Review of Midnight Cowboy (1969) by Ky K — 03 Oct 2011

Based on a James Leo Herlihy novel, British director John Schlesinger's first American film dramatized the small hopes, dashed dreams, and unlikely friendship of two late '60s lost souls. Dreaming of an easy life as a fantasy cowboy stud, cheerful Texas rube Joe Buck (Jon Voight) heads to New York City to be a gigolo, but he quickly discovers that hustling isn't what he thought it would be after he winds up paying his first trick (Sylvia Miles). He gets swindled by gimpy tubercular grifter Rico "Ratso" Rizzo (Dustin Hoffman) but, when Joe falls in the direst of straits, Ratso takes Joe into his condemned apartment so that they can help each other survive. Things start to look up when Joe finally lands his first legit female customer (Brenda Vaccaro) at a Warhol-esque party; Ratso's health, however, fails. Joe turns a final trick to get the money for one selfless goal: taking Ratso out of New York to his dream life in Miami. One of the first major studio films given the newly minted X rating for its then-frank portrayal of New York decadence, Midnight Cowboy was critically praised for Schlesinger's insight into American lives, with the intercut mosaic of Joe's memories and Ratso's dreams lending their characters and actions greater psychological complexity. While they may have been drawn by the seamy content (tame by current standards), the young late '60s audience responded to Joe's and Ratso's confusion amidst turbulent times and to the connection they make with each other despite their alienation from the surrounding culture.

Starring, Dustin Hoffman, Jon Voight, Sylvia Miles, John McGiver, Brenda Vaccaro , Barnard Hughes , Ruth White , Jennifer Salt , Gil Rankin , T. Tom Marlow , George Epperson , Al Scott , Linda Davis.

Directed by John Schlesinger.

Winner of 3 Oscars including Best Picture, Director and Adapted Screenplay. other nomination include Best Lead Actor Dustin Hoffman, Lead Actor Jon Voight, Supporting Actor Sylvia Miles and Film Editing. a total of 7 Nominations.

Not this is a very well done drama movie based on a novel. one of the bravest choices of Academy for Best Picture. though it wasn't that explicit or something that it got an X rating when it was released making it the first X rated movie ever to get an Best Picture Oscar and second nominated one with A Clockworks Orange. this was a bit cruel. but then the had to change their decision by giving it a R rating afterward without any editing and chopping of scenes been done.

I caught this movie on TV last night, it was one of those classic movies that I couldn't wait to watch. I wasn't able to watch the first 12 minutes but still I did and I loved. this movie maybe a bit uncomfortable to watch but it shows life in such big place, what actually life is for every type of people no matter what they are, no matter what they do.

You learn alot from this movie, I loved the friendship between the two characters Ratso and Joe. memorable characters and memorable scenes. I was surprised to hear that it was Jon Voight's debut movie he gave a good performance very perfect kind of attitude and whole accent and stuff he really pulled it off very well. he though isn't a very good looking one but that is not the point here. you can see how honest his performance was. those uncomfortable moments to the shocking flashbacks the friendship or just being him he did it perfect. quite smashing performance but the one who really stands out is our very beloved Dustin Hoffman, he delivers a bravo Two thumbs Up performance and a very memorable and quoted character as well. he deserved Oscar for his portrayal of a dying and troubled poor man in New York as Ratso or what he used to love hearing, Rico. we see such a brilliant ability of him to perform such amazingly in his movie The Graduate to this. he definitely is a powerhouse performer. an excellent performance. Sylvia Miles who I would like to mention was a surprise since just for a 4 minutes screen appearance, she got a Best Supporting Actress Nomination which is a record. I thought that crying scene she did perfectly, she plays Cass, the first woman in New York that offers Joe what he wants but ends up oppositely.

The whole look of the movie is old and the style and fashion is exquisite though very shocking but its the characters of Joe and Ratso along side the performers themselves who keeps it grounded and adds tremendous moral values to the movie. no matter what they are, what they do they are human beings and feels like everyone else. Direction was very well done. I found Screenplay very well written that engages you. not a dull, boring or flawed moment. brilliant performances and editing. nice score, good cinematography and art direction.

It has one of the most emotional and sad endings that just breaks your heart. I found the movie extremely compelling and thought provoking while culturally significant. I found the handled the subjects of Sex and prostitution in their purest forms and appreciate the work of the makers for bringing this classic movie to screen while being aware of the odds. a brilliant movie. Recommended to everyone.