Review of The Grifters (1990) by Mandela W — 14 Aug 2016

The Grifters is the interesting tale of 3 individuals who are jus that, Grifters. Roy (John Cusack is the son of lily (Anjelica Huston). Both are Grifters or con artists but have a estranged relationship. After 8 years they reunite under unique circumstances. Roy is dating a woman named Myra whom Lily immediately dislikes and is also a grifter herself and Lily has gotten herself mixed up with some very bad people. The movie becomes one big game involving pieces being moved into place and loyalties being tested.

The movie started off with a really nice opening scene that set the tone well. Grifting is like a chess game. It really delves into the idea of playing angles and setting up for a bigger play. This is one of the most cleverly written and intelligently structured scripts I've seen in ages. Every line and part of the plot is potentate and thought out real nice.

In terms of acting the three leads did an amazing job. This is the sexiest role I've seen from Annette Benning. Her character here is really crafty and smart. Angelica Huston also looked reeeeally sexy here in this film, I swear it was something about that wig man. She was such an imposing figure here and she had reeeeeal prescence in this role. She has her shining moment near the end with Roy its like a unique mother son heart to heart. john cusuack as the male lead is really good here. His character was real smooth but he is also very conflicted.

The music was very strange and didn't seem to fit the film at all. Overall Terrible soundtrack. On the other hand such fantastic directing from one Stephen Frears. The costume design was really impressive it shows the final remnant's of the 80's dress style going into the new decade its pretty dope.

In conclusion the movie is such an original flick and really enjoyable to watch as well. Go see it!