Gloria

Gloria
1980 - Columbia Pictures
Directed By John Cassavetes



SYNOPSIS

A mob accountant and married man with 2 kids (Buck Henry) starts skimming money from the mob, he knows they'll be after him. When his wife spots mobsters in their apartment building's lobby, he hands over his mob book of finances to his young son (John Adames) and gives him to a neighbor, Gloria (Gena Rowlands.) He implores her to take care of the kid. Gloria and the boy escape before the family is gunned down. The police report that she kidnapped the child. So, the mob knows where to find her... because she's actually one of them. But she remains devoted to the little kid.



MY THOUGHTS

Gena Rowlands is kicking ass and taking names!

Director John Cassavetes seemingly took a break from his usual style of improvisation-over-plot style of films like Faces, Woman Under The Influence or Killing Of A Chinese Bookie for Gloria. His films featured a stable of actors like Ben Gazarra, Seymour Cassel, Peter Falk and others. All of these actors are absent here except Gena Rowlands (aka Mrs. Cassavetes.)
In those films, Rowlands often had a strong presence (especially when she was completely crazy in Woman Under The Influence.) There was no doubt that she could carry a film on her own. That's what she does in Gloria. She plays one of the toughest women ever on screen, willing to take on the mob, in order to save a kid she doesn't even like, simply on moral grounds.

John Adames plays the boy. His performance is less than amazing, but certainly NOT deserving of co-winning the first Razzie award for worst actor. He has one expression on his face the entire film and has problems with his dialogue, but comes across as a normal and realistic 6-year old.

Rowlands clearly is the dominant actor, but never overpowers or out-shines her young co-star. If she did that, it would adversely affect the film, rendering it terrible. Keeping her performance balanced and in-check is the real mark of a great actor.

The plot doesn't offer much new to the gangster genre, but it's still an entertaining ride.

Gloria has much of the same grit that many 1970s films shot in New York did, along with many great shots of the streets of the city and landmarks (like Yankee Stadium) of that era. It also offers little new in that respect.

Gloria does offer one of Gena Rowland's best opportunities to shine as the lead... and she stands out amongst the grit.