Atlantic City

Genre: psychological drama

With: Susan Sarandon (Sally Matthews), Burt Lancaster (Lou Paschall), Kate Reid (Grace Pinza), Michel Piccoli (Joseph), Hollis McLaren (Chrissie), Robert Joy (Dave), Al Waxman (Alfie), Robert Goulet (the Singer)

Director: Louis Malle

Screenplay: John Guare

Release: 1980

Studio: International Cinema Corporation, Selta Films, Canadian Film Development Corporation

Rating: 18A

MBiS score: 8.4/10

 

 

High Hopes and Broken Dreams on the Boardwalk

 

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Story-line: it seems like the sky is falling on Sally Matthews, who works at the oyster bar of an Atlantic City casino and dreams of becoming a highly-paid croupier on the international circuit. For one thing, she can smell trouble when her husband Dave and her pregnant sister Chrissie show up at the casino – and she doesn’t even know that Dave is carrying a stash of cocaine he stole in Philadelphia. There’s also Joseph, her gaming teacher and one of her bosses, who seems interested in her for reasons other than career development. And then there’s Lou, a mob underling from old-time Vegas who lives next door and fantasizes over her every time he sees her in the window…   

Pluses: stellar performances by Susan Sarandon, Burt Lancaster and a fine cast in atypical roles, excellent direction from a French master, an offbeat and unpredictable screenplay that relies on fascinating character interplay and lively, ironic dialogues, informative cinematography, appropriate production values and a satisfying summing-up.

Minuses: the movie may feel disjointed at first but it all comes together as you get to know the characters. This is one film that conquers you slowly but surely.

Comments: the eventful, nostalgic ATLANTIC CITY symbolizes decay and renewal in a gambling paradise as it shows new buildings rising amid ruins and, more importantly, wannabes and has-beens struggling with the past or their future. Louis Malle’s witty comment on the city – positive or negative? I’m not sure – was honoured with 5 major Oscar nominations in 1982 (Best Picture, Actress, Actor, Director, Writing), an accomplishment more rewarding than any jackpot in the land of fast money. Just flew into town tonight, Lady Luck was on our flight… 

 

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Bigamist (The)

Genre: romantic drama (in black and white)

With: Joan Fontaine (Eve Graham), Ida Lupino (Phyllis Martin), Edmond O'Brien (Harry Graham), Edmund Gwenn (Mr. Jordan), Kenneth Tobey (Tom Morgan), Jane Darwell (Mrs. Connelly), Peggy Maley (Phone Operator), George Lee (Sam)

Director: Ida Lupino

Screenplay: Collier Young (based on an original story by Lawrence B. Marcus and Lou Schor)

Release: 1953

Studio: The Filmmakers

Rating: 14

MBiS score: 8.2/10

 

 

132 Brinkman Street

 

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Story-line: when Eve and Harry Graham meet Mr. Jordan at his San Francisco office to finalize an adoption, Jordan notices Harry’s discomfort when asked to authorize a full investigation into his private life. Pushing his inquiries further, Jordan visits the Grahams at home and some of Harry’s business partners in Los Angeles. In so doing, he will learn that Harry is not the man he seems to be.

Pluses: delicate acting by Edmond O’Brien (in a tricky role), Joan Fontaine (the sometimes aggressive yet loving Eve) and Ida Lupino (a striking, beaming Phyllis), professional direction, a straightforward and credible screenplay marked by truthful dialogues, appropriate production values and a touching musical score. 

Minuses: a couple of Jordan’s lines are rather manipulative – while trying to show how conscientious he is – but do not detract from the movie’s overall value. Yes, the title reveals plenty… but the story behind it is well worth seeing.  

Comments: Ida Lupino (1918-1995) appeared in thirteen films or so as an actress and made four movies as a director. Here, she radiates charisma on screen and manages a formidable balancing act behind the camera by depicting Harry Graham not as a louse but as a human being faced with a heart-rending choice. THE BIGAMIST is neither a tasteless flick nor an exercise in shock value, but a sincere motion picture that grows on you like Phyllis Martin if you met her on a tourist bus. Life can be such a treacherous affair… 

 

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