Review of The Cotton Club (1984) by Nik B — 05 May 2012
Coppola turns out a polished music-video quality film with a script that isn't worth the paper it's printed on. Quality attributes include set design and wardrobe; but every line of dialogue is hackneyed eye-rolling silliness.
Two plots are followed all around the setting of the famous club in the Harlem, circa late-1920's. One involves Richard Gere, a musician who is in the wrong place at the wrong time when he accidentally saves the life of a crazed mobster. This guy takes a shine to him and puts Gere under his thumb. All the while, of course, while the musician secretly shares the mobster's girlfriend.
The other plot is more entertaining, if still a little trite. But it involves the dancing aspirations of Gregory Hines. Here, Coppola films some really great performances from some truly beautiful people. The two plots interact under the club roof. But those don't serve as anything other than pretty time fillers. The direction is one-note, as are the performances of virtually all of the actors. Fred Gwynne and Tom Waits being exceptions. And, as I said, the script is little more than a precursor to Dick Tracy.
This review of The Cotton Club (1984) was written by Nik B on 05 May 2012.
The Cotton Club has generally received positive reviews.
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