DeniDVD Vault: Gloria (1980) with Gena Rowlands
July 31st 2010 08:38
Category: Drama, What to Rent?
For some strange reason this movie has always stuck with me through the years. The plotting is simplistic and nothing really inspiring but the delivery is gripping and at the end of the day it's more about the relationship that develops between a tough woman with zero maternal instincts, who can't even fry an egg for breakfast and a little boy with a big mouth who suddenly has no family. Such is the talent of the late director, John Cassevetes who also penned the script and his wife Gena Rowlands who plays the title character for pulling this off.
Gloria Swenson, not to be confused with Gloria Swanson, never knew how the day would end when she stopped by her neighbor's apartment for a cup of coffee. A storm is coming and the atmosphere in the small flat reeks of danger. The tension is so thick that even the children are unsettled.
John Adames as Phil and Gena Rowlands as Gloria
Rowlands does an amazing job as Gloria. Sure, she's tough and she can hold her own because she knows the score, her friends are actually the same people who are hunting down the newly orphaned, Phil, and she has even spent time in prison - but she plays Gloria with such nervous energy and brief moments of rigid tension and vulnerability, fully aware of the danger she's in. She does not want to die and there are a few moments when she questions her actions and you actually feel the gravity and frustration of her situation. There is an intense scene when she's confronted by the bad guys, with Phil by her side. They ask her to turn over the kid and with an almost legendary resolve, she grits her teeth makes a decision which seals her fate, using her gun and a few well places bullets as her answer.
The success of the movie hinges on the two lead characters. The chemistry between Rowlands and little John Adames, who plays Phil is phenomenal. It's hard to believe that this kid, in his only film role, was nominated for a Razzie Award for worst supporting actor. I'm of the mind that he played his role as an obnoxious little brat (at times) so convincingly that people were hard pressed to believe that he was actually acting. This kid was dynamite and his delivery was spot on as a wise-beyond-his-years little hell-raiser with tons of charisma. But he wasn't always a kid you wanted to punt.
John Cassevetes was both an amazing actor and an inventive film director who used simple camera techniques that wouldn't overshadow the actors inspiration or spontaneity. Gloria is not filled with extraordinary camera work or creative editing techniques but the movie works because he threw his actors into grim settings and made them incorporate their surroundings into the character.
It's been years since I've seen Gloria and it still works and stands against the test of time. It's still just as enjoyable as the first time I saw it many years ago. If you decide to rent Gloria, be sure you don't confuse it with the HORRIBLE 1999 remake starring Sharon Stone.
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Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Certainly not in the upper tier of JC works but better than many claim it to be.
I would be lying if I wasn't wishing for the kids death the whole way through.
Comment by Deni
Abstract Magick
Cinema Herald
Hahaha, I understand. I don't know if I would wish for the kid's death but a few good thrashings would have been more satisfying to me.
Thanks for stopping by.
Comment by Matt Shea
20/20 Filmsight
Comment by ShaunK
Screen Adventure
hahahaha - I completely forgot about the razzie - hilarious!
I really didn't like this film too much, it doesn't have any of Cassavetes remotely interesting qualities in it, but still has a few touches in it that I dig.
I love the music in the film especially during the opening and closing. I also really like that shot in the beginning with the stow-away kids on that bus when the camera just abandons them.
Nice review Deni - keeping the Cassavetes love alive!
Comment by Deni
Abstract Magick
Cinema Herald
Shaun - I can definitely understand you not liking this one. I think what does it for me is how she treats the kid. So unconventional.
Cheers, guys!