Arthur Penn's "Mickey One"

March 11, 2010 8:27 PM

Often dismissed as a failed experiment, this oddity from Arthur Penn is a constantly surprising and enigmatic classic. Two years ahead of Bonnie and Clyde, this New Hollywood prototype is ragged and frantic, a skewed but thrilling attempt to rewrite established narrative form.

Penn's existential noir thriller, informed by a dose of French new wave elements, proved to be the perfect musical platform for both [Stan] Getz and [arranger Eddie] Sauter. Amidst Sauter's kaleidoscopic and mercurial backdrop, Getz offers up a fine mix of fluid improvisation and solo commentary. Never overpowered by the, at times, monumental full-band outbursts, Getz is able to remain poised and even break through the walls of sound with vigorous yet cogent statements of his own.

posted by Joe Beese (7 comments total)

looks like someone saw breathless
posted by nathancaswell at 9:19 PM on March 11, 2010

not that i don't appreciate, added to my netflix...
posted by nathancaswell at 9:20 PM on March 11, 2010

aw man, not on netflix... LAME
posted by nathancaswell at 9:21 PM on March 11, 2010

or pirate bay...and i'm terribly intrigued...where's premature public dominion when I need it?

now i have to storm the library and keep their copy for gatekeeper's sake...
posted by es_de_bah at 10:36 PM on March 11, 2010

I'll just leave this right here.
posted by Senor Cardgage at 10:52 PM on March 11, 2010

Three demerits for recalling me to Peter Biskind, that starfelcher.
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur at 12:29 AM on March 12, 2010

Most of what you say about Mickey One is true. The problem, though, is that it's just not a particularly good movie. It's one of those that I WANT to be excellent - I root for it - but, honestly, it's a bit tedious.
posted by Dr. Wu at 5:59 AM on March 12, 2010 [1 favorite]