The Grifters (1990)
Directed by Stephen Frears
Genres - Drama, Crime |
Sub-Genres - Post-Noir (Modern Noir), Crime Drama |
Release Date - Dec 5, 1990 (USA), Dec 5, 1990 (USA - Limited) |
Run Time - 110 min. |
Countries - United States |
MPAA Rating - R
Share on
Synopsis by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
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.
Characteristics
Moods
Themes
Keywords
mother, son, con-artist, double-cross, gangster, girlfriend, manipulation, murder
Attributes
High Artistic Quality