CutUncut2021

Worth watching even just to remind us how camp and overegged things were back then, sheesh what a load of guff! * * * Worth watching even just to remind us how camp and overegged things were back then, sheesh what a load of guff! * * * Worth watching even just to remind us how camp and overegged things were back then, sheesh what a load of guff! * * * Worth watching even just to remind us how camp and overegged things were back then, sheesh what a load of guff! * * * Worth watching even just to remind us how camp and overegged things were back then, sheesh what a load of guff! * * * Worth watching even just to remind us how camp and overegged things were back then, sheesh what a load of guff! * *

Lumet at his best, not just Newman's movie as the washed-out Frankie, but the entire cast coheres into a convincing drama, produced in yet another year of Reaganomics (and the idiotic, tragic Falklands war). Interestingly, although Hollywood largely eliminated smoking from movies in the past few decades (the choreography of smoke at Frankie's first date with Laura/Rampling is superb), in our roaring 2025 the primary "reward" for just about anything remains alcohol, a substance as dire if not worse for its long-lasting capillary effects on the organism. Day went well? Let's toast to that! Lost your job? Here, this will take the edge off. Need a stiff drink to steady my nerves. Another glass before sleep. . . End of diatribe. To see the slimy O'Shea and smarmy Mason bantering in the same chamber as the beat-up Newman is worth the ticket alone for this outing. But despite the presence of stalwart Warden, it's painful to undergo Rampling with her trademark sultry looks, where dozens of other female leads would have given substance to the part with acting, not pouting. Some significant punches are made, but at all levels it's a misogynist film, pre #metoo, which along with BlackLivesMatter has shifted the planet's axis in a way that billionaire breeders and would-be pussy pushers will ultimately have short-lasting effect. Try to defy gravity when you're defenestrated from the 27th floor of your office tower. Splatt. In today's world Newman's nervy masculinity and all its ilk are derelict.

Rapturous testament to friendship over family. Friendships are earned, family is thrust upon you, with all the attendant burdens and presumed loyalties due to clan and kin. Tough viewing, but well worth it for anyone with a modicum of nous and heart. Competent direction, relevant soundtrack, and actors engaged to the hilt. Thanks Ms Bledsoe for your insights.

REPEAT: Rapturous testament to friendship over family. Friendships are earned, family is thrust upon you, with all the attendant burdens and presumed loyalties due to clan and kin. Tough viewing, but well worth it for anyone with a modicum of nous and heart. Competent direction, relevant soundtrack, and actors engaged to the hilt. Thanks Ms Bledsoe for your insights.