Boy, does this one hold up well. Of course, Gene Hackman makes the movie. He never steps out of his role as a surveillance expert once. And the movie is so gritty-not a single shot is glamorous, not a single wardrobe choice, set. Ciindy Williams is the least glamorous femme fatale ever. Every casting choice is brilliant.
What a genius Coppola was at this point of his career. And the music just works so well. This would have to be in my top ten movies.
The plot is, of course, that Hackman hears things on his tape that makes him fearful for the lives of the people he taped. An earlier case went badly and that haunts him.
I meant to comment when you mentioned this yesterday. It has always been one of my favorites. We watched it again several years ago, and it really does hold up.
A couple of years ago I realized we had never seen NIGHT MOVES, so I got a copy and remedied that. Yes, 17 year old Melanie Griffith made a memorable debut. Also, I agree with Harry's comment about Eric Rohmer's films.
I always remember the bit where Cindy Williams is talking about the old geezer kippin` on the park bench and saying that he was once someones baby surrounded by his aunts and uncles and looking forward to a great life, but 80 years later where are all his aunts and uncles now, that bit of dialogue was so profound and true, and, strickly speaking, it applys to every single human being in the entire world.
I like Hackman very much in this film. A really talented actor.
ReplyDeleteGreat movie. One of his best if not best role. Check out a underrated movie called Night Moves.
ReplyDeleteI meant to comment when you mentioned this yesterday. It has always been one of my favorites. We watched it again several years ago, and it really does hold up.
ReplyDeleteI saw Night Moves years ago. Mostly remember Melanie Griffiths in it too.
ReplyDeleteLoved this film.
ReplyDeleteA couple of years ago I realized we had never seen NIGHT MOVES, so I got a copy and remedied that. Yes, 17 year old Melanie Griffith made a memorable debut. Also, I agree with Harry's comment about Eric Rohmer's films.
ReplyDeleteNow I am going to have to find this one.
ReplyDeleteYou're right about Gene Hackman. A very underrated actor!
ReplyDeleteSaw this when it came out. Need to see it again. Hackman's terrific.
ReplyDeleteI always remember the bit where Cindy Williams is talking about the old geezer kippin` on the park bench and saying that he was once someones baby surrounded by his aunts and uncles and looking forward to a great life, but 80 years later where are all his aunts and uncles now, that bit of dialogue was so profound and true, and, strickly speaking, it applys to every single human being in the entire world.
ReplyDeleteNIGHT MOVES is a cult-item par-excellence, Melanie Grittith looked so much like her mother (Tippi` Hedren) in those days.
ReplyDelete