Review of Atlantic City (1944) by Issac L — 05 Feb 2013

I feel like my appreciation for "Atlantic City" will heighten upon watching it a second time. Here is a quirky, cute comedy that works almost entirely because of Burt Lancaster's honest performance and John Guare's screenplay, which contains elements of thriller, romance and black comedy.

I don't think that any other actor could have pulled off what Lancaster does in "Atlantic City." His life parallels his character's so much that it introduces a whole different kind of emotional depth to the film, and it doesn't hurt that Lancaster is such a talented actor to begin with.

"Atlantic City" is enjoyable and odd and plotted like a fine novel, and it grows on you.