An excellent example of modern movie noir and easily director John Cassavetes' most accessible and cohesive film. Gena Rowlands is a tough as nails gangster's moll who "inherits" a young boy after her neighbors are executed in a mob hit. Rowlands gives one of her most ferocious performances and for once Cassavetes' direction is straightforward enough to keep the pace going. It's dynamite movie making! As the boy, John Adames is suitably appealing and, as expected in a Cassavetes film, he's extremely natural. GLORIA is a great movie. With the unlikely team of Julie Carmen and Buck Henry as the boy's parents.
Avoid the 1999 Sidney Lumet/Sharon Stone remake at all costs! It's dreadful.
Avoid the 1999 Sidney Lumet/Sharon Stone remake at all costs! It's dreadful.