Review of Straight Time (1978) by Justin L — 09 Jan 2008

This hidden gem of American Cinema has recently been released on DVD. Dustin Hoffman is at his absolute best playing Ex-Con Max Dembo. Inspired by the true crime novel "No Beast So Fierce" by Eddie Bunker, Straight Time is an intense character study of the modern American criminal.

Directed with precision by Ulu Grosbard and photographed by Owen Roizman, the film starts with Dembo's release from prison and chronicles his attempt to adapt back in society. The film co-stars a perfectly slimy Harry Dean Stanton, an endearing Theresa Russell, a loose cannon Gary Busey, and a lovable Cathy Bates.

Michael Mann is an uncredited writer on this project originally a vehicle for Hoffman to direct himself. I cannot share with all enough how much I love this movie. I think it is an important piece of American cinema.

I had the fortune of seeing this last year on the big screen with the entire cast and crew present. Hoffman said simply, "This is my acting at its best." I agree. The DVD has an insightful commentary by Hoffman and Grosbard and an amazing original documentary from 1978.

Fuck renting it or netflixing it- go buy it, you wonâ??t be sorry.