The Grifters
Most recently screened in February 2010
Director: Stephen Frears. Cast: Anjelica Huston, John Cusack, Annette Bening, J.T. Walsh, Pat Hingle, Stephen Tobolowsky, Eddie Jones, Henry Jones, Michael Laskin, Gailard Sartain, Xander Berkeley. Screenplay: Donald E. Westlake (based on the novel by Jim Thompson).

 Twitter Capsule: For all its steely, stylish virtues, never stops feeling like an exercise. Doesn't stick. Love Hingle, Huston, score.

VOR: ④  I admire it more than I like it, but that's a testament to its ambitions and value. Huston's performance endures as a touchstone, as does the film's sexy-sour update on noir.


Photo © 1990 Miramax Films

Not yet reviewed in full. Grade: B

Academy Award Nominations:
Best Director: Stephen Frears
Best Actress: Anjelica Huston
Best Supporting Actress: Annette Bening
Best Adapted Screenplay: Donald E. Westlake

Golden Globe Nominations:
Best Actress (Drama): Anjelica Huston

Other Awards:
Independent Spirit Awards: Best Picture; Best Actress (Huston)
Los Angeles Film Critics Association: Best Actress (Huston; also cited for The Witches)
National Society of Film Critics: Best Actress (Huston; also cited for The Witches); Best Supporting Actress (Bening)
Boston Society of Film Critics: Best Actress (Huston; also cited for The Witches)
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