Review of The Killing of a Chinese Bookie (1976) by Aaron W — 05 Mar 2008

The five stars is for the 76 version which is far superior to the 78 version which I'd give about a four or four and half. The 76 version just does what this film needs to do better, it attaches you to Cosmo Vitelli, makes you his friend, and overwhelms you with all sorts of feelings. It just digs itself into your soul. Sadness, depression, hate, love, dejection, rejection; all the colors of life are covered here, and you just have to dig it.

The Cassavetes improvisational style, while not as strong as in his previous films, is still present in this one. Obviously, in making a gangster flick rather than a relationship drama Cassavetes is forced to fit the film into a more conventional mold than usual, but, as in his other films, the characters remain very genuine and the film still manages to feel remarkably sincere. Cassavetes always challenged himself, and continuously succeeded.