Location: Miami, FL
"They Shoot Horses, Don't They?"
Written & Directed By Anthony Minghella
Produced By Sidney Pollack and Saul Zaentz
Distributed By Miramax Films
Main Cast
Naomi Watts as Gloria Beatty
Peter Sarsgaard as Robert Syverton
Robert Downey Jr. as Rocky McKnight
Nicole Kidman as Alice Thompson
Mark Ruffalo as Jimmy Keaton
Mary-Louise Parker as Ruby Keaton
Bruce Dern as The Sailor
Judy Davis as Shirly Clayton
Antonio Banderas as Joel Martino
Sidney Pollack as Ray "Rollo" Ceritto
Jerry Adler as Turkey Filmore
Jane Fonda as Mrs. Laydon
Ray Winstone as Coley James
Susannah York as Nurse Maya
Michael Sarrazin as Officer O'Reilly
Tagline: "People Are The Ultimate Spectacle"
Synopsis: In the dark years of the Great Depression, dance marathons became popular as a means for desperate people to compete for money. In a California competition some of the desperate contestants include Gloria Beatty a bitter, young, would be actress who sees the marathon as a last means for survival in California. Robert Syverton, a young man who allows destiny to control his fate. Alice is a Jean Harlow wannabe on the constant lookout for a talent agent to spot her. Jimmy and his very pregnant wife Ruby, a desperate couple who see the contest as a means to care for their unborn child, and The Sailor, a World War 1 veteran who is a dance marathon pro. Observing all of this desperation from the sidelines is Rocky, the unctuous emcee who profits off the misery of the contestants with no remorse whatsoever. The event drags on from weeks and into months as the particapents push themselves far beyond the point of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion, shambling around in an anguished stupor as the crowds cheer on and even sponsor their favorites.
What the Press would say:
Based upon Horace McCoy's depression era novel & it's subsequent 1969 film adaptation, "They Shoot Horses, Dont They ?" depicts a month plus marathon dance contest, stressing the fantasies depression and madness of the particapents in 1930's depression era California. Wonderfully adapted by Anthony Minghella, his version brings an even darker feel to the story, focusing even more on the pure depression of the time period and how these every day people truly felt during these harsh times.
Minghella's confident work behind the camera is a shining example of an all around great film adaptation. The acting is wonderful, especially by the central actors, who completely morph into their characters. Naomi Watts is absolutely wonderful as the cynical Gloria delivering her best work since Mulholland Dr., Peter Sarsgaard also may earn his first oscar nod as the internally subdued Robert. Nicole Kidman also makes a return to the awards worthy work of her past as the starry eyed Alice who slowly loses her sanity as the contest dances on. However the best performance is given by Robert Downy Jr. who is a revelation as the soulless grief profiteer Rocky, in a career defining performance that is sure to score come oscar time. In the end, this riveting parable of the Great Depression is confidently directed from a wonderful script that is supremely preformed, leaving you begging and dancing for more.
Awards Contention:
Best Picture
Best Director
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Actor: Peter Sarsgaard
Best Actress: Naomi Watts
Best Sup. Actor: Robert Downey Jr.
Best sup. Actress: Nicole Kidman
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