Review of The Grifters (1990) by Anthony M — 12 Jun 2009

The Grifters is a very good example of a great script making perfect use of its cast. The actors in the three principal leads(John Cusack, Anjelica Huston and Annette Bening) have extraordinary on screen chemistry.

The script is the real star of the movie though. It is about a small time con man and the women in his life. His mother whom you are not quite sure where her mind is set at first and his girlfriend who seems just a little bit too innocent to be true.

Both are not to be trusted or taken any less serious than anyone else. Of course John Cusack is a little vulnerable since he has just failed to pull off a con and almost died. His mother had saved his life just in time.

His mother isn't even sure if he is still in the business and his girlfriend is oblivious to the whole thing. The mother works for a mob boss so she has some connections and is not to be toyed with.

Since his mother and girlfriend despise each other it is a little hard for him to function with both of them around all the time. The plot frequently twists and turns and will most definitely leave you trying to climb out of a hole as you attempt to figure out what just happened.

But that is the best part of the movie. I love movies that challenge you at every turn and that never dumb themselves down. The ending is especially rewarding but the rest of the movie has to be just as complex for the finale to be great.

Other than that though, most of the way it is a really fast and fun film. I like watching the cons being carried out and actually seing how these criminals function during their daily lives. There are a few grim parts that will certainly dim the mood but there is so much going on here.

Even if you don't love it, you have to admire it for all the intricacy and bravery that went into the script because there really is no other con movie like it. So if you want something that is going to both entertain and challenge your mind than you should try this little gem out.