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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