Review of The Pawnbroker (1965) by Paul D — 23 Jul 2011
In my estimation, the Wallant adaptation called The Pawnbroker is Sidney Lumet's best film. It's about an emotionally shut-off person but it evokes big emotions, gets under your skin. It's basically a journey: at the beginning, Nazerman in rigid, he locks himself in his horrific past and in his little store where he acts like a tyrant (when Sol hurts the woman who brings in a ring made of glass, it's calm, but shocking) - he's depraved of humanity as the images-flashbacks show.
Later on, he regains his feelings partly thanks to Jesus Ortiz's happy nature, partly because of Rodriguez's threats: like the Nazi lager, the pawnshop at Brooklyn products victims, filth and terror.
This is the moment when Nazerman realizes he has to change for the better and he has to become a man: with heart, emotions, with soul. From this minute, the flashbacks represent his mind becomes complete - but its price is losing someone he loves, the loss shows he has indeed a human heart.
This review of The Pawnbroker (1965) was written by Paul D on 23 Jul 2011.
The Pawnbroker has generally received very positive reviews.
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