MovieChat Forums > Looking for Mr. Goodbar (1977) Discussion > Controversial opinion: Not that good of...

Controversial opinion: Not that good of a film

posted 3 years ago by mobocracy (891)
4 replies | jump to latest

I finally rewatched this film after having not seen it since it was available as a rental on VHS.

I have to say I don't think the actual film lives up to the kind of unavailable legend that surrounds it. The cinematography is quite good and it does a fabulous job of portraying the grittyness of 1970s New York and the increasingly forgotten world of singles bars, or at least what they used to be like.

But as a film it seems to have problems. The sturm and drang of Keaton's relationship with her conservative parents seems off somehow, especially considering her sister's much freer lifestyle. "Saturday Night Fever" seemed to do a much better job with this rift between generational values. I'm not sure Keaton had any regret leaving her parent's house or going from college ingenue to one night stand veteran.

The narrative structure also seems to struggle to tell Keaton's descent into madness. It seems to kind of careen from scene to scene with little connection between the scenes. As a collection of snapshots it holds up better, but it doesn't seem to have much of a larger story to tell. I came away wondering whether Keaton was a modern woman who became a victim of freak violence or whether she was indeed sinking further and further into reckless abandon.

Even the closing sequence seems off, despite Keaton's awful choices in pickups.

Overall, it's definitely worth watching for film fans but more because of its obscurity and historical details than its actual quality as a film.

[–] filmgeek99 (657) 9 months ago

I thought it was pretty good, but I will admit to being slightly disappointed that it wasn't the masterpiece I thought it was going to be. I think the reason the parents were so much more chill with her older sister was just because of first child favoritism. As for the narrative structure, I agree, the editing feels a little off at times. At times, the story feels a little rushed from the way it jumps scene to scene with little-to-no clarity as to how much time has gone by.

One thing I find really jarring in the film is just how little we see of Theresa spending time with James. We're shown in one scene of her taking him to her parents, of which they approve but after that, it feels like he just disappears from the narrative for a while to make time for Richard Gere's character. It really feels as though there's a good chunk of the film that's missing in regards to that plot thread.

But the thing that drags the film down the most IMO, is writer-director, Richard Brooks. His sensibilities just seem a bit out-of-tune for this kind of movie, as while the film has a very typically 70's look and aesthetic to it, the way he writes the character's dialogue and directs the actors feels very stage-like and theatrical at times (the characters in the film have a tendency to over verbalize their motivations and dilemmas). It's as though someone paired up the writing and acting style of 1950's melodramas with the visual style and filmmaking techniques of the 70's. The acting isn't bad, per say, but it feels a bit overcooked in conjunction with the rest of the movie.

I really think this film would have benefitted from a director with more modern sensibilities at the helm (Martin Scorsese or Sidney Lumet would have been great). As is, it's just a pretty good film that unfortunately suffers from some awkward editing and some slightly out of tune directorial sensibilities.

If you happen to be reading this, Paramount, just get the legal bullshit out of the way and get this fucker released on home media already.

[–] mechajutaro (2788) 9 months ago

Does anyone regard this one as a masterpiece? I've never heard nor read anyone speak glowingly of it

[–] filmgeek99 (657) 9 months ago

No, but it is generally a pretty well-regarded film. I just thought it'd be a masterpiece as I usually love dark, gritty, nihilistic character studies (Heaven Knows What is one of my favorite films). Maybe I gave it too high of expectations.

[–] mobocracy (891) 9 months ago

I think it’s long lack of availability on home video or streaming has amplified its image, especially since it’s a pretty dark role for Diane Keaton who was better known for her association with Woody Allen.

It kind of becomes one of those cult 1970s films that’s supposed to be better than it is. It’s not a terrible film, but its more about its novelty and era than serious quality.