The Grifters

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The Grifters ★★★½ 1990 (R)

Evocative rendering of a terrifying sub-culture. Huston, Cusak, and Bening are con artists, struggling to stay on top in a world where violence, money, and lust are the prizes. Bening and Huston fight for Cusak's soul, while he's determined to decide for himself. Seamless performances and dazzling atmosphere, along with superb pacing, make for a provocative film. Based on a novel by Jim Thompson. 114m/ C VHS, DVD . Anjelica Huston, John Cusack, Annette Bening, Pat Hingle, J.T. Walsh, Charles Napier, Henry Jones, Gailard Sartain, Jeremy Piven; D: Stephen Frears; W: Donald E. Westlake; C: Oliver Stapleton; M: Elmer Bernstein. Ind. Spirit ‘91: Actress (Huston), Film; L.A. Film Critics ‘90: Actress (Huston); Natl. Soc. Film Critics ‘90: Actress (Huston), Support. Actress (Bening).

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