The Grifters [WS] [DVD] [1990]

The neophyte outgrifts the master. Very entertaining.

Very good movie with a surprise ending ! I highly recommend it !!

Based on Jim Thompson's seminal novel, The Grifters is now an appreciated film in the neo-noir genre with great performances all around especially Burton-era Batman series' Commissioner Gordon's Pat Hingle as a mob boss with a morbid thing for oranges. The transfer on the recent Lionsgate Blu-ray (albeit same as the limited release that was put out by Echo Bridge a couple years back so if you have that you technically have the new release) is fairly strong with a nice filmic look and the sound isn't shabby either. The downside of the release though is the lack of special features which were featured on previous releases of the film. All in all though if you still have Miramax's Special Edition DVD from yesteryear then it shouldn't be too much a pain given the price of the new Blu-ray.

Multi Oscar nominated thriller from the British director Stephen Frears. Excellent performances by Cusack, Huston and Bening, warp up this tale of a group of con artists, their schemes and their victims. Def a movie to watch for the sheer joy the actors bring to their roles.

I had the chance of interviewing Director Stephen Frears and during our conversation he asked me what was my favorite movie of his. I said "The Grifters" he said he was surprised that so many people told him that. I am not surprised. It is a dark portrait without compromises.