Gloria Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A grumpy broad babysits a kid who knows too much and ends up having to shoot her way through her contacts list.

🍿 Gloria: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Dawn Family’s Demise

Jack Dawn, a mild-mannered accountant secretly working for the mob, plans to inform the FBI. Realizing their imminent danger, Jack and his wife Jeri attempt to send their six-year-old son, Phil, to their neighbor Gloria for safety. The Dawn family is brutally murdered, leaving Phil as the sole survivor and in possession of a crucial piece of evidence: a book containing the mob’s financial records.

Gloria’s Reluctant Guardianship

Gloria, an ex-mistress of a mobster and a woman who dislikes children, reluctantly takes Phil under her wing. Their relationship begins antagonistically, but they are bound together by the dangerous situation. As they go on the run, Gloria learns that the mobsters responsible for the Dawn family’s murder are old acquaintances.

On the Run in New York City

Gloria and Phil navigate the gritty streets of New York City, evading both the mob and the authorities, who mistakenly believe Gloria kidnapped Phil. Gloria must devise a plan to protect themselves, complicated by their love/hate relationship and Phil’s independent nature. Their ordeal forces Gloria to confront her past and develop a fierce protectiveness towards Phil.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Gloria Swenson (Gena Rowlands): A tough ex-gun moll reluctantly becomes the protector of a young boy after his family is murdered by the mob.
• Phil Dawn (John Adames): A precocious six-year-old boy who is orphaned and placed under Gloria’s protection while possessing a book desired by the mob.
• Jack Dawn (Buck Henry): A mild-mannered accountant who betrays the mob by keeping a record book, leading to his family’s demise.
• Jeri Dawn (Julie Carmen): The Puerto Rican wife of Jack Dawn and mother of Phil, who is murdered by the mob along with her family.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Gloria: “I’m Gloria. My hand is on my gun in my purse.” – Gloria confidently confronts a group of mobsters in a restaurant, warning them to stay away.
• Phil Dawn: “You’re my mother. You’re my father. You’re my whole family. You’re even my friend, Gloria. You’re my girlfriend too.” – Phil expresses his deep bond with Gloria, who has become his protector and only family.
• Gloria: “Ya punk! Ya Punk. Ya let a sissy beat you, huh? You punk! Go ahead, punk!” – Gloria yells at a mobster in the subway after beating him in a fight.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $8 million
• Domestic Gross: $4,059,673
• Worldwide Gross: $4,062,212

💥 Gloria Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely drawn in by ‘Gloria’! Gena Rowlands’ performance is just incredible – she’s tough, vulnerable, and totally believable as a woman caught in a crazy situation. I loved the scenes where she’s trying to protect Phil, especially the subway confrontation. The film really captures the gritty atmosphere of New York, making it feel like you’re right there with them. It’s a film that sticks with you long after you’ve watched it!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Gena Rowlands”
  • “Lovers of gritty crime dramas”
  • “Those interested in independent cinema”
  • “Viewers who enjoy character-driven stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Gun violence”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Rowlands delivers a powerhouse performance, but the film’s uneven pacing and implausible plot points prevent it from reaching classic status. Cassavetes’ direction captures the gritty realism of 1980s New York, yet the film struggles to maintain tension throughout its runtime.
• The New York Times: “Cassavetes blends his trademark improvisational style with genre conventions. Rowlands’ portrayal of Gloria is magnetic, balancing toughness with vulnerability, and the film showcases the city’s underbelly, creating a captivating viewing experience.
• Chicago Sun-Times: “While not Cassavetes’ most profound work, ‘Gloria’ is undeniably entertaining. Rowlands’ Oscar-nominated performance anchors the film, and the dynamic between her and young Adames provides moments of both humor and genuine emotion. A unique blend of crime drama and character study.

Audience Reactions

Gena Rowlands’ amazing performance as Gloria is what makes this movie so memorable.: Viewers praised the chemistry between Rowlands and Adames, emphasizing the film’s raw and emotional honesty.

The gritty and realistic portrayal of 1980s New York City truly captures the essence of that era.: Fans often noted the film’s authentic portrayal of New York, avoiding over-glamorization, and presenting a genuine urban landscape.

Overall Consensus: ‘Gloria’ is a well-regarded crime drama, celebrated for Gena Rowlands’ compelling performance and its gritty portrayal of New York City, although some critique its pacing and plot contrivances.

Awards

1. Golden Globe (Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama)- 1981

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “John Cassavetes initially wrote the script for ‘Gloria’ intending to sell it to Columbia Pictures, but Gena Rowlands insisted that he direct it himself.”
• “The film was shot on location in New York City, capturing the gritty realism of the late 1970s, with Cassavetes using real locations and avoiding staged sets whenever possible.”
• “Gena Rowlands received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her performance in ‘Gloria’.”

🖥️ How to Watch Gloria?

As of October 2024, ‘Gloria’ (1980) is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms, including Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check your local listings or digital storefronts for availability in your region. Consider purchasing the DVD or Blu-ray for a physical copy and potential bonus content.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Gloria, you might like these similar films:

• Leon: The Professional (1994): A young girl is taken in by a professional hitman after her family is murdered, creating a similar dynamic of protector and protected in a dangerous world.
• True Grit (2010): A tough, unconventional woman takes on the role of protector for a young person seeking justice in a dangerous environment.
• The Driver (1978): A stylish, neo-noir crime thriller from the same era, focusing on a getaway driver and his high-stakes cat-and-mouse game with the police.
• You Were Never Really Here (2017): A traumatized hitman becomes the protector of a young girl, showcasing a similar theme of redemption through violence and guardianship.

🛒 Gloria Related Products

• Gloria (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A meticulously restored version of the film, featuring insightful commentary, interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage. This collector’s edition celebrates Cassavetes’ unique vision and Rowlands’ unforgettable performance.
• Gena Rowlands: A Life in Pictures: A biography exploring Gena Rowlands’ illustrious career, featuring rare photographs, personal anecdotes, and critical essays on her most iconic roles, including Gloria Swenson.
• 1980s New York City – Photo Book: A visual journey back to the gritty streets of 1980s New York. Experience the raw energy, iconic landmarks, and diverse culture captured in stunning photographs. Perfect for history buffs and fans of ‘Gloria’.
• The Killing of a Chinese Bookie (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: Another movie directed by John Cassavetes. This movie has a great story, and wonderful acting, just like Gloria.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Main Title” – performed by Bill Conti
• “Subway Ride” – performed by Bill Conti
• “The Cemetery” – performed by Bill Conti

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Hollywood Babylon: Films on the dark side of the Golden Age

Ever wondered what the dark side of Hollywood’s Golden Age looked like? This video dives into films that expose the seedy underbelly of the glamorous era and talks about films related to the movie ‘Gloria’.

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