Tag: Antonio fargas

The Gambler

The Gambler is a 1974 movie directed by Karel Reisz.

WHAT HAPPENS?

A literature professor chases the thrill and destruction of his devastating gambling addiction.

ONE LINE REVIEW

The Gambler is a honest and often difficult look at the impulsive nature of a gambler.

THE ACTORS

James Caan is compelling as Axel Freed, a professor who constantly seeks the “juice” of betting. It’s a unique role for Caan – as he balances his character’s wealthy upbringing and intellectual background with an impulse for seedy action. Caan’s natural fire emerges in several scenes but is tempered during moments with Jacqueline Brookes’ Naomi. Caan appears both enabled and wounded – a victim of both his grandfather’s success and his warped addiction.

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Across 110th Street

Across 110th Street is a 1972 movie directed by Barry Shear.

WHAT HAPPENS?

A daring robbery pits rival mobs against each other, while two New York City detectives try to solve the case.

ONE LINE REVIEW

Across 110th Street is a raw, authentic crime movie that features several standout acting performances.

THE ACTORS

Anthony Quinn and Yaphet Kotto rightfully deserve tremendous praise as Captain Matelli and Lieutenant Pope. Quinn represents the dying breed of slash and burn policing while Kotto is the procedural, intellectual ideal. Their exchanges anchor the story. Both are terrific and offer layered performances that explore both human vulnerability and the social and racial divides that permanently alter us.

However, the movie features a rich blend of supporting actors that define the era’s gritty style. Richard Ward’s Doc Johnson is brilliant as a Harlem mob boss who is a defacto power broker for both the Italian mob and police. Doc’s command of his authority is marked by a permanent calm. He casually refers to the volatile Nick as a “punk errand boy” and laughs as Matelli pulls a gun on him. His legend is forever secured – his gravelly voice chews out the truth: “I’m Doc Motherfuckin’ Johnson.”

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