Not pretty, but nevertheless a must-see movie . George Segal gives an outstanding performance as a junkie muddling through a bleak existence in Manhattan circa 1971. He lies, cheats and steals his way to his next fix until he meets free-spirited rich girl Karen Black. While she wants him to go straight, his pride won't let him. Nor will crooked cops Ed Madsen & Robert DeNiro or pusher/pimp Hector Elizondo. Segal gives a remarkable performance and the direction by Czech Ivan Passer is great. There's very little let up in this film! Black is fine and Jay Fletcher is terrific as Segal's junkie cohort. Paula Prentiss, though second billed, appears in little more than a cameo. The movie is ugly, scary, funny and suspenseful all at the same time. Its working title was SCRAPING BOTTOM & that should give you a sense for what you're in for. A real highlight in the career of the often underrated Segal.
Review of Born to Win
