Beyond the Mafia Drama

Read Time:3 Minute, 43 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Gloria
–

Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Year Released: 1980, 2023 Kino Lorber Blu-ray
Runtime: 2h 3m
Director(s): John Cassavetes
Writer(s): John Cassavetes
Cast: Gena Rowlands, Buck Henry, Julie Carmen, Tom Noonan, Lawrence Tierney, Val Avery, John Adames
Where To Watch: available now here www.kinolorber.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: In the bustling labyrinth of New York's streets, GLORIA paints a vivid picture where two unlikely worlds clash: the dangerous domain of the mafia and an inspiring saga of unexpected guardianship. The brilliant Gena Rowlands steps into the shoes of a former showgirl, fatefully becoming the protector of young Phil, a boy trapped in the risky territory of mobsters.

Enter the inventive mind of John Cassavetes, the unconventional filmmaker who always danced to his beat. The spark for GLORIA ignited from a casual chat with Rowlands, longing for stories rich with younger protagonists. Even though the limelight seemed set on a rising young star, Columbia Pictures had other plans, bringing Rowlands back into focus. Marking Cassavetes' anticipated return after a decade-long hiatus from the big studios, GLORIA promised a captivating cinema journey.

Yet, the path to creating GLORIA had its challenges. Discussions brewed, and decisions flipped, especially around portraying the dangerous mob world, with Cassavetes' trusted Producer Al Ruban voicing apprehensions. The choice for Phil became a hot topic before John Adames emerged as the favorite. Shunning the typical audition rigmarole, Cassavetes leaned towards heartfelt chats to identify his young star. The effervescent Adames couldn't contain his excitement, awaiting the ripple his role would create.

Fred Schuler's lens magic, reminiscent of cinematic legends, lent GLORIA a distinct look. When contrasting Cassavetes' intuitive direction with industry stalwarts, it became evident that his style thrived on spontaneity. Letting raw energy dictate the scenes led to a few skirmishes, most notably causing editor John McSweeney to part ways with the project.

GLORIA might seem to dip its toes in mafia-driven plots at a casual glance, but it confidently strides past genre cliches. The spotlight firmly rests on a dynamic female protagonist. Rowlands, with her mesmerizing act, brings depth and tenacity, channeling the spirit of strong women of yesteryears who stood tall amidst chaos.

Delving beneath the surface, GLORIA explores the nuances of motherhood. Cassavetes' artistic vision presents the evolving bond between Gloria and Phil, transitioning from cautious interactions to an unwavering bond. Such portrayal nudges the audience to reconsider age-old notions of maternal instincts and the essence of womanhood.

Although GLORIA echoes more mainstream vibes than Cassavetes' avant-garde works, it showcases his storytelling prowess unmistakably. It's more than just about adrenaline-packed sequences; it's an introspective dive into complex emotions and relationships. As Cassavetes believed, the film's core wasn't about evoking sympathy but portraying raw, authentic human connections, where dialogues took a backseat.

GLORIA is a compelling blend of tension, profound emotional layers, and a deep dive into the complexities of human bonds. Celebrating Cassavetes' unparalleled creativity, it beckons audiences eager for innovative narratives. If you're searching for a storytelling experience that's a class apart, GLORIA deserves a prime spot on your list. On a side note, the PG rating left me a tad bewildered – a testament to the evolving landscape of cinema!

PRODUCT EXTRAS:
Two Theatrical Trailers
Optional English Subtitles

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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