This past month Turner Classic Movies has been paying tribute to Frank Sinatra by showing a wide scope of his many films. During this fest I finally got to see Ocean's Eleven, which showcased the entire Rat Pack and was quite fun. I also saw Sergeants 3 (Gunga Din as western? I don't accept that.) which wasn't quite as good as I had hoped. However the best of the bunch has to be The Man With The Golden Arm, the story of heroine addict who has a chance at better life through his talent as a drummer.Directed by Otto Preminger, it starred not only Sinatra but Kim Novak & Eleanor Parker. Parker's performance was so incredible that I don't understand how she was not awarded anything for her work. She didn't even have to say anything to convey everything. Of course Sinatra is excellent in this. Lots of people highlight the heroine withdrawal scene, but to me it's the bulk of his performance as a lost and, unfortunately, weak man that really shows what a top-notch actor Frank Sinatra is.
The excellence continues not only in every other actor's performance, but also to the stunning cinematography of Sam Leavitt and phenomenal jazz soundtrack of Elmer Bernstein, both which highlight the gritty setting of this tragic story.
Available: Netflix, Amazon
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