Review of Straight Time (1978) by Tommy H — 02 Apr 2015
First time I watched the movie I had mixed feelings about it, mostly because of the unusual acting. Both Max and Jenny are very intense and passionate characters, but at the same time they seem indifferent and almost bored.
They don't open up very much. Most scenes they're just looking at each other and having small talk. But I've come to appreciate the film for what it is. I see them as two people who both have mental issues in some way and they're trying to connect with each other but they don't know how.
Jenny wants to show Max that she loves him, but she's the Tomboy type of girl and doesn't express her feelings much. This is highlighted most in the sex scene, which is intimate but at the same time very withdrawn and distant.
Max at times reminded me of Hoffman's performance in Rain Man. Very monotone and anxious, but also very calm. Just about everything in this movie represents two extremes. It's a very laid back love story mixed with glorifying a criminal lifestyle.
The movie is more authentic because it doesn't know what it wants to be. It's definitely an oddity in Hoffman's filmography. And I have to say the scene when he handcuffs buddy to the fence on the freeway was the funniest thing I've seen in a while.
He definitely had it coming and it was glorious.
This review of Straight Time (1978) was written by Tommy H on 02 Apr 2015.
Straight Time has generally received positive reviews.
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