Saint Jack (1979) User Reviews

People make love for all sorts of crazy reasons ....

[VincentElgar · 8/10 · 8 August 2006]

Singapore 1973 – Jack Flowers (Gazzara) a worldworn drifter, has finally found his niche. He is a small-time pimp, eking out a living arranging liaisons for jaded ex-pats and burned-out GIs. Everybody knows Jack and everyone likes him – a situation that changes rapidly when he decides to open his own house of ill repute.

Saint Jack is Peter Bogdanovich's most accomplished film. Made long after his Hollywood star had waned it is a low-key, character driven piece full of memorable scenes and performances. The Singapore it depicts is long gone, buried under acres of concrete and glass. The world Jack Flowers' inhabits is old school orient - sampans, alleyways, bustling markets and street hustlers. Denholm Elliot excels as the bemused, vaguely melancholy accountant Jack takes under his wing. Rodney Bewes and Joss Ackland do memorable turns as aimlessly Englishmen abroad. Former James Bond George Lazenby puts in an appearance as a slimy US senator and director Bogdanovich plays a CIA operative.

For a movie produced by Roger Corman and Hugh Hefner it's far from the exploitation fare its subject matter might suggest. Photographed by the great Robby Muller and based on a novel by Paul Theroux it's well worth a look. 8/10

**Also recommended for fans of this movie is "Kinda Hot: The Making of Saint Jack in Singapore" by Ben Slater (ISBN: 9812610693) - a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film.

Saint Jack - A Surprise Treat

[lisan_gek · 8/10 · 5 December 2009]

It has been more than a week since i last watch Saint Jack, the after effects of it still lingers. That shows it is not an ordinary film.

I went into the theatre without much expectation, when the film starts with the opening credit rolling, i sat up very straight, devouring the fascinating font selected. The long tail of each font stretching beyond its normal alignment gives me a hint that this is going to be a different experience. This is not the usual crappy 70s sleazy film made. There is a humour exuding even from the font. Its gonna be interesting.

As Jack walks into the Chinese shophouse and greeted by a young Indian chap who talks and spray mosquito around him, i found myself unable to hide my humored smile behind the dim theatre. Such fascinating and improvisational like mis en sense repeats throughout the entire film.

The 70s is an era which i was born into. I was too young to have a vivid memory of it. When the landscape and the people scape were unfolded in front of me, instinctively i feel this film is depicting a rather accurate portray of my country. Although the film revolves around the character of pimp, Jack Flowers, Jack is not the only main role. Singapore is in fact the other protagonist. All the caricatures of small roles that appears throughout the film etches a multicultural developing nation with an array of characters that Jack immensely enjoy interacting with. It is the same feeling whenever i visit other developing country.... fascinating.

Honestly, i think the plot is thin. but the rich characters made up for everything. It is an underrated film that has finally seen its daylight (in Singapore). the delightful feeling is an accidental discovery of a film treasure that records an era with so much nuances and humour.

The Marking of Saint Jack:Kinda Hot. A book written by Ben Slater adds even more fun to the entire experience.

"I can't exactly go to Immigration and say 'running a wang house'."

[moonspinner55 · 6/10 · 2 July 2017]

Chatty, engrossing character portrait, adapted from Paul Theroux's novel by Howard Sackler, Theroux and director Peter Bogdanovich, regarding Jack Flowers, a good-natured, middle-aged American living in early 1970s Singapore; he's a pimp who loves people and enjoys servicing his international clientele of businessmen with a colorful assortment of women, but recent events--a violent shakedown by the competition, also the death of a good friend--has caused him to rethink his life. Bogdanovich originally wanted Orson Welles to direct the film after then-girlfriend, Cybill Shepherd, won the rights to the novel in a legal settlement with Playboy magazine (Playboy is listed as a production company and Hugh M. Hefner is credited as one of the executive producers). Directing the film himself, Bogdanovich (who also has a key supporting role) won back the praise of critics--if not the general public--with this finely-etched drama for grown-ups. Ben Gazzara is a marvel in the lead; subtle, introspective, congenial but direct, a straight-talker with a head for business, the actor does some of the best work of his career. The film itself is too long, with a meandering midsection, though cinematographer Robby Müller has given the Singapore streets and daytime city views a beautiful hazy look. Bogdanovich introduces us to a collection of one-of-a-kind characters, funny and offbeat creatures who come out at night, and their interplay with Flowers and each other has a nice, friendly rhythm. Ultimately, the film is a wistful portrait of friendship, loyalty and business, with people happily scraping by, day after day, with private dreams but no ambition. **1/2 from ****

Another Brilliant Little Sleeper!

[jlabine · 21 July 2000]

"Saint Jack" is an amazing little film. Just when you figure that Peter Bogdanovich was only capable of making Hollywood efforts rather than his once indepedent film maker roots (ie; "Targets" and "Last Picture Show") he surprised his fans with this little film. Not since Cassavetes, has a director pulled such an honest and Oscar worthy performance from Ben Gazzara. For me, Ben's role as Jack Flowers is one of the most colorful of American Cinema's characters. His character is shaded with the same quirks that you would expect from such an actor as Bogart. The film begins with Jack Flowers running a prostitution racket in late 1960's Singapore, with dreams of opening the grandest of whore houses. What may seem like a typically seedy character for cinema, turns out to be one of the most sensitive portrayals that indears rather than repulses. His rather cynical, humourous, honest and lazy approach to life is at times comendable and charming. But after his dream is realized (he does get his whore house!), things start falling apart. It's at this point that his integrity is questioned with the newer business routes he ventures into. The second half of the film is slightly dispairing due to the fact that he no longer has a sense of dream, but only a sense of escape from the world he has created. You get the feeling that people of his disposition are not trully suited for the occupation of pimp. One of the highlights of the film is the friendship he builds with William Leigh (Denholm Elliott). Both are outsiders of Singapore, yet still live there, due to the fact that they're too much of an outsider in their country of origin. The friendship reminds me that of Bruno Ganz and Dennis Hopper in "The American Friend". Both are in countries not their own, but "Saint Jack" retains a friendship of innocence. One will die in both. I imagine that Peter Bogdanovich was influenced to a degree by Hugh Hefner (of Playboy fame), in which he (as well as Jack Flowers) is also in the industry of female objectification. Yet both are still looked upon as fairly descent men. It's no surprise to me that Hugh was also responsible for some of the production along with B-movie producer Roger Corman. Another character (of female objectification in cinema history) that plays a great influence in the film as well...is James Bond. The use of music, epecially the Goldfinger soundtrack (heard while two Singaporean prostitutes are gettin' busy), the theatre poster for the film resembles a James Bond like poster, and the casting of George Lazenby (ironically as a Senator with homosexual leanings) from "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" fame, lend an overwhelming thought that secretly Bogdanovich wanted to make a Bond film. But this may have also been a way of justifying Jack Flowers own arguable career choices of that of our own moral decissions in entertainment enjoyment. Also, comparing to a time (late 1960's) when we (as America) sent troops to Vietnam (another theme in the film), Jack comes off looking quiet harmless, and smelling of flowers (pun intended). But what really makes this film so charming is the warmth that Ben Gazzara radiates in this film, and how it's small scale of a budget offers such a big heart. It's heaviness in topic is always brought off with humour and sensitivity. Highly recommended on all counts! It's a pity that not more people know of this film, and that's great loss to the film watching public. Maybe Bogdanovich will make something as interesting in the future? I give it a 10!

Ben Does Bogey

[bkoganbing · 6/10 · 12 April 2009]

Saint Jack is a film short on plot, but long on character study, at least for the title character Jack Flowers, patron saint of the working girl in Singapore. Ben Gazzara plays the title role and if you can imagine Humphrey Bogart at his most existential running a brothel, than you've got Gazzara's character.

And that's what Jack Flowers does, he served in Korea went to college on the GI bill and tried a hand at writing. He gave that up because he hadn't experienced enough of life in his own words, shipped out on a tramp freighter and wound up in Singapore managing a brothel. If he wanted to know about life, that's as good a place as any to get material for twenty books. And he's originally from Buffalo, New York, probably on the west side, unanglicized name Jack Fiore.

Gazzara's co-star is the city of Singapore in all its aspects, both the high and low end of it. Gazzara's got friends in high and low places, his most unusual friend is Denholm Elliott who is an accountant and sent by the front office in Hong Kong to do a yearly audit. They hit it off believe it or not, Elliott becomes kind of a role model of probity for Gazzara.

Humphrey Bogart, starting in Casablanca did a lot of his films in exotic locations. But mostly he never got there, his films mostly done on studio back lots, The African Queen a shining exception. I'm sure Bogey would have jumped at the chance to do a location film in Singapore which in his day was involved in a nasty civil war after World War II.

There's not much of a story line, in fact Gazzara's not a terribly heroic character until the end when he does have an attack of conscience. For what that is you'll have to see Saint Jack.

Don't Know Jack

[sol- · 6/10 · 8 May 2016]

Opening a brothel of his own in Singapore proves challenging for an American pimp as local gangsters try to squeeze him out of the market in this Peter Bogdanovich movie. 'Saint Jack' is not often cited in discussions of Bogdanovich's best work, and the movie's near descent into obscurity nowadays is understandable if unfortunate. The film is, after all, extremely low key and very lethargically paced as the plot mostly focuses on the pimp's day-to-day activities, trying to engage American Vietnan War GIs by recounting his own experiences in Korea, watching various girls strut their stuff and escorting around a British accountant he befriends. With its strong focus on day-to-day events, the film never quite amounts to a tight narrative, however, there are sufficient highlights along the way to render the experience worthwhile. These include a fun cameo from a cigar-smoking Bogdanovich, lead actor Ben Gazarra commenting sarcastically about the accountant (BAFTA nominated Denholm Elliott) wanting to play squash when he "can't even breathe" and an absolutely unforgettable parody of 'Goldfinger' as performed by striptease artists. Bond aficionados might also take interest in an unusual brief turn by George Lazenby near the end of the movie. While not widely seen, 'Saint Jack' has a sizeable fan-base from those who have viewed it, and there is no denying how intriguing the central premise is of Gazzara as an ethical man trying to make an honest go of it in an (arguably) unethical profession where nobody is honest. One's mileage will, however, likely vary.

I couldn't find it

[tomi_cai · 6/10 · 6 March 2022]

Difficult to follow, difficult to understand. That's what i have left about this film. The last quarter I couldn't understand anything. It didn't like at all the environment.

But something really good are the characters. Excellently personified.

Bogdanovich return to form

[samelsby · 9/10 · 18 May 2005]

A poignant and evocative portrayal of the seamy side of Singapore that was banned by the island state's then Prime Minister Lee(no-chewing-gum) Kwan Yoo and which must have had him spluttering into his gin-sling. Jack Flowers (Ben Gazzara) is a pimp providing R & R for 'Nam GI's and tourists. Crossing the path of Triad gangs, who want to muscle in on his action, he refuses to be intimidated. By contrast his British ex-pat. acquaintances are post-colonial flotsam: all-day drinkers with no ambition but to live out the rest of their lives in a pastiche of Empire. The exception is William Leigh (Denholm Elliot) who gives a deftly understated and moving performance. Both BG and DE are utterly convincing in their interaction, which is the Anglo-American "special relationship" (and their countries' post-war global power shift) in microcosm. Gazzara matches arch scene-stealer Elliot belying the saying "Never act with children, animals or Denholm Elliot". With the plot covering prostitution, blackmail and protection and there is also a pervading feeling that in the 1970's there was no place on earth that was not corrupted by exploitation and misogyny. Understated and underrated, but brilliant cinema.

a good Bogdanovich film

[pbalos · 7/10 · 16 August 2000]

an interesting story that probably worked better in print than film.I did not read the novel.Good Singapore location shots. There's probably more depth to the character Jack Flowers than most Gazzara roles as we watch him roam the underbelly of Singapore soliciting women, and in one scene,a pair of transsexuals.Technically, it's well done with slightly above average acting and direction.Good performances by some unknown actors. Still, one walks away wishing there was a little more substance to the main character and the film overall.All 'n all, it is worth seeing although it lacks in certain areas.

An essay on the virtues of Saint Jack

[akao76-775-186442 · 10/10 · 20 January 2014]

Peter Bogdanovich's "Saint Jack" is a lost gem from the '70s Golden Era of the director. Relatively obscure due to poor distribution (its million dollar budget was the most producer Roger Corman ever spent on a film, goodbye marketing), this is a forgotten classic. Bogdanovich worships at the altar of '40s cinema and although this film has plenty of classic Hollywood style (i.e. Hitchcock-like POV sequences) the overall tone feels closer to a Cassavetes indie film, which would make sense since you have freakin' Ben Gazzara in the lead role. The naturalistic feel and gritty style sucks you in and transports you right onto the hot streets of Singapore.

The film airdrops us into the life of Jack Flowers, an American ex-pat in Vietnam War era Singapore who's in the cat-house business. Gazzara inhabits the role of big pimp daddy, sleazy yet gregarious, always making moves, friend to all creatures of the night. He's got some hard-boiled noir detective in him as well, an old school man's man (the dialogue is often a His Girl Friday style patter that's somehow entirely charming in this setting). He OWNS this part, so natural in it, brimming with life, big and bold, full of dirty jokes and barroom anecdotes. Jack Flowers is the man to see if you're looking for a good time.

"Saint Jack" is invaluable as a historical document of a sleazy grimy Singapore that isn't there anymore. Greasy, dirty and beautiful, you can smell the seamy hot night air. We get a wonderful feel for the city as Jack hustles around town to maintain his stable of gals, including a photo album full of "billy-boys" (beautiful Asian trannies; we get to see a couple of 'em get down to the theme from Goldfinger, which will never sound the same). There are plenty of female hookers as well like the lovable and sexy Judy, a straight talking no-nonsense breath of fresh air; she knows exactly what to say to cut a tall drunken obnoxious snob down to size. The chemistry between Jack and his girls is wonderful; always a kind word for the ladies, he knows exactly what to say to a woman to put a bounce in her step. Jack's pimp hand is strong but it's not malicious or violent; he rules with love. This may be a movie fantasy pimp but I'm on board with him being the Oskar Schindler of pimps, which would be one reason for the film's title.

The film's three acts are framed by three annual visits from William Leigh, a British auditor from Hong Kong, played touchingly by Denholm Elliot. He's kind of a nerd, a bit of an outsider, insecure and frail, but there's something genuinely nice about him, something that makes him an easy target for the loud drunken British louts at the bar. He doesn't connect with his fellow countrymen but rather forms an unlikely yet strong friendship with Jack. I suppose the pimp & the accountant bond over their common disaffection for conventional society. Jack is all for debunking sexual taboos, making him even more of an outsider in a land full of prejudiced Chinese. William seems numbed by a life of crunching figures, finding the insatiable desires of capitalism distasteful. He resists temptation but not in a self-righteous manner (just obliviously dorky, but sweet).

A simple dissolve airdrops us into the second act and Jack's new venture, a gorgeous bordello mansion. The place is hopping and Jack's dreams seem close to fruition, but his new success has drawn the ire of local Triad thugs. Jack's been dodging a Triad beating for a while but his new sex palace has seriously messed with their money. Gangsters don't play nice and Jack struggles to keep his typical cool under such extreme duress. (His threat to dropkick a pervy little Triad dude is priceless.) Things don't turn out so well for Jack but he rolls with the punches, his skills always in demand, and gets involved providing a little R&R for the boys. We learn that the army's had a long history in the cat-house business dating back to the Civil War when a General Hooker made the suggestion, as told by the CIA heavy played by Bogdanovich himself. He's described this as his Vietnam film and though the story's pretty removed from the war, we get an impression of the zeitgeist that results from Western powers sticking their noses in where it doesn't belong. We witness signs of the spread of consumer culture like wildfire as it seduces and devours everything in its path.

The final act concerns Jack's role in a gov't plot to sandbag a senator who's a little too big for his britches (and happens to have a weakness for young Chinese boys). Jack faces a moral dilemma when he's offered the job to take down the senator. Can he live with destroying a man over his liberal opinions, exposing his kinky sexual desires? If authority asks you to hurt someone, should that authority then be questioned? Can a pimp possibly have a higher moral standard than a gov't official? If morality were his only concern, there's not much of a dilemma but Jack needs a job and there's a lot of cash on the table, enough to send him home to America which he misses dearly. (An especially reflective moment has Jack stare longingly at a world map that displays the time in his hometown of Buffalo, NY.) His inner conflict is expressed during a beautiful near-silent cinematic sequence (like a Melville heist) as he stalks the senator, creeping through the darkness. It feels so wrong, too sleazy even for a pimp. The choice he makes may have consequences, or maybe he'll just keep on hustling. Perhaps someone who can't be bought is a saint, or maybe the price just wasn't high enough. Morality don't come cheap.

Masterfully executed, a cinephile's delight, this film is precious buried treasure.

a pimp in Lion City

[lee_eisenberg · 7/10 · 8 June 2010]

The criminally underrated Peter Bogdanovich casts Ben Gazzara as a man who opens a brothel in Singapore, drawing the ire of a crime syndicate. "Saint Jack", based on Paul Theroux's novel, portrays Lion City as the opposite of the immaculate place that we hear about. Not only do the streets look dirty, but the entire place comes across as a bastion of corruption.

A couple of things make "Saint Jack" a good movie. Aside from the great acting, directing and cinematography, I like movies that show us cultures that we rarely see (other examples include "The Mighty Quinn" and "Black Cat, White Cat"). Despite Singapore's economic status, it's one of the least represented of the Four Asian Tigers* in cinema. All in all, Bogdanovich (who plays a supporting role) made a good one. Also starring Denholm Elliott (Marcus Brody in the Indiana Jones movies).

*A geopolitical term used to describe Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong and South Korea, referring to their status as small countries that are economic powerhouses.

Bogdanovich at his best

[mim-8 · 10/10 · 8 May 2009]

In my opinion this is the best film by Peter Bogdanovich, to this day. It packs so much witty humor, charm and deep characterizations, and yet it looks so simple, which is the essential ingredient of any great film.

Ben Gazzara mastered the roles of strayed pimps, with a heart, most notably in Cassavetes's "The killing of a Chinese bookie", and he's on his own terrain in "Saint Jack", playing the role with ease. Supporting cast helps a lot, and most of them are probably not professional actors, which gave the more credit to Bogdanovich's directing, who, by the way, plays a great role of entrepreneurial CIA operative. It's a shame that this movie is released on DVD only in Australia, but if you look hard you can track it down, and every film lover definitely should.

Bogdanovich returns

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 26 April 2020]

American hustler Jack Flowers (Ben Gazzara) is scrapping by in Singapore. He's looking to be a big time pimp, and going home in luxury. He befriends straight-laced William Leigh (Denholm Elliot). With the Vietnam war raging, he receives an offer to host American soldiers on their R&R.

Director Peter Bogdanovich had been floundering for awhile at this point in his career. This is a little bit of return to form. It's a low budget film with a character actor as the lead in an exotic location. The first half is a little slow as I wondered where the plot is going with this movie. It still rambles around. It would help to have better Asian actors. It's fun that Bogdanovich got a midget but it's tough to find any great acting outside of the two veterans. Having a bunch of nobodies does have a feel of reality but it would be nice to have real actors. More than anything, this movie has an edge which is provided by Gazzara. He infuses this movie with an underground danger. Something could happen to him at any time as he surfs the underworld.

Not much of a plot for this expatriate film set in SE Asia

[SimonJack · 4/10 · 29 November 2020]

"Saint Jack" got one nomination among the major film organizations. The British Academy of Film and Theater Arts (BAFTA) nominated Denholm Elliot as best supporting actor. Elliott did give a good performance in a small supporting cast role that is the only real acting role in the film. There were no other nominations, and critical nods for this film were rare. And, for good reason. It has but a skimpy plot - hardly enough for a good film to be made from. There's very little challenge for acting by anyone. It's a simple film that's much like a day in the life of someone. In this case, it's Jack Flowers, an expatriate American who is a pimp in Singapore.

How different and exciting can it be following a pimp around in his rounds? Well, this guy is not your ordinary pimp - or the standard picture that Hollywood traditionally portrays of such. They usually are shown as mean, nasty and sometimes physically abusive to the women who are their sex workers. No, Flowers is a well-liked guy who is friendly, kind, and generous with everyone. And does he know everyone? Just about. So, he has the moniker of "saint" because he's a good guy.

The movie is based on a 1973 novel of the same title by Paul Theroux. I didn't read it, and I don't know if it's all fiction or somewhat based on his personal knowledge and/or experiences from having been in Southeast Asia. The story takes place during the time of the Vietnam War.

There are but a couple of diversions, otherwise it's Flowers moving about in his environs in Singapore where he knows many people on the street and in the shops. He pops in at places to say hello to his Singapore acquaintances. He stops to talk to the girls and guys working the sex trade who come from various countries. And he drinks with some expatriate Brits who have taken up residence after military or business assignments in the area. He accommodates them and visiting men from anywhere and everywhere in his rather high-class bordello. Except for the last item, one might think he or she is watching the 1967 movie, "Hotel." That movie was somewhat dreary as well, but it had several more interesting characters and clients, and some who were much better developed.

After Malaysian competitors wipe out Jack's hotel, he works for a contractor that provides sex services for Allied servicemen on leave. But when the war ends, that business dries up and shuts down. Jack thought about going back home to the States, but he turns down an offer that would give him the money for the move. Instead, he walks back into the environment he knows so well. The film has some brief scenes of female and male nudity, and one graphic sexual scene of two women. It's R-rated for a reason.

None of that makes it a good film. Except for waiting for something interesting to happen, most viewers would probably soon find the film tiring or boring. Ben Gazzara is okay as Flowers. He doesn't have many dialog lines. His is a character of watching, observing and then moving on to the next stop. It's mostly a slow-moving film. Some reviewers have thought it was underrated at 6 or 7 stars. So, they give it 10 stars? That happens in most genres. Some people are crazy about or enjoy a subject so much that they rate a film with 10 stars, rather than rating it based on its film qualities -- writing, acting, directing, filming and other production aspects.

This film was shot all on location in Singapore. The scenery and camera work earn most of the four stars I give the film. It was interesting to learn on Wikipedia of the deception for filming in Singapore. The filmmakers apparently lied about the movie they were making. They had a fake synopsis and most of those involved in its production in Malaysia believed they were making a film called "Jack of Hearts."

Anyway, the film was another box office flop for producer Roger Corman and director Peter Bogdanovich. It's $1.7 million U.S. box office finished the year in 122nd place. It didn't even match the film's $2 million budget, or cover half of its cost.

One of those underrated gems

[JJ-N · 25 September 2009]

6.8/10? This is yet another one of those criminally underrated gems. Easily within one of those top 100 films you should really see before you die, instead of all the crap. Now, this is all you need to know. But since IMDb requires at least 10 lines for comments, I will point out the more obvious. This one has a real story, real locations, superb acting, superb direction. And while Ben Gazzara is as cool as ever, the other dudes are no slouches either. They just do not make movies like these anymore. Yes, perhaps not the biggest cash cow in the box office, but when you see this you know what I mean. Probably the best thing Bogdanovich ever put together. Just see this!

Hasn't Aged Well

[derek-duerden · 6/10 · 10 February 2023]

Following the hints in Karina Longworth's "Polly Platt" podcast series, I've been catching up with Bogdanovich. Having seen the The Last Picture Show a couple of weeks back, I was rather impressed by that. However, in my view, this hasn't aged nearly so well.

I'm not sure whether I was ever intended to sympathise with Gazarra's character, but he and many of his fellow-travellers seemed pretty unpleasant, and the "action" was often the same. That's not necessarily fatal, but in this case, after a while the episodic nature of the scenes made me wonder whether it was heading anywhere at all, and why I should still care.

Eventually, sure enough, after a while it just ended. I suppose that for its time it was pitched as some sort of expose of the pervasive nature of sleaze and corruption, but that's hardly news these days. It was just a bit depressing really.

(NB full marks for having Rodney Bewes on board in an unlikely role - but Denholm Elliott steals the show here.)

The Last Hooker Show.

[mark.waltz · 6/10 · 16 September 2022]

The character of Jack Flowers, played by Ben Gazzara, doesn't seem all that ethical or interesting as the film begins outside the scandalous nature of his occupation. He's a pimp in Singapore, obviously shady, but with a soft spot. His main interaction in this is Denholm Elliott as a rather square British accountant who isn't looking for the type of distraction that Gazzara provides. Gazzara finds himself surrounded by some very interesting characters, eccentrics from all over the world, giving this film some real world color.

The only real storyline that this film has is Gazzara's interactions with Singapore criminal figures who are certainly unforgettable in every way. Gazzara's character has an affinity for corny jokes which keeps the simple-minded clients searching for a cheap good time amused, but the film is intermingled with sudden moments of violence that are rather graphic. A naked john beating up his "date" results in others with their dates running out to rescue her.

It's a cheap subject matter that didn't seem appealing at all at first, but somehow because of the fascinating characterizations (especially Gazzara and Elliott who are both great) it grew on me. Certainly a lot better than director Peter Bogdanavich's big fiascos of the mid 70's, but more of a cult classic than a masterpiece like his earlier films. You'll never look at Asian culture the same way again after seeing this, with Gazzara obviously an influence for the engineer in "Miss Saigon".

Saint Jack

[btreakle · 7/10 · 29 April 2020]

This was a weird sexual type of film. Didn't really like it but based on the nudity I gave it a 7 star review

A story nicely told.

[DukeEman · 8/10 · 3 January 2002]

Set in the early 70's of Singapore as a pimp has his ups and downs in the sex industry. Pay close attention to the clever time frame and enjoy Ben Gazzara's wonderful performance. Bogdanovich hasn't made a decent film since this! A story nicely told.

Saint Jack

[henry8-3 · 7/10 · 19 May 2023]

Ben Gazzara plays Jack Flowers, a savvy American hustler living in Singapore who runs a brothel. He knows everyone and seems liked by all except the local gangsters who don't like him infringing on their territory. Whilst he is a man of principle, who builds an unlikely friendship with a visiting British auditor, played by Denholm Elliott, that principle is put to the test when he is offered money that will save his business, if he takes incriminating photographs of visiting political dignitary George Lazenby.

A wonderful laid back drama featuring a stonking performance from Ben Gazzara who wanders around Singapore basically being straight to everyone and trying to run a decent brothel against all odds. At every turn he helps those around him, but sadly this just doesn't fit with the local triad ambitions. Elliott is also sublime as the sweet unwell Englishman never quite fitting in in Singapore who touchingly becomes friend with Jack and the local ex pat group of Brits lead by the great James Villiers is great fun. A real gem.

A marvelous, dark and surprising character study, confident direction and all-timer performance

[Quinoa1984 · 10/10 · 8 January 2022]

If I were to try to tell you what happens in the conventional sense in Saint Jack, I would probably sound like I was coming up short on story beats and the usual stuff we get in a story involving someone living in a kind-of-sort-of-yeah shady criminal life like Jack Flowers does in his Singapore brothel. But that's because director and Co writer (and Co star natche) Peter Bogdanovich isn't concerned with all of that - or I should say he has the confidence to not have to rely on things going so simply from point A to B to C or even having a completely defined Central Question to start the film off. And yet I hasten to also say it's an episodic kind of movie since the so to speak episodes don't really start and finish so much as temporarily pause and then pick up, like once say Denholm Eliot's expatriate bookkeeper cum Jack's buddy leaves and arrives and hangs out and leave again... until he doesn't.

It's simply the story of someone at a very particular point in their lives, and that sounds like not a lot happens but that's far from the truth. What Bogdanovich does with such conviction and honesty is to just show how this man Jack (not quite his name but close enough) goes about his nights and days in this corner of a city in Singapore where he knows a lot of people and people know him and he takes care of some of them while others, well, he'd much rather not deal with. In the first half of the film especially it doesn't seem like a lot is "going on" as far as how we are so often trained as moviegoers to expect natural conflicts and sets ups; Gazarra's title character takes Eliot's Leigh around and then another guy asks for him and they sit down, he looks over a "menu" of women, they sit in a room while two ladies do a show put to "Goldfinger" (oh the Golden Rule, a little sweet subliminal touch), but all this time something is... off. Two or more people are following Jack and Jack knows it, more or less, to the point where finally he runs off with Leigh and they give brief chase.

Somehow, this really does all add up to be completely absorbing because Bogdanovich is making it about Jack's point of view. I'm sure it's inevitable to try to compare to Cassavetes due to the Gazzara connection as well as a middle aged guy who may be down on his luck and trying to hide it ala Chinese Bookie, or the looseness like Altman, but if anyone flashed to me more than anything it was Scorsese and specifically the seemingly contradictory but wholly organic combination of laser-focus in point of view and a looseness in shaping character interactions and scenes. And like in many of Scorsese's work, especially around that time in the 70s, the city and location is another character to play with, or rather that our hero cant escape and it may shape him more than he cares to admit.

At the same time, with knowing only basic things as a casual admirer of the (late) director's life and work, it feels like a personal piece of some kind. Here is a guy who could be anything and he's in a world where he has to be Mr Amiable and Charming even as he misses home. I'm not sure if it was that that attracted Bogdanovich (maybe more literally it was the p***y let's be real), but he treats it all with this grounded reality while also letting his actors find the grace notes and taking dialog I'd have to think was largely scripted feel improvised - or moments that need to be explosive and messy, like when one of Jack's girls gets best and slapped around bursting out of a room into a hallway and he comes to look in on her as a crowd forms and the guy who did it looks as befuddled as he does. It's a bizarre moment that feels painfully real somehow.

And eventually there is Shape and dimension to this man, in part because of what he sees and has to endure, like the abuse from the gangsters to tattoo him (jokes on them as he adds to the tattoos to be fully flowered, ho ho), or what this shady CIA guy played by Bogdanovich wants from him (as it turns out, kind of a blackmail situation, what can Jack do, not go back to Buffalo at this stage that's for sure). Why does Jack stay in this city and country anyway? Maybe it's a freedom, or that there's this seedy escapism where he gets to be this Character of Jack Flowers Big Man, with everything reminding him of what he doesn't have while he has all this control... which can be taken away because he is in this land where white people are intruding.

(As an aside I'm now flashing to a George Orwell story called Shooting an Elephant where he wrote about a cop who's greatest anxiety was being laughed at, as every white man felt in the East. Maybe in this story, Jack doesn't exactly get laughed at and there isn't that imperial stronghold like it used to be with the British in the East, but there's that disconnect where he has respect but no love, as that costs money. Ok digression over).

And at the center of what makes this impossible to take your eyes off of is Gazzara. He sometimes seems so laconic, like Bogart but with even more Naturalism (or seemingly so), and yet there's so much sorrow and pain he's suppressing and yet there's this sensitivity that's underneath it all, maybe this understanding between director and actor that it can be shown, in little looks or in the eyes, or even in-between the lines so to speak as he gives that smile or grin of his. I love that we are plopped into this part of Jack's life and we only get little breadcrumbs (some of it from the CIA guy Eddie) how he got to this point - Jack even makes a deadpan remark that his English degree he got on a GI Bill (he wanted to be a writer) led him to this point. He's a cool guy to watch, but there's depth and sadness and distrust in him that be shows like it's a tap from a large fountain. It's one of the best performances of the 1970s.

As great as this is, I do wonder what Welles would've done with it. As is, it's a surprising piece of work from a director I largely peg as a "He does an Homage to this or that" and it has things it reminds me of but not to where it feels homage. Saint Jack is a genuine expression of a mood more than a traditional crime story, a mood and a vibe that has careful direction and skillfully cinematography.

Average Jack

[videorama-759-859391 · 6/10 · 1 July 2022]

For a Peter Bogdanovich film, I was kind of insulted he made this. As when judging his others, especially The Last Picture Show which reigns supreme. I was kind of surprised. There's nothing really special about Saint Jack, and Gazzara as a small time pimp, who reinvents himself as a major player, warring with rival syndicates, is no saint. Gazzara, who always delivers, is upstaged here, by Elliott's fine. Engaging performance, as a visiting Englishman, who becomes Gazzara's good buddy, while Bogdanovich, again, better behind the camera, plays a shady business partner. One implied oral scene, featuring George Lazenby as a perverted political figure is almost inexcusable. Given that, SJ is entertaining with a bit of cheeky erotica, T and A, but a restrained amount, which is kind of respecting from a viewers point, judging this drama. Not without interest, but this film won't blow you away, but has great Asian atmosphere however..

Rewarding adult movie

[elision10 · 9/10 · 2 June 2020]

This movie reminds you of just how great the late 60s/early 70s was in American film and how infrequently you see a movie this rewarding nowadays. That it's now almost completely forgotten shows how little we now value strong acting in a powerful yet subtle story. Let's hope it's appearance in Amazon Prim will expand its fans. The "but almost nothing happens!" critics demonstrates how little patience film goers now have. Anecdotally, the film is also a reminder of just how much Singapore has changed in the past 50 years.

Spoiler: Not a Gazzara or Bogdanovich guy

[gomike824 · 4/10 · 26 April 2020]

As I watched Peter Bogdanovich's film, Saint Jack (waiting for something to happen), three words came to mind: pretentious, tedious and dumb. Not once did I find myself caring a bit for the main character, Jack Flowers. I didn't really like him or dislike him. There was no detectable plot. The female characters were powerless cliches whose acting (?) was painful to experience. Ben Gazzara couldn't have been more impassive. I suppose that's how PB directed him to act, though. On the positive side, the shot framing and scenes of old Singapore were very good. I feel like an outlier her, after reading all the glowing reviews. I guess it's like any other work of art - you either get it or you don't. I like other auteur directors: Fellini, David Lynch. I just don't get Bogdanovich. I don't normally post reviews, but I decided that all of the positive reviews needed some balancing. I did enjoy Ben Gazzara in his Run For Your Life TV series ... even though it was a thinly-veiled rip-off of The Fugitive. But I guess if you're going to copy a show it might as well be one of the best dramas in TV history. For Peter Bogdanovich fans, TCM is about to begin a Bogdanovich podcast featuring him interviewing notable living and dead directors, as well as commentary by and interviews with Bogdanovich.

Eliot: "These girls, they're all so beautiful." Gazzara: "They're all guys."

[brujay-1 · 4 April 2007]

Ben Gazzara is not the Jack Flowers I saw in Paul Theroux' novel; he's too self-confident by half. But different in tone as they may be, both Theroux' and Bogdanovich's "Saint Jack" are successes. The location shooting in Singapore and the utter lack of background music are among Bogdanovich's own touches. It's a fine, solid little film, sexy, political and all over bright. Gazzara works as a gofer for a Chinese business to maintain his visa. But his dream is to open his own brothel, which with the backing of a few friends, he does. But the Chinese "mafia" closes him down (the confrontation with a Chinese midget and his musclemen is memorable). And then the CIA, represented by Peter Bogdanovith, subsidizes Flowers in a new brothel for Viet troops on R&R. It lasts as long as the war does (his former Chinese employer rags Gazzara about the Vietnamese victory). Then Gazzara is forced into some sleazy blackmail which, finally, he rejects. A moral decision in a very amoral story. British actor James Villiers has a small but distinctive part as Frogget. In a conversation with bar cronies he says: "The last time I was in UK they made homosexuality legal. I said to my wife, I said let's get out of here before they make it compulsory." This is not on DVD yet. Why the hell not?