The Grifters-1990

Director Stephen Frears

Starring John Cusack, Anjelica Huston, Annette Bening

Scott’s Review #597

Reviewed January 9, 2017

Grade: B-

The Grifters (1990) is a film with witty writing and broad appeal.

It is unique and quirky, in the style of a charismatic film noir from one of the golden ages of film, the 1930s and 1940s.

Additionally, the film has a very sharp, clean look.

The performances, especially Anjelica Houston, are excellent. All three principles (John Cusack, Annette Bening, and the others) give fantastic performances and feed off each other, so the chemistry works quite well.

Cusack plays a small-time crook named Roy Dillon, inept in ways, and estranged from his mother (Huston).

When she returns to town, she, along with his girlfriend (Bening), attempts to con and outmaneuver each other for their gain.

The film is set in sunny Los Angeles.

As compelling as the film sounds on paper, I did not find myself completely captured by it. It took me a while to get into the film, and by the time I finally did, it had ended.

Overall, well-made and respectable; I can see how some people would love it, but for me, something was still missing.

Oscar Nominations: Best Director-Stephen Frears, Best Actress-Anjelica Huston, Best Supporting Actress-Annette Bening, Best Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: 2 wins-Best Feature (won), Best Female Lead-Anjelica Huston (won)