Atlantic City Review
By David Kempler
On the Boardwalk of Atlantic City
Ride the Coaster
Every once in a great while the stars align correctly and a film works on every level. When great writing, meets great casting, acting, and direction, film rises to high art. Everyone understands this notion when considering "The Godfather," but art is more often achieved in the "smaller" films.
"Atlantic City" brings together legendary director Luis Malle (probably most famous for "Pretty Baby," starring a prepubescent Brooke Shields), an elderly Burt Lancaster, in one of his most overlooked performances, a young and vibrant Susan Sarandon, who no doubt caused a spike in lemon sales, and a supporting cast that makes you feel like no other actors could have done as fine a job.
The film is essentially a slice of life tale about a small time criminal (Lancaster) who through a series of mishaps lands in the middle of a world he knows nothing about. Along with Sarandon, an aspiring black jack dealer, Lancaster, gets involved with big time gangsters and drug dealers. The way he navigates through that world and eventually masters it is as fine an adaptation to surroundings and events as one could ever hope to see. The stellar supporting cast led by Hollis McLaren, Robert Joy, Kate Reid, and Robert Goulet, in one of the funniest odd cameos you will ever encounter, helps take us through a roller coaster ride of intense drama and intelligent humor.
Filled with scenes of masterful dialog and real life interaction between all of its characters, "Atlantic City" reminds us that when all of the elements of a story come together seamlessly there is not the slightest need for loud noise, special effects, and endless spurts of bright red blood.
Most importantly perhaps is the hope that endures despite the various predicaments and obstacles thrown in the paths of all of its characters. When the film is over and you find yourself running it back through your head, no doubt a smile will come to you as you realize that in a bizarre sort of way, these characters that you have come to love, all have actually found some true inner happiness without noticing it coming. You will too.
