Here’s a movie I
really enjoyed, even though I didn’t think I would. The screenplay was
majestic, and the acting was soul-consuming. You’ll be so engrossed in how the
characters of Joe Buck and Ratso are portrayed that you’ll forget you’re
watching a film.
The movie is
based on a 1965 book of the same name by James Leo Herlihy, and this is the
first movie where I got to see a young Jon Voight in action. When it was
released, it was met with critical acclaim, winning three Academy Awards (Best
Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay) and BAFTA awards for Best
Film, Best Actor for Dustin Hoffman, Best Director for John Schlesinger, and
Best Screenplay.
The movie merges
three stories running simultaneously, and that—along with the incredible acting
duo of Jon Voight and Dustin Hoffman—is the best thing this film has to offer.
The film starts
with Joe Buck deciding to become a male prostitute and heading to New York,
where he meets Ratso. The director uses flashbacks to tell Joe’s backstory,
conversations between Joe and Ratso to reveal Ratso’s past, and the present
events to show Joe’s struggles as a male prostitute and the beginning of his
friendship with Ratso.
I won’t lie to
you—the flashbacks weren’t easy to grasp. I had to read the book to fully
understand what they were about. After reading it, I appreciated the screenplay
adaptation even more.
The movie begins
with Joe Buck (Jon Voight), dressed as a cowboy, heading to New York to become
a male prostitute. When he arrives, he tries to pick up women, but when he
finally succeeds, he ends up giving money instead of getting paid for his
services.
While at a
diner, he meets a guy named Ratso. After discussing his predicament, Ratso
tells Joe he needs representation to get clients. Joe pays Ratso for the
supposed connections, but it turns out to be a scam, and Ratso runs off with
his money.
Now down on his
luck and broke, Joe runs into Ratso again after another failed attempt at
getting paid for a sexual favor—this time with a male customer. Ratso offers to
let Joe stay with him while they figure out ways to make money together.
The movie was a
financial success at the box office, raking in over $44 million on a $3.2
million budget. It’s also rated 43rd on AFI’s list of the 100 Greatest Films of
All Time. This movie is worth seeing, and you’ll appreciate the depth and
diverse acting styles it brings.
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