Midnight Cowboy (1969)

Depressing but powerful look into the all too human

*** spoilers ***
Joe Buck is a guy who has a little too much confidence in his sexual prowess. He decided in his optimism to make a run to New York to become a hustler for rich women. He's in for a surprise as the only people into his cowboy schtick is the homosexual underground. He quickly becomes a victim to a seedy man by the name of Rico. and in a circumstantial set of events run into each other and becomes roommates.

In and of themselves, the actions of these two towards everyone they meet is despicable, but fits well with how the people treat each other in general in the city. Joe gets a rude awakening when he sees a man passed out in the middle of the sidewalk and no one interested in helping the man out. Joe and Rico steal money, addresses, try to take advantage of the lonely, but as their relationship progresses they commit these acts for the sake of the other person.

This culminates in the end, as Joe beats a man and takes his money to get bus fare so himself and a terminally ill Rico can go to Florida. The ending is depressing but to be expected.

In all, a testament to the bonds of friendship, even amongst thugs, and the terrible paths they take as they have nothing to lose. No character in itself is really redeemable in this movie, only the incredible bond between two human beings. A movie to ponder. October 19, 2008

Disappointed after I finally saw it - Midnight Cowboy

What a let-down. I had never seen the orginal movie in 1969 - finally bought it and was really disappointed in the overall movie. I really didn't see what the fuss was all about. Jon Voight and especially Dustin Hoffman gave terrific performances but I thought the movie style was really odd (was probably very cool at the time) and overall was very disappointed when I finally viewed it. Watched it once, will never watch it again probably. September 4, 2008

Hauntingly ugly and beautiful

I heard the beautiful and haunting theme song on the radio as I had many times before and the DJ came on afterward and said it was from "Midnight Cowboy, the only x-rated film to win an academy award." Intrigued, I decided to buy the DVD, especially when I saw Dustin Hoffman was in it.

The film opens with many close-ups of John Voight's sunny face and blue skies as he heads to New York for (he believes and hopes) a bright future while experiencing images and sounds of exceedingly dark memories.

Right at the start the viewer is put at unease by hearing what sounds like an older woman moaning with pleasure but then we see it's little boy Joe Buck giving his grandma a back massage after which she gives him a kiss on the cheek. It's the first of many flashbacks to his childhood sexual abuse that start out with suggestive overtones but then become more aggressive and intrusive.

Dustin Hoffman, only two years away from playing the pampered and wealthy character in The Graduate, brilliantly transformed himself into an aging and pathetic but amiable failed grifter, Ratso.

The magic of this film for me is the contrast of vile people, circumstances and societal values with the striving and struggle of both Joe and Ratso. In my opinion this is accomplished by both actor's ability to capture the combination of never standing a chance to win with the lovely wisdom of caring and compassion which leads to their losing streaks. How do they do this?

John Voight's face is magic and never have I seen so many emotions portrayed so believably while at the same time playing, by many people's definitions, a simpleton. Not only is the world reflected in his face but throughout the film he looks to himself in mirrors, giving himself advice.

Dustin Hoffman masters projecting deep feelings even though his character seems to cough more than speak. It's the tiniest of details- a glimmer in an eye, the move of a brow in response to a questions- that's really acting!

I think the late 60's culture was also well done, especially the party toward the end.

The other thing about this film's excellence is the dark humor. I frequently laughed at and with the two friends.

Having said all of these glowing things, the majority of the film and message is very ugly, but that only serves to offer contrast to the friendship they share that transcends all.



August 31, 2008

Midnight Cowboy gets better with age

I was a corporal in the US Army when this movie was released, and a bunch of us GIs saw it at the base theater at Fort Holabird, Maryland. There were a few scenes we weren't thrilled with, but overall we enjoyed the movie. Fast forward nearly forty years, and I can only say the movie has aged like a fine wine. Yeah, "that scene" is still a little controversial, but the acting, photography, and sound track put this movie on my top-ten list of best movies. The "behind the scenes" disc is outstanding and made me appreciate even more the logistics involved in making this such a great picture. August 11, 2008

One of the Best Films of All Time! Too Bad About the DVD!

They sure don't make films today like they used to and this film has pretty good company having been made around the time of "Easy Rider", "2001-A Space Odyssey", "The Graduate" all great films that address social and other issues aka films of great depth that transcend the ages. This film is sometimes funny, certainly shocking but for me very moving and touching. This film is about people and how they use and are used by others ultimately causing them to become and to live the way that they do. Some may say that little has changed since 1969 and that's probably why this film will continue to stand the test of time and remain the classic that it still is. 2 people are used by others for their selfish needs and in the midst of their despair at not being able to achieve their dreams they find redemption and learn to care for each other.

I thought both Jon Voight and Dustin Hoffman were excellent in their roles and the film just like in "Easy Rider" unabashedly shows the life of the underbelly of New York City at the time warts and all just as that film tried to do the same for the Hippy movement of the time in California. I especially liked the New York Underground party scene that gives us a glimpse of what Lou Reed and the Velvet Underground were singing about in their classic 1967 album.

The only problem is with the quality of the dvd. The sound quality is okay having been given the Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround treatment but the picture quality is woeful filled with white spots and other imperfections throughout.

Daring, disturbing, sad but ultimately moving and heartwarming to see that in the depths of despair and sleaze, human dignity, compassion and friendship can still survive as two apparent misfits from society's point of view end up being the only truly sane and humane people in the film.

A very good film and one of my personal favourites although you should wait for the Blu-ray version if it has a properly restored version for a vastly improved picture and sound quality. August 10, 2008

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