The Grifters (1990)

The Grifters (1990)
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Director Stephen Frears' tense adaptation of Jim Thompson's novel The Grifters was one of a number of revival film noirs in the first half of the '90s. Updating the setting to contemporary Los Angeles, the film follows a trio of con artists who are intent on out-foxing each other. Roy Dillon (John Cusack) is a simple, two-bit con, whose life is thrown into turmoil when his estranged mother Lilly (Anjelica Huston) returns home in an attempt to evade the law. Lilly doesn't warm to Roy's girlfriend Myra Langtry (Annette Bening), who is too similar to herself. Soon, the two women are competing for Roy in a battle that is more of a power struggle than a pursuit of affection, and the battle quickly turns dangerous. Huston was nominated for an Academy Award for her work. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rovi

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Starring:
John Cusack, Anjelica Huston, (more)
Director(s):
Stephen Frears
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of The Grifters

Director Stephen Frears' tense adaptation of Jim Thompson's novel The Grifters was one of a number of revival film noirs in the first half of the '90s. Updating the setting to contemporary Los Angeles, the film follows a trio of con artists who are intent on out-foxing each other. Roy Dillon (John Cusack) is a simple, two-bit con, whose life is thrown into turmoil when his estranged mother Lilly (Anjelica Huston) returns home in an attempt to evade the law. Lilly doesn't warm to Roy's girlfriend Myra Langtry (Annette Bening), who is too similar to herself. Soon, the two women are competing for Roy in a battle that is more of a power struggle than a pursuit of affection, and the battle quickly turns dangerous. Huston was nominated for an Academy Award for her work. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
110 mins

Complete Cast of The Grifters


Director(s):
Stephen Frears
Writer(s):
Donald E. Westlake
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(Adult Situations, Nudity, Adult Language, Violence, Profanity, Not For Children)
The Grifters Awards:
  • 1990 - Independent Spirit Awards - Best Picture
  • 1990 - Independent Spirit Awards - Best Actress
  • 1989 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Actress
  • 1989 - National Society of Film Critics - Best Supporting Actress
  • 1989 - National Society of Film Critics - Best Actress
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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Charles A.

Any fan of noir can appreciate this movie, but only as a sort of character sketch and not for its thin and nearly curve-free plot. If you know anything about Jim Thompson's novels -- he makes Raymond Chandler and Daschiel Hammett look like Up With People -- you'll find this film adaption a faithful one. Don't expect this to be anything like a "caper" movie though: Cusack's quirky black humour is largely absent as are the many twists you might expect in a movie about three con artists. The movie has less to do with grifting and more the complex relationship between Roy, his estranged mother whom calls only "Lilly" (Angelica Huston) and his girlfriend Myra (Annette Benning). Benning's character never achieves significant depth, only a backstory more interesting than the main plot. In one scene, Roy has a flashback to when he is taught by a wise old huckster who very obviously represents a father figure, but this relationship is never explored, and never even revisited.

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Reginald F.

I was really amazed by this film. It was creepy, compelling, and consitently interesting. All performances were excellent. You might not like this film the second it's over, but it really seems to grow on you. And even by the very end it still leaves some questions to itself, which I think was very smart of it. Stephen Frears is a genius and it was smart of Scorsese for producing it.

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Timothy P.

The Grifters is on my list of the top 100 films of all time. The performances by Cusack, Huston, and Bening are outstanding...the story is part hardboiled noir and part sarcastic..it mixes 40's,50's 60's and 70's looks. Don't pass it by...try to watch it with a group of people and then have a discussion! Great music by Hitchcock's standby, Elmer Bernstein. Great extra features, too..After Grifters, see "The Day of The Locust"--another film set in old LA

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