Directed By: Peter Yates
Written By: Paul Monash
Based on the novel by: George V. Higgins
Cinematography By: Victor J Kemper
Editor: Patricia Lewis Jaffe
Cast: Robert Mitchum, Steven Keats, Peter Boyle, Richard Jordan, Alex Rocco, James Tolkan
This truly is a undiscovered gem. Great all-star cast all on top of their game. This is a film that lays open part of the criminal underworld of Boston, not sensationalistic but subdued and low-key. Everything happens in a methodical matter of fact way. You not only see the characters exploits but get insight into their personal lives.
This is one of the better Peter Yates films. He himself admits it is one of his favorites that he has directed.
Intricately plotted with a certain coldness In it’s execution. The film has a certain lived in feel. Not new but used and still in pristine condition. No glitz and glamour everything looks weathered even the supposedly glamorous stuff. The film has a very limited score as to not tell you how to feel about what is happening on screen.
Robert Mitchum is mesmerizing in the title role like he was born to play it. He fits into a character undoubtly but meek in appearance. Who is really a larger than life character, Who always has a job or scheme going down while appearing slow. It truly shows his talent and makes me miss actors of his kind all the more. Though he is the star of the film he is only really in half of it. He is more of a meeting point for various characters and plot lines.
Mention must be made of the actors in the supporting roles Peter Boyle, Richard Jordan and Alex Rocco. Who never let you down in most roles they take. All of them would become more sitcom staples in the 80’s and 90’s, but in this film stand toe to toe with Mitchum and each other.
Luckily as I got older I discovered more about Mr. Boyle and Mr. Jordan and got to witness their talent in more films unfortunately after they both had passed on. Before I could ever praise them while still around and hoping one day that they might hear about it and feel honored with my praise for them. They were true American acting treasures. The definition of character actors. That unfortunately people of my generation will always link to roles on THE FACTS OF LIFE, TAXI or EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND.
Steven Keats in his first role really makes a impression as a live wire gun dealer. Who believes he has everything under control and is smart enough to know every angle. As the film progresses you can feel the noose tighten on all the characters and the narrative until it ends, not with a scream but with a whimper.
No one in this film is fully good or evil, Likeable or not Likeable they just are. The ending is a sucker punch to the gut. You think you know everything there is to know and that you need to until the final scene truly reveals all. You think that all this will be some sort of damage, But you witness as life just goes on like nothing really happened.
The reason to enjoy the film is it is stylish with no style that doesn’t call attention to itself. This is truly a film of it’s time as the studios don’t make films like this anymore. If it was made today it would be more flashy and sensationalistic. It would make the characters have a deep core of goodness. This film staying low-key and making no difference between the roles assigned as good or bad both are corrupt in some way. Makes the film feel more real.
GRADE: A
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