Cast
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Richard Gere
as Richard 'Dixie' Dwyer
Gregory Hines
as Delbert 'Sandman' Williams
Diane Lane
as Vera Cicero
Lonette McKee
as Lila Rose Oliver
Bob Hoskins
as Owney Madden
James Remar
as Dutch Schultz
Nicolas Cage
as Vincent Dwyer
Allen Garfield
as Otto 'Abbadabba' Berman
Fred Gwynne
as Frenchy Demange
Gwen Verdon
as Tish Dwyer
Lisa Jane Persky
as Frances Flegenheimer
Maurice Hines
as Clay Williams
Julian Beck
as Sol Weinstein
Novella Nelson
as Madame St. Clair
Laurence Fishburne
as Bumpy Rhodes
Crew
Director
- Francis Ford Coppola
Producer
- Robert Evans
- Francis Ford Coppola
Reviews
John Chard
And all - that - jazz!
Far better than its iffy reputation suggests, The Cotton Club is guilty of being stuffed to the gills, but it also contains mighty fine film making that shows craft both behind and in front of the camera.
Set in late 1920s Harlem, the pitch is an area of New York rife with swinging jazz, racism, crooks and gangsters. Prohibition and the depression fill the air just as the talkie movie bursts out of the silver screen. The Cotton Club of the title is the focal point for many of the key character's lives, so Francis Coppola, who stepped in at the eleventh hour of the troubled production, has many threads to juggle. He drops the odd one, but never to the detriment of the verve and swagger of the pic. Violence comes and goes, song and dance often dazzles the eyes and ears, and a cast of hundreds induces that good old game of spot the stars - past, present and future.
The narrative has strength via the observations of a major part of America in great transition, with the art design ops and tech crew beavers aiding him considerably via some superb period flavourings There is no getting away from the slightness of some character strands, the director and co choosing to insert another, all be it delightful, dance or song number to fill the void, but the core of the story remains strong throughout. The underworld always looms large, the seedy side of the era pulses away continuously, while the cast enjoy the dressage and frontage of a key time in America's history.
Flaws for sure but made with skill and passion and it never bores. Bravo! 7.5/10
Apr 27, 2015
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Cotton Club examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Francis Ford Coppola brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1984, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Cotton Club took approximately 14 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $58.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 129 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 159 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 80 unique compositions.
- The costume department created over 303 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1984, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Cotton Club shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Rabbit-Proof Fence, which focuses more on action than character development, The Cotton Club subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Hard to Kill and Bičianka z doliny explore similar territory, The Cotton Club stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 14, 1984
- Runtime: 2h 9m
- Budget: $58,000,000
- Revenue: $25,928,721
Where to Watch
