Review of Atlantic City (1980) by Cli O — 31 Jul 2008
The atmosphere of death and decay that hangs over this film is so pervasive that even the dog groomer is going out of business. And Lancaster's (very) small-time gangster is so nostalgic for the past that he longs for the time when even the Atlantic Ocean was in its prime.
But I don't think the movie ever fully believes Lancaster when he grouses, "It's all shit now." Instead, Malle's resolutely humanist vision allows for both Lancaster's washed-up hood and Sarandon's wide-eyed innocent to imagine a better future for themselves despite Atlantic City's (and America's) decrepitude.
This review of Atlantic City (1980) was written by Cli O on 31 Jul 2008.
Atlantic City has generally received positive reviews.
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