Midnight Cowboy (1969)

ER · September 08, 2019, 08:48:31 AM

Midnight Cowboy is the best X-rated film you'll likely ever see, and it is also a signpost showing how movie ratings have changed in the last fifty years, since were Midnight Cowboy to be released today it might snag an R but PG-13 isn't out of the question. I assume everyone knows the basic story here but to add my thoughts, it's also one of the saddest exercises in capturing the death of dreams that's ever been put onto film. It's a fascinating character study, with brilliant portrayals by Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight, that reflects its times well, but there are very few bright spots here in a film that's thick with irony. I'll say it's a straight-up A+ motion picture, but never see it if you're already depressed, because it will fling you straight there on its own.

RCMerchant · September 08, 2019, 09:07:15 AM

I agree. It's an excellent film with a classic soundtrack too!

Allhallowsday · September 08, 2019, 10:22:52 AM

It was just on TCM a week or two ago.

Interesting film, but I can't claim to be a fan. It's a downer.

The Burgomaster · September 10, 2019, 04:46:25 PM

Quote from: ER on September 08, 2019, 08:48:31 AM
Midnight Cowboy is the best X-rated film you'll likely ever see

And also, A Clockwork Orange.

Rev. Powell · September 10, 2019, 05:34:48 PM

This montage is one of my favorite things.

http://youtu.be/3yjlLkpP1WU

Trevor · September 11, 2019, 01:06:33 AM

Another film which our dumb ass censors banned

BoyScoutKevin · September 11, 2019, 05:33:59 PM

At that time, the 1st and to date, the last X-rated film to win an Oscar for Best Picture. It has since been re-rated and now carries a R rating.

Archivist · September 12, 2019, 10:46:48 PM

I just read the wiki synopsis and it sounds really depressing. Not something I think I'd like to watch.

RCMerchant · September 13, 2019, 12:15:56 AM

Man. f**k wiki. Watch it. It's a great film. Don't judge a film until you see it. And it's not that depressing. It's actually about facing reality and growing up. I ws homeless for a time in NYC. I wish I had a friend like Ratso. I did, for a while. Joey. We slept in Salvation Army boxes. I'd bury myself in old clothes. It was December-1980.
Its also about friendship and loyalty to a friend ,thick and thin.
A great film.

http://youtu.be/a2yBydiEJrI

Rev. Powell · September 13, 2019, 08:00:56 AM

I love it, it's a masterpiece. But I don't think you can argue that it's not depressing!