JohnDoe
Bryn
Brenton
The Friends of Eddie Coyle (1973) - Opening 10 Minutes Included
Mitchum boils as his Fiends Coil
The Friends of Eddie Coyle - Criterion DVD Just Released
Director: Peter Yates
Writer: Paul Monash
Starring: Robert Mitchum, Peter Boyle, Alex Rocco, Richard Jordan, Steven Keats and Joe Santos.
“This life's hard man, but it's harder if you're Stupid!”– Jackie Brown
Sometimes cult gems are totally subjective, a niche attraction that appeals only to its target audience. Then there are the ones that are cinema productions of the highest order and were merely overlooked at the time due to marketing, competition or a discreet style. The Friends of Eddie Coyle certainly falls into the latter. An understated 70’s crime drama that weeps authenticity in every frame and matches that benchmark of the era The French Connection in gritty realism, riveting characterization and bleeding intensity.
Directed by the eclectic Peter Yates (Bullitt, Krull, Breaking Away, The Hot Rock, Mother Jugs and Speed) with deliberate focus the film is all at once dramatic, intense and tragic. Dwelling on the lack of trust and tenuously strained relationships of crooks when law enforcers get a whiff of their underhanded deeds.
Look, i show up. I hit my marks. What more do you want?
“Look, I'm gettin' old, you hear? I spent most of my life hanging around crummy joints with a buncha punks drinkin' the beer, eatin' the hash and the hot dogs and watchin' the other people go off to Florida while I'm sweatin' out how I'm gonna pay the plumber. I done time and I stood up but I can't take no more chances. Next time, it's gonna be me goin' to Florida.” – Eddie Coyle
Why do I feel like I'm being watched.
“Yeah, you give me some real stuff, too. You tell me about a guy that's gonna get hit, 15 minutes later he gets hit. You tell me about some guys on a job, but you don't tell me till their coming out the door with the money. That's not helping Uncle, Eddie. You gotta put your whole soul into it.” – Dave Foley
Smart and calculating, Eddie is aware of the risk and also of the way things like this go down. So he tries one last time to stay one step ahead and come out with his reputation and freedom intact. Trouble is he may not know all the angles. The rules have changed and “honor among thieves” is a thing of the past.
“ The only one fuckin' Eddie Coyle is Eddie Coyle.” – Dave Foley
Original Poster for The Friends of Eddie Coyle
John Doe says:
Complex dichotomies and hidden motivations are richly realized in The Friends of Eddie Coyle with intelligent scripting and an expertly engineered tone at its core. The city of Boston itself becomes more than a location serving to increase the feeling of bleak realism that permeates throughout. Many claim this as the best of the many film ever shot in that city.
A consistent atmosphere of danger looms over proceedings thanks to Peter Yates’ keen eye for detail and restrained delivery which is willing to embrace silence. Minimalist in execution, the cinematography by Victor J Kemper (Dog Day Afternoon) is most often a silent observer of events, refusing to show its hand and only displaying movement or velocity when essential.
The low key scoring by Dave Grussin (Three Days of the Condor), compliments all the other elements. There is a Lalo Schiffrin (Dirty Harry) vibe to the music which enhances the already cool 70’s vibe of it all.
Mitchum in focus, now where's that joint you say?
Peter Boyle (Joe, Young Frankenstein, Hardcore, Hammett) is impressive as a more than he appears rat barman. Again this is certainly one the highlights of his career, eagerly playing the unsympathetic Dillon without ego.
Shining just as bright Steven Keats (The Gumball Rally, Death Wish) makes his feature film debut as Jackie Brown (Tarantino a fan you think?). Charismatic and commanding the screen, watching him here it is amazing he never reached the A list, despite his long list of credits.
Look I'm Richard Jordan and I really don't care what you do.
Heading the heist crew Alex Rocco (Smokin Aces, Lady in White, The Stunt Man) possesses a calculated menace that is undeniable. Joe Santo best known as Angelo Soprano now, also delivers a notable appearance.
This is a taut and suspenseful picture that John Doe can happily geek out over for hours. Never losing its luster it improves with every viewing thanks to discreet character moments. JD’s love of Mitchum is well known but this film is also much more. This is intelligent cinema that gleefully concludes with an enigmatic exclamation point, fittingly as understated as all that came before.
The Original Friends of Eddie Coyle Trailer
Watch the First 10 Minutes of the Friends of Eddie Coylea
My Life My Muse
Beta Girl Blog
I'll pop back in and let you know what I think after I watch it.
unlucky_ fishermen.com
Angling Fish
Check this out...
Film & TV on DVD
Sounds like a good friend with excellent taste..(Wink)
Look forward to reading what your thoughts...(wink, wink)
Film & TV on DVD
For me this is as good as any other performances in Mitchum's cannpon...I love me some gritty 70's crime drama and Coyle delivers.
The Yakuza and Farwell My Lovely which followed are also twilight years gems. Dead Man of course being his final memorable appearance.
You are certainly not alone in your love of this film and yes I always avoid tunnels
Film & TV on DVD
i actually assumed you would already be a big fan of this one...hope you get to witness it soon. The US criterion DVD comes with a Peter Yates commentary that is informative.
Mitchums understated style is in full effect here and the whole thing is unflinching.
if your interested follow the links in bright yellow within the text of the post for my retrospective article on Mitch and reviews of his other films.
Screen Adventure
Film & TV on DVD
Its a quality pic all round and one that shows the power of understatement.
Mitchum's beaten down by life persona really elevates it for sure.