Review of The Pawnbroker (1965) by Ryan S — 17 Mar 2009

A moving tale, and a very brave movie for its time. Dealing with the holocaust hadn't been done yet, and this film certainly doesn't back down very much from showing some of the horrors faced in the internment camps.

And with Steiger's brilliant acting, the feelings he displays both in these camps and over twenty years later as a pawnbroker in Harlem are all the more palpable. Playing the role of Sal Nozerman, a man who simply doesn't want to be reminded of his own humanity, Steiger brings both the intensity and the quietness necessary to make us feel deeply for the broken man.

Lumet does an excellent job as well, generally framing Steiger when in the pawnshop so that he always seems trapped by his surroundings or behind a fence. Lumet also is brave in his technique for the film, blending hand held work, point of view shots, and interesting framing devices seamlessly, reflecting his French New Wave influence.

The editing is excellent as well, with its rapid fire shots of internment camps juxtaposing with present day sequences of Steiger working or observing those around him, reflecting his constant reminder of the atrocities he once faced.

If there is anything that brings the film down, it is that it drags a bit going from the second to the third act, and some of the supporting actors overact in an all-too familiar 60's style. Other than that, this is a profoundly moving tale.