FORTY DEUCE (1982)

Directed By: Paul Morrissey 
Written By: Alan Browne (Based On His Play) 
Cinematography By: Steven Fierberg, Francois Reichenbach & Stefan Zapasnik 
Editor: Ken Eluto 

 Cast: Kevin Bacon, Esai Morales, Orson Bean, Mark Keyloun, Harris Laskawy

A young hustler tries to get drug money by selling a boy to a middle-aged man; his plans are disrupted when the kid dies.

Not to be confused with the teen girl fantasy TIMES SQUARE.This is a whole different ruthless beast.

Sleazy and grimy, words that can be used for to the characters And the world the film inhabits. It also describes the location the film takes place in not the Disney wonderland for tourists it is today. No the wasteland it used to be that still bring tourists but also a certain crowd and reputation with it.

The film is full of personality and feels like a do it yourself indie project documenting of the culture or subculture that was around at the time.

I find the film stunning that when I was a kid and my mother would take me around the city as a child this celebrated wasteland of the time had trouble lurking not only around every corner, but on every corner. So it is in amazement that I watch this and witness the run Down theaters and Marquees advertising movies such as superman 2 and various porno theaters advertising wild titles such as a woman's work, working men.

This is a film that has taken awhile to track down. I remember first hearing about it in my teens and wanting to see it as it was an early film of Kevin bacon and Esai Morales career. It had a disturbing premise. I don't know if I read about it in a magazine or what. Though since it was directed by Paul Morrisey I wanted to see it. The only film of his I had actually seen was SPIKE OF BENSONHURST. Though knowing he made many films for Andy Warhol in the 70's made me interested. Though after seeing spike I wasn't impressed as his direction seems simplistic though having seen more of his films.

I can see over the years, he got better and taught himself and developed a style and talent. Though out of the films on his resume hat I have actually seen at this point this is his masterpiece. Still dealing with drug addicts and derelicts on the streets. This is one of his few hard hitting dramas based on a play. I can say this film definitely isn't politically correct hey throw around the n-word more hen a KKK rally or gangsta rap album.

What fascinates me about this film is that for how much it should repulse. The film is continuously fascinating as the subject matter and the plot are so gritty, sleazy, grimy yet realistic and captivating. It's a feel bad film that I would recommend though it is a rough time. It reminded me a bit of the film PIXOTE another film dealing with underage prostitution and street kids that is fascinating in it's reality, and disturbing and disgusting in subject matter. Though unfortunately things like this were happening and probably still do only reported less. It might also be that we have grown more used to it. I am surprised it was ever made bough I can see why it would be hard to find distribution.

I watched this film on YouTube which is the only way I know of to watch it currently. A street smart film and time machine. That while showing you the rundown beauty of 42nd street also reminds you of the crime and lowlifes that used to inhabit It. Looking for new victims. It was a danger in the middle of what was supposed to be the greatest city in the world.

The film is disturbing as it deals with the low life's of 42nd street in the early 80's back when it was like the Wild West as far as business and crime. In the film we are mostly dealing with teenage Drug addicted male prostitutes. They talk the talk and walk the walk if not for having now recognizable actors it would feel more like a documentary as it is that gritty. The film also works as a time capsule to the dangerous days of the streets of New York.

The final third of the film deals with Orson Bean familiar to me and most of the audience as the store owner in DR.QUINN MEDICINE WOMAN more of a theater actor throughout his career. Watching him in this film as a pedophile being sold a dead teenager that he doesn't realize is dead is poetic justice, As his character is a monster. Who you feel no sympathy for as he has none for anyone else. As a section of the film becomes a one man show for him. Though he really does give more or a grand performance than anyone else who seem to be more grounded. While he seems to literally rip up the scenery. Though gives the film a jolt that it needs though it might take some out of the film immediately.

In the third act the film begins to use split screen suddenly out of nowhere at first it is annoying but soon becomes vital as it enhances the scene which without it would seem more theatrical then it already seems and presents itself. It really does feel more like a stage show in the third act as it takes place in one room. That could have made the film feel dull or like a performance. Instead it makes the last third of the film thrilling and unpredictable.

Grade: B+