This Italian production of an American gangster story is appropriately bleak in tone and outlook, and previews Cassavetes' own "Gloria," starring Gena Rowlands, eleven years later; and also feels descended from the likes of "Johnny Cool" from earlier in the 60's. It previews too some memorable collaborations of Cassavetes and Peter Falk to come. Falk has a terrific presence here, to the point I was sad to see his departure because I was loving the performance. The actor playing the son is, um, not great here. But, many of the character actors populating the screen are terrific. I sure wish Rowlands had come into the story sooner.
I took off a point for the Euro-dubbing. Dang, I hate that.
I took off a point for the Euro-dubbing. Dang, I hate that.