Straight Time
|
List Price: Our Price: $19.69 You Save: $0.29 (1%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $14.99 (click here) Category: DVD See more DVD releases |
|---|
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
Movie Reviews of Straight Time
Movie Review: A Great Forgotten Film Finally Returns
Summary: 5 Stars
Again, one of those great mysteries: why did it take so long for this movie to make it to DVD? Perhaps it was a distribution snafu--this was made orginially under the banner of First Artists, sort of a latter day United Artists where the artists themselves, Dustin Hoffman among them, tried to take over the role of the businessmen. It didn't work, and one of the results was the shoddy distribution of this movie, which came out in 1978 and died a quick death. Which was a totally unwarrented fate for such a powerful film. This, to me, is 70's filmmaking at its best: a tight, tough story uncluttered by sentimentality or pandering to popular tastes, acted by some of the best in the biz. Hoffman, I think, at his best as the thoroughly ammoral Max Dembo for whom "straight time" after a lifetime spent in every kind of prison imaginable is ultimately the most secure prison of all, one he can't help but break out of. M. Emmett Walsh as the sadistic parole officer who enjoys humiliating ex-cons like Dembo; a young Gary Busey and the always great Harry Dean Stanton as Dembo's accomplices in crime; and a young Theresa Russell a marvel in the thankless role of the girl who falls for Dembo. This is straight-for-the-gut filmmaking by Ulu Grosbard, a story about very flawed and very real people, losers perhaps, but very real in their desires and wants and actions. This is the kind of film that died after the 70s and today would only be made on a shoestring indie budget. But if you want to see Dustin Hoffman when he was indeed one of the best actors in the business, if you want to see a tough heist film, if you want to see a commentary about the way we help create anti-social cases like Maz Dembo, then see this film. It's a great one.Movie Review: Great companion piece to Midnight Cowboy
Summary: 5 Stars
This 1978 film, co-written by Eddie Bunker--an actual con known for his realistic stories of criminals and prison life--stars Dustin Hoffman in one of his absolute best roles as Max Dembo, a con who has to contend with an arch-enemy in the form of his ultra-nasty parole officer, played perfectly by none other than M. Emmet Walsh.
Also on hand, as Dembo re-embarks on a life of crime after release from the slammer, are his buds, also former crooks, who are persuaded by Max to once again plunge into the dark side of crime. Gary Busey and Harry Dean Stanton are these guys, and the casting here is right on target. Stanton is always good, but here he's even better as a world-weary guy who's so jaded by his marriage that he's eager to get going with Dembo, rather than having to go through the endlessly boring days of domestic life with his wife (Kathy Bates in an early role, and great as usual).
This is a terrific companion piece to another Dustin Hoffman-starring film, Midnight Cowboy. In both films, we see how the actor gets under the skin of a character who's at rock bottom and teases out of this mess so much humanity that the viewer is glued to the screen. Hoffman in his prime? You bet. Just about no other actor around is this good in this kind of role. He's a malevolent force of nature in Straight Time who has a devastating impact on everyone around him.
One of the most unknown films of the 1970s--because it's so downbeat, the box office gross was really low at the time of its release. But it's a great film, a quintessentially American film whose focus on the underbelly of the great American dream is as strong as a bullwhip.
Get this, see it, and dig it. It's great.
Movie Review: great criminal-character study.
Summary: 5 Stars
Where to start......i remember my 1st viewing and i was shocked by all the great secondary roles. Harry dean stanton,m emmet walsh,kathy bates and gary busey(and his son playing his son)in their 1st film roles. I don't include theresa russell because she is'nt in the same league. Written by eddie bunker(reservoir dogs) and directed by ulu grosbard(last exit to brooklyn) it's an unflinching look at the everyday life of a career criminal.The camera meanders and ponders these questions at a smooth pace. If you think this is slow,then you can't appreciate why 70's films were so great.No big explosions or gunfights,just great storytelling.I almost forgot.....(my opinion),dustin hoffman's greatest performance ever. Harry dean stanton is a revelation.Movie Review: A small gem finally shows up
Summary: 5 Stars
I remember seeing this film in Denver at a sneak preview. It didn't get much theatre time and soon disappeared into VHS rental and unwatchable, edited presentations on AMC until this new DVD. The film looks terrific in original widescreen and has audio screen comments by the director and Hoffman which enrich the viewing experience. Straight Time has a wonderful supporting cast, Gary Busey, a wonderful Harry Dean Stanton, and a very young Theresa Russell among others. This is a script driven film that reminds one that car crashes, exploding buildings and macho super heroes are not necessary for a great crime film.Movie Review: Hoffmans Best!
Summary: 5 Stars
He may have not won an oscar or even got nominated for this performance but Dustin Hoffmans performance as career criminal Max Dembo is probably his finest. Harry Dean Stanton should have gotten a supporting nomination for his portrayal of Jerry Schue. His performance is flawless.Gary Busey has never been better as ex-con Willy Darin. M. Emmett Walsh is perfect as the repulsive P.O. Even Kathy Bates shines in her tiny role. Top notch performances by all! Should have been released on DVD years ago!