When we first meet Burt Lancaster as Lou, he is basically collecting pocket change from people for a lottery. Once involved in organized crime, Lou wasn't one of the big fish, yet looks back on those days with a fondness and feeling that at one time, he had been important. The building Lou resides in is in decay and the neighborhood around him is being torn down in the name of progress. Susan Sarandon is his neighbor Sally. She works at a fish restaurant with dreams of becoming a croupier in hopes of dealing cards in the casinos Monaco. Sally's husband arrives into town with a package of stolen drugs, which sets up the relationship between Lou and Sally.
The drug storyline gives the illusion of a noisy chase film. Instead, "Atlantic City" follows the relationships that exist between the characters as well as a city that is in transition. Very little time is given to the casinos as the camera frames a couple individuals just trying to improve their station in life. Sally dreams of a career that will whisk her away from her current situation, while Lou seeks a return to glory and respect that he never really had. Complications occur because Sally's husband is with her sister and Lou is taking care of the widow of a former business associate. Of course the drug dealers want their merchandise back, forcing one character to make a life changing decision.
"Atlantic City" is a small movie about small people getting thrust into a difficult position due to one person's mistake. It's also a well-acted character study with Lancaster excelling in the type of role he would play toward the end of his career.
Rating: 8/10
Movies I've previously seen: 6
First time viewings: 97
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