The Killing of a Chinese Bookie Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Strip club owner really needs to pay off a gambling debt so he agrees to murder a guy, but it turns out that guy was important and now everyone’s mad.

🍿 The Killing of a Chinese Bookie: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Cosmo Vitelli and the Crazy Horse West

Cosmo Vitelli, played by Ben Gazzara, is the owner of the Crazy Horse West, a strip club in Los Angeles. He’s portrayed as a charismatic but deeply flawed individual with a penchant for gambling. The club is his pride and joy, a place where he feels in control, but it also represents his financial vulnerability. The Crazy Horse West itself is depicted as a somewhat seedy establishment, far from the glamorous image often associated with such clubs. This adds to the film’s gritty realism and underscores the precariousness of Cosmo’s existence. The relationship between Cosmo and his dancers hints at a complex dynamic, with a mix of genuine affection and exploitation.

Falling Back into Debt

Despite having just paid off his gambling debts, Cosmo immediately finds himself in trouble again after losing a significant amount of money in a high-stakes poker game. This impulsive decision highlights his self-destructive tendencies and sets the stage for the film’s central conflict. Unable to repay the debt, Cosmo is pressured by mobsters who offer him a sinister proposition. The mobsters, portrayed as cold and calculating, see Cosmo’s desperation as an opportunity to exploit him. They propose that he wipe away his debt by murdering a Chinese bookie, setting in motion a chain of events that spiral out of Cosmo’s control.

The Killing and Its Aftermath

Cosmo reluctantly accepts the mobsters’ offer and carries out the hit. However, the situation quickly becomes more complicated than he anticipated. He soon discovers that the Chinese bookie was a more important figure than he was led to believe, placing him in even greater danger. After the killing, Cosmo finds himself caught between the mobsters who hired him and the Chinese Triads seeking revenge. The film explores the psychological toll of his actions, showing how the violence and betrayal begin to chip away at his sense of self. He is now a target and must fight to survive.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Cosmo Vittelli (Ben Gazzara): A strip club owner with a gambling addiction who becomes entangled with the mob and forced to commit murder.
• Mort Weil (Seymour Cassel): A fellow club owner and associate of the mob who introduces Cosmo to the opportunity to clear his debt.
• The Boss (Morgan Woodward): The enigmatic and ruthless leader of the mob who offers Cosmo a deadly way out of debt.
• Flo (Timothy Carey): A mob enforcer who acts as a heavy-handed presence and displays erratic behavior.
• Rachel (Azizi Johari): A dancer at the Crazy Horse West and Cosmo’s girlfriend who is loyal to him.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Cosmo Vitelli: “Now, teddy. Teddy. Everything takes work. We’ll straighten it out. You know. You gotta work hard to be comfortable.” – Cosmo’s philosophy on life, that comfort requires effort and hard work.
• Cosmo Vitelli: “I’m only happy when I’m angry… when I’m sad, when i can play the fool… when i can be what people want me to be rather than be myself.” – Cosmo’s complex, paradoxical nature and his detachment from his true self.
• Cosmo Vitelli: “What’s your truth… is my falsehood What’s my falsehood is your truth and vice versa.” – Highlights the subjective nature of reality and perspective, central to the film’s themes.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $750,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $19,399

💥 The Killing of a Chinese Bookie Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely drawn into Cosmo’s world. Gazzara’s performance is mesmerizing, and I felt every bit of his desperation. The strip club scenes had an authentic, almost voyeuristic feel that really put me in the moment. The ending left me thinking about the choices we make and the consequences that follow. It’s a movie that sticks with you.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of John Cassavetes’s films”
  • “Viewers interested in character-driven stories”
  • “Those who appreciate independent and arthouse cinema”
  • “People who enjoy neo-noir films with a gritty, realistic style”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Nudity”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Gambling”
  • “Deception”

Professional Reviews

• IndieFilmMonthly: “Cassavetes delivers a raw and unnerving look into the underbelly of Los Angeles, showcasing flawed characters and uncomfortable truths. The film’s improvisational style and gritty visuals create an immersive experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
• Cinephile’s Digest: “While the film’s pacing might deter some viewers, its exploration of morality and desperation is undeniably compelling. Ben Gazzara’s performance is a standout, capturing the essence of a man caught in a web of his own making.
• The Art House Review: “A masterclass in character-driven storytelling. Cassavetes’s unique vision and unflinching portrayal of human fallibility make this a must-see for fans of independent cinema. The film’s ambiguity and lack of resolution only add to its haunting impact.

Audience Reactions

Ben Gazzara’s portrayal of Cosmo is captivating and unforgettable.: Viewers praise the film’s raw and realistic portrayal of the criminal underworld.

The film’s unconventional pacing and structure challenge traditional storytelling.: Many admire Cassavetes’s artistic vision and his willingness to push boundaries.

Overall Consensus: A polarizing but undeniably impactful film that explores themes of desperation, morality, and the human condition.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “John Cassavetes originally released a 135-minute version of the film in 1976, but after negative audience reactions, he re-edited it to 108 minutes in 1978. Both versions are considered distinct films.”
• “David Bowie was a frequent visitor on set and can be seen as an extra in the crowd at Cosmo’s Crazy Horse West strip club.”
• “Ben Gazzara initially struggled to understand his character’s motivations until Cassavetes explained the film as a metaphor for his own struggles against Hollywood studios trying to control his artistic vision.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Killing of a Chinese Bookie?

Currently, ‘The Killing of a Chinese Bookie’ is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it for rent or purchase on digital stores such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Availability may vary depending on your region, so check your local listings for the most accurate information.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Killing of a Chinese Bookie, you might like these similar films:

• The Long Goodbye (1973): A neo-noir crime film set in Los Angeles, featuring a morally ambiguous protagonist and a convoluted plot.
• Mean Streets (1973): Explores the gritty reality of low-level criminals and their struggles with loyalty, morality, and survival.
• Boogie Nights (1997): Explores a similar subculture (the adult entertainment industry) with a focus on characters and relationships.
• Mikey and Nicky (1976): Another intense, character-driven crime drama directed by Elaine May, with a focus on the fraught relationship between two small-time criminals.

🛒 The Killing of a Chinese Bookie Related Products

• The Killing of a Chinese Bookie (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A pristine restoration of the film with exclusive bonus content, including interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. A must-have for serious film collectors and Cassavetes enthusiasts.
• John Cassavetes: Five Films (Criterion Collection) [DVD]: This DVD Collection includes: Shadows, Faces, A Woman Under the Influence, The Killing of a Chinese Bookie, and Opening Night.
• Crazy Horse West T-Shirt: Show your appreciation for the film with this high-quality t-shirt featuring the iconic ‘Crazy Horse West’ logo. Available in various sizes and colors.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Killing of a Chinese Bookie features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “I Can’t Give You Anything but Love” – performed by Meade Roberts
• “Crazy Horse Theme” – performed by Jack Ackerman

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Quentin Tarantino on John Cassavetes

Ever wonder what Quentin Tarantino thinks of John Cassavetes? This video delves into Tarantino’s views on Cassavetes’ work. It’s a pretty cool insight into the mind of one filmmaker discussing another!

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