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Fat City

2017年9月25日 (月)

Fatcity

While browsing through the cable TV guide I stumbled across this 1982 arthouse film by John Huston. Set in California’s dilapidated ( and soon to be destroyed ) skid row this film follows the realities of small time boxers. It follows the misfortunes of an alcoholic washed-up boxer who spots a young talented boxer (Jeff Bridges) and their attempts at trying to make it in the boxing world.

Although short in length this film was very effective in bringing the gritty misery and sadness of their lives. It was laced with understated humour and a very powerful performance by Susan Tyrell as the alcoholic wife of one of the boxers. The acting, direction, casting and location were excellent and I was left wanting to watch more, and although it finished all too soon the abrupt ending worked extremely well.

One of those rare understated films that leaves a lasting impression, I shall be hunting down more John Huston films in the future.

Review Score 10/10

Dilapidated – Rundown, dirty, broken.

Skidrow – poor area of downtown L.A.

Small time – non professional

Washed up – no longer good at what you do

Understated – not obvious, quiet

To be laced with – to have something mixed into it

Abrupt- sudden