American Boy: A Profile of: Steven Prince (1978)

Director:

Martin Scorsese

Writers:

Julia Cameron (treatment), Mardik Martin (treatment)

Stars:

Steven Prince, Martin Scorsese, George Memmoli

Cast

Credited cast:
Steven Prince	...	Himself
Martin Scorsese	...	Himself
George Memmoli	...	Himself
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Julia Cameron	...	Herself
Mardik Martin	...	Himself
Kathi McGinnis	...	Herself

Storyline

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Plot Keywords:

cinema verite | cooking | heroin addict | comedian | mother son relationship | 

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Genres:

Documentary

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

October 1978 (USA)

Also Known As:

American Boy

Box Office

Budget:

$155,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

New Empire Films, Scorsese Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

55 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Connections

Referenced in Pulp Fiction (1994)

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Soundtracks

"Time Fades Away"
Written & Performed by Neil Young

User Reviews

One of Scorcese's most compelling and overlooked films

Martin Scorcese has made many great films. However, several of them remain notably overlooked (in addition to the much praised classics such as "Raging Bull" and "Goodfellas"). "American Boy" is one of his most unjustly forgotten films. Its an interview with Steven Prince, who played the twitchy gun salesman in "Taxi Driver". It turns out the man's personal life is even more fascinating. Hes a fantastic storyteller, relating his hilarious, unique, and even poignant stories to the camera in a honest and raw fashion. Hes someone I wouldn't exactly want to be, but wouldn't mind having as a friend.

Scorcese's minimalist approach (basically turning on the camera and letting Prince talk into it) suits the film perfectly. This doesn't have the creative angles and camera movements Scorcese is often known for, but thats all the better. Prince's stories are compelling enough in themselves. By the way (as just about every other review has mentioned), one of his stories about dealing with an overdosing girl is exactly identical to the scene in "Pulp Fiction" where Vincent gives an adrenaline shot to Mia. "American Boy" is a ragged yet completely compelling documentary. Its a shame Scorcese hasn't made more of these, but its proof that the man seems to work well in any genre he tackles. (8/10)