Cheap Atlantic City (DVD) (Burt Lancaster, Susan Sarandon) (Louis Malle) Price

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Customer Reviews of Atlantic City

Susan Sarandon is outstanding in her portrayal of a young woman wanting to start her life over as a dealer in an Atlantic City casino. She starts out at the bottom, serving at an oyster bar, but she has hopes and dreams. (Who doesn't have in Atlantic City?)

Things could be worse and suddenly are when her ex-husband shows up with her sister, whom he's gotten pregnant. (Something you don't expect to see everyday...) What do they want? A place to stay for awhile would be nice... But the husband is really in Atlantic City to make a big drug deal. He has no connections to the Atlantic City drug bosses, so Sarandon's next door neighbor Lou (in a wonderful performance by Burt Lancaster) befriends him. The ex-husband's lack of contacts in Atlantic City and lack of knowledge of the city itself land him and everyone around him in big, big trouble.

The main theme running throughout 'Atlantic City' is change. The city was once very different, as were the characters in Malle's film. The entire story is about the inevitability of change and how it affects each of its characters. The choices these characters make and think about making lift the film to the level of a modern cinema classic. 'Atlantic City' deserves to be seen because of its great performances, expert direction, and very good writing. Watching 'Atlantic City' is like watching a good novel unfold right before your eyes. Not a flashy film, but rich in characterization, tone, and style. Not to be missed.

One Of Louis Malle's Best!
As of late I have been watching the films of Louis Malle. I have watched some movies for the first time and others a second time around. What I've noticed about Malle is the way none of his films seem to have a distinctive feel to them. He seems able to direct every movie in a different style that is relatable to it's story. Each film carries it's own personal tone to it. Watch "Au Revoir Les Enfants", "My Dinner With Andre", "Damage" and this film. I don't notice any similarities in Malle's style of directing. And I guess that's a good thing.

"Atlantic City" is a film about lost hopes and dreams. The movie's most interesting character I feel is Lou (Burt Lancaster). A small time hood who remembers Atlantic City in the "old days". He claims he at one time knew all the famous gangsters. Lou is at an age in his life where he feels regret. He thinks where is his big payoff? For the past 40 years he has been Grace's (Kate Reid) bodyguard\boyfriend. And now seeks something more. He want to be one of those people who feels "important". He wants money and beautiful women around him. He wants to live it up in his old age.

The other main character is Sally (Susan Sarandon). A woman who is now on her own after he husband left her for her sister, who is now having a baby! Sally wants to become a dealer in a casino. She feels she has a lot to look forward to in the future. Things seem to be shaping up nicely for her and with enough time may get her life back on track.

What I like so much about "Atlantic City" is how Malle seems truly interested in these characters. This is one of those movies where the strenght lies not within the plot, but the people. Its the characters who make the movie because we can see ourselves in them. At one time or another I bet we have all felt a bit like Lou. I'll freely admit I have at times. We have all felt down asking ourselves when will our luck turn around. When will we hit the jackpot? For Lou it will come sooner than he thinks. But, Malle doesn't rush the movie. He lets the movie flow at its own rhythm. He really cares for these people and is willing to take the time to tell their stories. And in the end "Atlantic City" is a touching story that most people should find enjoyable.

At it's time of release "Atlantic City" was showered with awards and nominations. The movie went on to earn 5 Oscar nominations including "Best Picture". It won 7 Cesars awards, including "Best Picture" and it also won the Golden Lion award for "Best Picture". And Roger Ebert named it one of the ten best films of 1981!

I don't know if it was in some way meant as a joke or if I personally just got a kick out of this but Wallace Shawn has a brief cameo in the movie as a waiter. In a movie Malle made that same year "My Dinner With Andre" Shawn had a role in that movie. That movie was set with two people in a restaurant having dinner. This time around, Shawn is now the waiter. I don't know why but I just thought I'd mention this.

Bottom-line: One of the best films of it's year. Director Malle does a wonderful job of telling the story. The characters seem real enough where we give them our feelings. A strong touching movie.

Small Charming Movie
Screen legend Lancaster and a then up and coming but still mostly unknown Sarandon are great together in this affecting melodrama about an aging tough guy who never amounted to much and a hopeful card dealer who is going nowhere fast. He has one last adventure and she faces the grim facts of life once and for all. Their sad, washed out lives mirror the sad washed out Atlantic City. If you can't make it in Las Vegas, try Atlantic City and, if you can't make it in Atlantic City, you might as well pack it in. Nominated for a bunch of academy awards but won nothing in an excellent year for movies.