Atlantic City (1981)

Atlantic City (1981)

1981’s Atlantic City is a tender, subtle film about two people accustomed to the traditions of old and trying to adjust to a newer, more complicated world. That statement is envisioned throughout the movie with those exterior shots of decaying buildings of old and the sky cranes building grander, newer palaces to attract the crowds. I was expecting a flashy picture based on the title of the movie, but it’s a smaller, more subtle film that boasts very fine leading performances from the great Burt Lancaster and Susan Sarandon. This is a Canadian-French production, so we are introduced to Canadian actors such as Kate Reid.

Through my eyes, this film acted like a mini history lesson. I grew up in New Jersey, and I have been to Atlantic City several times. I remember the casinos, the boardwalk, and the food. From what the old-timers say and based on this movie, times were different not even forty years ago. By 1975, the city was in decay. Buildings were crumbling left and right, and people were leaving. By the late 1970’s, the state of New Jersey enacted a plan to get the city back to its feet-by building grand and stylish casinos. When this film was being shot in 1979, only two casinos were built, and Caesar’s was one of them. As a New Jersey native, I was very intrigued to see a movie that speaks to the history of the city.

Even though this film was shot on location in Atlantic City and in areas nearby, this film did not use any Americans with the exception of the two lead actors and some extras. The director was Louis Malle, known for his work in the French Wave film movement. Malle is well-known, and this is his first work I have seen. I guess I need to see all his films based on his lovely, subtle direction here. Anyhow, I love how the American dream is given an international perspective. Up to this point, we have seen movies about the American dream through the eyes of Americans, so this was a refreshing take to see this new point-of-view.

Written by playwright John Guare, this intimate, character-driven drama focuses on mainly two characters. The first character is Sally Matthews (Susan Sarandon) who works as a waitress at hotel’s oyster bar. She dreams of working at the Monte Carlo so she tries to culture herself by learning French. Then there is Lou (Burt Lancaster), an old-timer numbers runner who claims he was a cellmate and confidant of mobster Bugsy Siegel. His dream died long ago as he now works a widow named Grace (Kate Reid) who came to Atlantic City herself for a Betty Grable look-a-like contest. These three characters reside in a broken-down apartment residence that is about to be demolished. It so happens that Sally and Lou are next door neighbors, and Lou has taken a habit of spying on Sally. When Sally’s ex-fiance comes to town with a stash of drugs, the dreams of these characters may be dashed or even re-awoken!

The acting is tremendous and these performances are what drives this quiet, little film. Burt Lancaster delivers a capable, melancholy performance of a man who thinks he is a big shot. Even so, his character promotes wisdom and good character. His character arc is also sad. Even though the movie plays out as a romance, it becomes clear that he knows he has no place in the life of Sally. Speaking of which, Susan Sarandon puts her name on the map with this role. Her character is nuanced, subtle, and a dreamer who wants to do the right things that helps her get by. So she turns to the old-timer Lou for all the wisdom he can give her. These two actors have such strong chemistry, and I am glad they did not turn this film into a straight romance drama.

Atlantic City is a smaller film that deserves attention. It’s quiet and the pace can be trying, but those are only small concerns when compared to the overall picture. The acting is fantastic thanks to Susan Sarandon and Burt Lancaster. The messages about the old and new come across from the very first shot where a casino is being blown up to make way for better casinos and hotels. Louis Malle was a very beloved director worldwide and he makes himself known to American audiences with this picture. Nominated for five Oscars, this film should be on your radar!

My Grade: B+