Midnight Cowboy
Synopsis
Texas greenhorn Joe Buck arrives in New York City for the first time. Preening himself as a real "hustler", he finds that he is the one getting "hustled" until he teams up with down-and-out but resilient outcast Ratso Rizzo. The initial "country cousin meets city cousin" relationship deepens. In their efforts to bilk a hostile world rebuffing them at every turn, this unlikely pair progress from partners in shady business to comrades. Each has found his first real friend.
Critical Acclaim
The 1969 release of Midnight Cowboy marked a significant moment in American cinema, capturing attention with its raw portrayal of urban life and unconventional storytelling. Initially, the film sparked controversy due to its adult themes and was given an X rating, yet this did not deter its critical acclaim. Critics praised John Schlesinger's direction and the compelling performances by Jon Voight and Dustin Hoffman. The film was lauded for its gritty realism and unflinching exploration of friendship and survival in the bleak landscape of New York City.
Renowned critic Roger Ebert awarded the film four stars, describing it as "one of the best films of the year," and applauded its emotional depth and character-driven narrative. Vincent Canby of The New York Times highlighted the film's "intense and moving" performances, particularly Hoffman's portrayal of the ailing Ratso Rizzo. Over the years, Midnight Cowboy has maintained its critical status, holding a 90% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Modern reviewers continue to commend its insightful examination of marginalized individuals and its bold departure from mainstream Hollywood narratives of the time.
Midnight Cowboy's impact extended beyond critical acclaim, as it became the first X-rated film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, signaling a shift in the cultural landscape of Hollywood. Its success opened doors for more daring and unconventional films in the 1970s, influencing a generation of filmmakers. The film's legacy endures, consistently appearing on lists of the greatest films, and is celebrated for its poignant depiction of an unlikely friendship, cementing its place as a timeless classic in cinema history.
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