Review of Straight Time (1978) by Ld P — 28 Jan 2010

Straight Time (1978) Dustin Hoffman plays Max Dembo, a convict, at the mercy of his parole officer to set him free. While on parole for the first time, Jenny Mercer (Theresa Russell) helps him get a job which is a requisite for ending the parole.

They both fall in love. When the parole officer makes a search at Max's home he finds evidence of a dope being used. Max lets his friend Jerry use the dope in his room earlier. So, Max is arrested again & a urine test is taken.

When found not guilty Max is let out in parole again. Completely irritated by the officer Max runs away from him. Soon, he comes to know that the only thing he could do well is burglary. While robbing a jewelers shop, a mistake leads to the death of his close friend & confidante.

However, Max escapes & absconds with his girl friend Jenny. At last, completely disgusted with the world, Max sends his girl friend home to L.A & admits that he knows he will get caught again! Awesome performance from Hoffman.

I am unfamiliar with director Ulu Grosbard but it is a powerful lean stage play. Kind of a slice life/realism type thing. Reminds me of the 50s TV & film noir crime (gangster) dramas. This is a strange movie in that the character we fully identify with turns out to not be such a good guy - & stays that way.

This film could be the high point in Dustin Hoffman's career, perhaps his greatest performance. The film does not romanticize the violence & makes the viewer feel pity the Dembo & his bad choices.

This is one of Dustin Hoffman's greatest roles. It is one of those performances where I forget I was witnessing a great performance by an actor. It felt like a real life documentary. Gary Busey, Harry Dean Stanton, & Theresa Russell were all fantastic as well.

Kathy Bates here in an early role. Great direction by Ulu Grosbard The film is not about raising anyoneâ??s spirits but just the fascination with the low class criminal crime rat. Dembo is not a smart or attractive criminal.

One of the great movies of the 70s.4 stars.