Atlantic City Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

An old crook and a lemon-scented waitress get mixed up with a couple of hippie drug dealers and rediscover what it means to try to make a buck in a town full of gamblers and cheap motels.

🍿 Atlantic City: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Atlantic City and its Residents

The film opens with Sally Matthews, a waitress and aspiring blackjack dealer, living in a rundown Atlantic City apartment. She dreams of a better life, specifically working in Monte Carlo. Lou Pascal, an aging numbers runner, lives next door and secretly observes Sally. He clings to stories of a past association with Bugsy Siegel, but his current life is far from glamorous, consisting of petty errands and caring for a reclusive widow, Grace.

The Arrival of Dave and Chrissie

Sally’s estranged husband, Dave, and her pregnant sister, Chrissie, arrive in Atlantic City seeking shelter. Dave is a small-time drug dealer on the run, carrying stolen cocaine. This unexpected reunion disrupts Sally’s aspirations and pulls her into a dangerous situation. Lou’s and Sally’s paths begin to intertwine due to Dave’s criminal activities.

Dangerous Dealings and Unexpected Death

Dave enlists Lou’s help to sell the stolen cocaine. Lou, eager to relive his past, agrees. However, the deal goes wrong, and Dave is murdered by those seeking to reclaim the drugs. Lou is left with the cocaine and a significant amount of money, creating a turning point in his life and drawing Sally deeper into the consequences of Dave’s actions.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Lou Pascal (Burt Lancaster): A small-time numbers runner in Atlantic City, Lou yearns for his imagined glory days as a gangster and unexpectedly finds himself involved in a drug deal.
• Sally Matthews (Susan Sarandon): A waitress and aspiring blackjack dealer, Sally dreams of escaping Atlantic City and working in Monte Carlo.
• Grace Pinza (Kate Reid): A widowed recluse and former beauty queen, Grace is dependent on Lou and harbors a mix of affection and disdain for him.
• Dave Matthews (Robert Joy): Sally’s estranged husband, Dave, is a small-time drug dealer whose actions set the events of the movie in motion.
• Chrissie (Hollis McLaren): Sally’s younger sister and Dave’s pregnant girlfriend, Chrissie is a naive new-age traveler caught up in Dave’s criminal activities.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Lou: “The Atlantic Ocean was really something in them days.” – Lou wistfully reminisces about the past, idealizing a bygone era of Atlantic City.
• Lou: “You should’ve seen the Atlantic Ocean back then.” – Lou expresses his longing for the glory days of Atlantic City.
• Chrissie: “I don’t wear seatbelts. I don’t believe in gravity.” – Chrissie’s new-age belief reflects her carefree and somewhat naive outlook on life.
• Lou: “Teach me stuff.” – Sally asks Lou to teach her stuff

💰Box Office

• Budget: $7,200,000
• Domestic Gross: $12,729,675
• Worldwide Gross: $12,729,675

💥 Atlantic City Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved ‘Atlantic City’! It’s one of those movies that stays with you long after the credits roll. Burt Lancaster’s performance is heartbreaking, and Susan Sarandon is radiant. I was especially moved by the scenes where they connect, finding solace in each other’s dreams. The ending, while bittersweet, felt perfect. It’s a beautifully crafted film that captures the essence of hope and resilience in a decaying world.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of neo-noir films”
  • “Viewers interested in character-driven stories”
  • “Those who enjoy films set in unique locations”
  • “Fans of Burt Lancaster and Susan Sarandon”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Drug use”
  • “Violence”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “A beautifully observed film about dreams, decay, and unexpected connections, Malle captures Atlantic City’s gritty reality with a touch of magic. Lancaster and Sarandon deliver career-defining performances.
• Variety: “Louis Malle’s ‘Atlantic City’ is a fascinating character study set against the backdrop of a city in transition. Burt Lancaster shines as a small-time hoodlum, and Susan Sarandon is captivating as a young woman yearning for a better life.
• Janet Maslin: “A compelling blend of romance and crime, ‘Atlantic City’ benefits from strong performances and Malle’s insightful direction. The film’s depiction of a city on the verge of change is particularly effective.

Audience Reactions

Burt Lancaster’s performance was outstanding.: Viewers praised Lancaster’s portrayal of Lou, citing his nuanced performance and on-screen presence.

The chemistry between Lancaster and Sarandon was amazing.: Audiences appreciated the unusual relationship between the characters, praising the actors’ chemistry.

Overall Consensus: A well-acted, character-driven film set in a city on the brink of change, ‘Atlantic City’ is a bittersweet tale of dreams, redemption, and unexpected connections.

Awards

1. BAFTA Awards (Best Direction)- 1982

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was shot on location in Atlantic City during a period of urban renewal, capturing the contrast between the old and the new.”
• “Director Louis Malle brought a European sensibility to the film, focusing on character-driven storytelling and atmosphere.”
• “Burt Lancaster’s performance was a career resurgence, showcasing his ability to portray complex, flawed characters.”
• “The opening scene of Susan Sarandon applying lemon juice to her skin has become iconic, symbolizing her character’s desire for a fresh start.”

🖥️ How to Watch Atlantic City?

As of October 2024, ‘Atlantic City’ is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming availability. Unfortunately it is not available on major streaming services like Netflix or Hulu as of October 2024.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Atlantic City, you might like these similar films:

• The Hustler (1961): Explores themes of ambition, redemption, and moral compromise in a gritty, character-driven narrative.
• Mean Streets (1973): Showcases a realistic portrayal of small-time criminals, their struggles, and moral ambiguities, set against a backdrop of urban decay.
• After Hours (1985): Features a protagonist navigating a nightmarish, surreal urban landscape filled with quirky characters and unexpected dangers.
• Uncut Gems (2019): A high-stakes thriller centered around a charismatic hustler caught in a web of debt, risky deals, and escalating tension.

🛒 Atlantic City Related Products

• Atlantic City (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A pristine restoration of Louis Malle’s masterpiece, featuring insightful commentary and behind-the-scenes content.
• Burt Lancaster: An American Life by Kate Buford: Get an insight into the amazing life and career of Burt Lancaster, a Hollywood legend and star of the film
• Vintage Atlantic City Travel Poster: A beautifully restored vintage travel poster capturing the nostalgic charm of Atlantic City in its heyday.
• Lemon Scented Bath & Body Works Products: Inspired by Susan Sarandon’s character daily ritual, it includes all lemon scented bath and body products

🎧 Soundtrack

Atlantic City features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Atlantic City, My Old Friend” – performed by Paul Anka (performed by Robert Goulet in the film)
• “Casta Diva from Norma” – performed by Vincenzo Bellini

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

America’s Fallen Cities: Atlantic City

Ever wondered about the real Atlantic City behind the glitz and glamour shown in the movie? This documentary dives deep into its fascinating, and sometimes tragic, history. Honestly, it’s a surprisingly captivating story!

1920s & 1930s 16mm Home Movie. Girls Private School, Airships, Automobiles, Atlantic City & more!

Want to see what Atlantic City *really* looked like back in the day? This vintage home movie footage from the 20s and 30s is like stepping into a time machine! The airship shot is really something else.

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