The Grifters Movie Review 1990

Evocative rendering of a terrifying sub-culture. Huston, Cusak, and Bening are con artists, struggling to stay on top in a world where violence, money, and lust are the prizes. Bening and Huston fight for Cusak's soul, while he's determined to decide for himself. Seamless performances and dazzling atmosphere, along with superb pacing, make for a provocative film. Based on a novel by Jim Thompson.

Distribution

Facets Multimedia, Inc., 1517 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago, IL 60614, Phone: (773)281-9075, Toll-free: 800-331-6197, Fax: (773)929-5437, Email: sales@facets.org, URL: http://www.facets.org

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 114 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Scams, Stings & Cons, Monster Moms, Contemporary Noir, Incest, Books to Film: Jim Thompson, Femme Fatale

Screenplay

Donald E. Westlake

Cast

Anjelica Huston, John Cusack, Annette Bening, Pat Hingle, J.T. Walsh, Charles Napier, Henry Jones, Gailard Sartain, Jeremy Piven

Cinematography

Oliver Stapleton

Director

Stephen Frears

Music

Elmer Bernstein

Producer

Miramax Films, Cineplex Odeon Films

Awards

Ind. Spirit 1991: Actress (Huston), Film; L.A. Film Critics 1990: Actress (Huston); Natl. Soc. Film Critics 1990: Actress (Huston), Support. Actress (Bening).