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Streetwise,
independent Gloria grudgingly takes a young boy under her wing
after his family has been gunned down by the New York mob. The
two make a run for Pittsburgh under constant pursuit by mob
hit men intent on finishing the job. In the midst of gunfire
and constant movement, Gloria slowly develops a fondness and
ultimately a devotion to the child. Cassavetes uses this film
to explore the self-sacrificing
nature of the maternal bond. 1980 (110 m.Color) Stars Gena Rowlands
and John Adames. |
REVIEWS
This is
hack work from Cassavetes that feminists have, in their customary
way, distorted beyond recognition and exalted into pseudo greatness
just because it shows a woman pushing men around. Big friggin
deal! Ray Carney's Cassavetes on Cassavetes book tells
the real story of how Cassavetes didn't even want to make it,
how Barbra Streisand turned down the lead, and how Rowlands
more or less coerced Cassavetes to direct her in it. I've also
heard Carney talk at film events about other amazing behind
the scenes happenings between Cassavetes and the crew. He was
fined and reprimaned by the unions for his behavior. See Carney's
writing for more Cassavetes craziness. What a wild man. No
wonder he made such crazy movies.
Having seen the movie several times I think it is one of John Cassavetes
and Gena Rowlands best works--she was excellent in the part.
I love this film, especially
the enigmatic ending. Has Gloria died, and her return to the cemetery
is in the boy’s imagination? Or did Gloria outsmart the gangsters?
i like to ponder both endings.
I loved this movie! Gena
Rowlands gives a powerful performance. You can really feel her internal
struggle regarding the boy and her past. I was dissapointed that the
remake starred Sharon Stone! There is no way she could pull off the
same amount of energy and tough streetwise attitude that Gena did!
The only thing I can add
is that gena Rowlands is the best actress in the world. She deserve
more recognition. You are great, Gena! - paluster@latinmail.com
Forget the Sharon Stone
remake, this is the only version. I first saw this film on cable in
81,' and I liked it then, even though I was only 8. A good flick is
a good flick. - B.B.B.
At first glance, there's
something unnervingly conventional about the film. But this film,
almost more than any other Cassavetes film, reverberates in my mind
and shakes me.
GO BACK BIBLIOGRAPHY
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