Other Titles • Atlantic City, U.S.A. (1981) • Atlantic City, USA (1980)
Synopses for Atlantic City (1980)
1.
Though set in America, this was directed by Frenchman Louis Malle, and the atmosphere is very European. An edgy character study of losers and would be winners, this was written by playwright John Guare.
Susan Sarandon's sad-eyed appeal won her an Academy Award nomination for her role as a croupier hoping to learn the ropes and move on to the more glamorous casinos of Monte Carlo. Burt Lancaster, who was also nominated for an Oscar, turns in one of the most memorable performances of his career. As Lou, an aged two-bit hood, he brags about his flamboyant career, reveling in gangster chic that existed only in his mind. He discovers, sadly, that he is of more noble stock than he realized when he helps Sarandon's character out of a mess involving her unsavory ex-husband and a drug sale.
The players are flawed, but richly drawn and believable. The humor is wry, and the story carries us along. This intelligent, adult entertainment is a kind of modern film noir, and as intriguing as it is well made. A Canadian and French production, this was first released abroad as Atlantic City, USA. --Rochelle O'Gorman
2.
The legalization of gambling in Atlantic City radically changes the life of Lou (Burt Lancaster), an aging small time numbers runner. Infatuated with his waitress neighbor, Sally (Susan Sarandon), Lou still holds on to the dream that he will one day be a high stakes player in organized crime. But when Sally's ex-husband turns up with a large amount of high quality cocaine in his possession, then is quickly murdered, Lou finally gets his chance to become involved with big money and the mob--getting closer to the woman of his dreams in the process. Louis Malle's heartfelt, character-driven drama, with a script by playwright John Guare (SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION), is full of great performances. Academy Award Nominations: 5, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor--Burt Lancaster, Best Actress--Susan Sarandon, Best (Original) Screenplay.
3.
Nominated for 5 Academy Awards®
The people and the story are magnetic; the background is the city of dreams that almost came true. Atlantic City is revitalized as a resort when gambling is legalized. But the new industry also brings unsettling changes. For Lou (Burt Lancaster), 40 years a bodyguard-boyfriend to aging beauty queen Grace (Kate Reid), his number-running sideline escalates to mob involvement. A drug-related slaying leaves him a small fortune, a new car and a new girl, Sally (Susan Sarandon), who is the perfect completion of his fantasy. This romantic thriller won the Golden Bear for Best Film of 1980 at the Venice Film Festival.
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