Fat City

Speaking of great movies and great scenes, John Huston’s Fat City (based on the Leonard Gardner novel of the same title) is a must watch. I just purchased the blu-ray and this scene has been on repeat viewing for me. Susan Tyrell’s portrayal (she was nominated for an Academy Award) of a boozy alcoholic might be one of the best ever captured on film. Stacy Keach is also incredible in this scene and the film overall. The two of them have such great drunk chemistry. His “You Can Count…On Me!” mantra is so fun to watch. Jeff Bridges, Nicholas Colasanto, Candy Clark and the rest of the ensemble are dynamite as well.

The film is also beautifully directed and shot (Conrad Hall at the top of his game). Some critics swear this might be the best–certainly the most authentic and bleakest–boxing movie ever made. Check it out. Lemme know what you think!

P.S. – Read The Paris Review article here. It’s terrific.