Review of Straight Time (1978) by Alex C — 27 Feb 2011
A muscular, hard boiled character study of the criminal psyche. The supporting performances make you want to dance the polka wearing a giant woolly hat: Theresa Russell, Harry Dean Stanton and especially M.
Emmet Walsh simply tear it up in fine style. And then there's Hoffman's compulsive take on a man who just can't help himself. His Max Dembo gives Joe Pesci's Tommy DeVito in 'Goodfellas' a run for his money, in the "I'm about to lose it with you!" stakes.
A claustrophobic camera pulls back from the action occasionally to pay silent witness as the American Dream collapses round everyone's ears. Also check out Dean Stanton's Jerry Schue in the bank robbery scene for a masterclass in sadistic ecstasy, which must have been a touchstone when Michael Mann was filming the final heist in 'Heat'? I'd rate this barn storming flick right up there with 'Fat City', 'Thunderbolt & Lightfoot' and 'Badlands' so check it out of any neighborhood video store that's still in business.
Even though you can watch it instantly streaming in 720p HD on Netflix (not bad), I think it'd be more fun to catch on VHS.
This review of Straight Time (1978) was written by Alex C on 27 Feb 2011.
Straight Time has generally received positive reviews.
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