surprisingly tender in its portrait of a young guy who learns sensitivity the hard way.

    Joe Morgenstern - The Wall Street Journal

    29 November 2012

  • Hartnett shows here a breezy command of his charming, likable character. It is a reminder of his talent and versatility.

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    29 November 2012

  • The movie is both exhilarating and depressing. The trouble is, I can't figure out which is more important.

    Stephen Hunter - The Washington Post

    29 November 2012

Awards

  • Bogey Awards, Germany (2002)

  • Film - Choice Chemistry

    Teen Choice Awards (2002)