Review of Ragtime (1981) by Stuart K — 30 Jun 2009
Milos Forman took on E.L. Doctorow's sprawling novel set in the very early 20th Century in New York and surrounding locales. It was going to be a bugger to adapt, so Forman opted to focus on one segment of Doctorow's novel he identified with, racial prejudice.
The other segments took a back seat for most of the time. It looks beautiful, and it has one HELL of a brilliant cast, but it does feel cold, but it's enjoyable while it lasts. The segment of racism focuses on gifted black piano player Coalhouse Walker Jr.
(Howard E. Rollins Jr.), who has found fame and success with a jazz band, but when his pride is threatened by racist firemen, he decides to make a stand. It's an epic film, and the recreation of turn of the century America looks wonderful, beautifully complimented with a great score by Randy Newman, plus it marked the return of James Cagney, (who by then looked like Ronnie Barker.
:P) But, the supporting cast make up for any of the films shortcomings, including Brad Dourif, Elizabeth McGovern, Kenneth McMillan, Donald O'Connor, Mandy Patinkin, Richard Griffiths, Jeff Daniels, Fran Drescher, Michael Jeter, Debbie Allen, Mary Steenburgen and a young Samuel L.
Jackson!! :D.
This review of Ragtime (1981) was written by Stuart K on 30 Jun 2009.
Ragtime has generally received positive reviews.
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