Review of The Killing of a Chinese Bookie (1976) by Larry Y — 29 Dec 2013

This film is a mess. There was a DVD commentary by Ben Gazzara who starred; and Al Ruban the producer, in support of the re-release of the movie. The movie was pulled rite after its initial release due to strong negative audience response. The film was edited and shortened before the second release. They should have left well enough alone. I have no idea what Cassavetes was trying to do or say. I guess they could not see the forest for all of the trees.

The problem was virtually no story and almost no dialogue. Oh, there are the bare bones of a plot. But, there is no drive to the story. It just sort of meanders from scene to scene. A large number of scenes are shot in darkness. Scenes begin; tread water, and then just peter out. Someone should have written a story and some dialogue to go with it.

Based upon this evidence, J Cassavetes was a much better actor; than a writer or director.

There is NO reason to see this film.