Diane and I were lucky enough to watch this quite extraordinary movie last night on TV. She says we saw it when it was first released but my poor memory does not recall it; I blame it on youth because last night I was completely absorbed in this modern classic and I can only think all those years ago I was too young to appreciate what was happening in the Five an' Dime.
As I watched this drama, my mind kept thinking of the great 20th century classics, particularly O'Neil's, Iceman Cometh. I kept thinking of Hickey and how he wanted the assembled bar patrons and owner, to leave the bar and explore the neighbourhood. He was the catalyst of undraping; how people, again in a very enclosed space, were gradually unmasked or undraped as the film works itself out.
This film is a true American classic and I will return to it frequently; The Last Picture Show comes to mind also. These stories, particularly about dusty, dying small towns provide a never ending basket of scenarios for the skilled writer and I can but denigrate myself for overlooking this modern masterpiece.
As I watched this drama, my mind kept thinking of the great 20th century classics, particularly O'Neil's, Iceman Cometh. I kept thinking of Hickey and how he wanted the assembled bar patrons and owner, to leave the bar and explore the neighbourhood. He was the catalyst of undraping; how people, again in a very enclosed space, were gradually unmasked or undraped as the film works itself out.
This film is a true American classic and I will return to it frequently; The Last Picture Show comes to mind also. These stories, particularly about dusty, dying small towns provide a never ending basket of scenarios for the skilled writer and I can but denigrate myself for overlooking this modern masterpiece.