Rating of
3/4
A Solid Landmark Film
Franz Patrick - wrote on 05/16/08
I can't believe this was considered as an X-rated film back in the day. In today's standards, this is about an R-rated picture or probably even a PG-13 if one wants to push it. "Of Mice and Men" comparisons are earned because of the two main characters. While watching the film, I was astounded to see a young Jon Voight. Prior to watching this movie, I could only imagine him in those action movies back in the 1990's. As for the film itself, I did like it quite a bit even though I felt like it meandered somewhere in the middle. Just when I thought it would take a dark turn, it did not so that was disappointing. They could have added many more layers and undertones instead of clubbing scenes. Still, for its time, I admired its audacity to tell a story about a male hustler. I guess one can look at this movie with high historical importance because it is the first X-rated film that won Best Picture. So, in a way, it's one of those films that paved the way for other films that try to deal with certain taboos.
