DVD Corner

The Grifters Criterion 4K UHD Review

The cast elevates “The Grifters.” 

Based on the novel by Jim Thompson and written for the screen by Donald E. Westlake, 1990’s “The Grifters” is a (mostly) L.A. set neo-noir crime-thriller. The story revolves around 3 primary characters- Roy (a small-time con man), Lilly (Roy’s mother/a con artist that works for a brutal mobster named Bobo) and Myra (a con artist seductress). Myra also happens to be Roy’s girlfriend but Roy does not initially know that she is also a con artist. Later in the film, Myra proposes on doing a long con job with Roy, but he doesn’t trust her. It turns out he has good reason not to as Myra turns out to be a femme fatale that poses a threat to both Roy and his mother.

Produced by Martin Scorsese (who also has a voice cameo) and directed by Stephen Frears (best known for films like “High Fidelity,” “The Queen,” “The Hit,” and “Florence Foster Jenkins”), “The Grifters” is rather slow-rolling for an alleged crime-thriller. Westlake spends a lot of time setting up little pieces and hints before getting to the overall story rather late in the game. One would think that with less story there would be more of a focus on character, but it feels like we could have gotten more from all of the characters as well. Sure, sometimes less is more (and we do get a few flashbacks), but even a few extra scenes digging into the characters more would have helped here especially when it comes to Roy and Lilly’s relationship and Myra’s character.

The plot does have its moments (particularly at the end). At its core, this is a story about money, death, theft, survival, and trust and it has a decidedly dark edge to it. This is not a happy ending type of movie and it’s better for it. When the story leans into the more sinister crime elements it’s a lot more engaging.

What really makes “The Grifters” is the cast that features John Cusack, Annette Bening, Anjelica Huston, J.T. Walsh, Pat Hingle, and Charles Napier. Both Huston and Bening received Oscar nominations for their work here and deservedly so. Bening really goes outside of her normal roles here with this particular role. It’s a bold performance. Huston is tremendous as always. Her final scenes are particularly noteworthy. Although overshadowed by his co-stars, the underrated John Cusack also turns in a notable performance.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 2160p. How does it look? The 4K digital restoration provides sharper image quality while maintaining the grain. The 4K disc is also noticeably superior to the Blu-ray version.

Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? This is a satisfactory track all-around. Elmer Bernstein’s score really shines here.

Extras:
* Blu-ray copy
* “The Grifters” trailer
* A 2013 commentary by Stephen Frears, John Cusack, Anjelica Huston and writer Donald E. Westlake (on the 4K and Blu-ray).
* A booklet with credits and an essay by author Geoffrey O’Brien
* “The Making Of The Grifters”- An archival 16 ½ minute featurette with interviews that covers casting, the script, set stories, and more.
* A new 20 minute interview with Annette Bening that covers her career, Stephen Fears, and, of course, “The Grifters.”
* “Seduction, Betrayal, Murder”- A 2018 74 minute extra featuring interviews with Stephen Frears, cinematographer Oliver Stapleton, editor Mick Audsley, producers Barbara De Fina and Peggy Rajski. Within the interviews are a wide range of info about how the film came about, casting, the music, test screenings, and much more.
* “The Jim Thompson Story”- A quick 8 minute featurette on the author.

January 9, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | 90s Movie, Anjelica Huston, Annette Bening, Crime-Thriller, Criterion Collection, John Cusack, Martin Scorsese, Neo-Noir, Stephen Frears, The Grifters Criterion 4K UHD Review