The Pawnbroker (1965)

Directed by Sidney Lumet. Starring Rod Steiger, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Jaime Sánchez, Brock Peters, Thelma Oliver, Marketa Kimbrell, Eusebia Cosme, Linda Geiser, Baruch Lumet, Juano Hernández, Charles Dierkop, Raymond St. Jacques, Reni Santoni, Nancy R. Pollock.

Holocaust survivor Steiger lives a sheltered existence as the owner of a Harlem pawn shop, haunted by his memories and socially withdrawn, sterilized, even dysfunctional. Powerful, pioneering drama hammered significant cracks into the already-crumbling Production Code, and features a reticent yet versatile lead performance from Steiger, who never strains for kitschy effect even when the film itself eventually does toward end. Most of the supporting cast does solid work as well, with Hernández and Santoni particularly good in small, showy roles. Moody pseudo-vérité black & white photography by Boris Kaufman; Ralph Rosenblum’s editing techniques (putting the “flash” in “flashback”) are striking for the period, as is Quincy Jones’ fiery yet sophisticated blend of jazz and soul tones on the soundtrack mix. Based on Edward Lewis Wallant’s same-named novel, adapted for the screen by Morton Fine and David Friedkin. Debuted at the Berlinale the prior year. Try to spot Morgan Freeman as an extra in his first film role.

88/100