The Assistant (1997)

User Rating:

5.5/10   

Director:

Daniel Petrie

Writers:

Bernard Malamud (novel)
Daniel Petrie (writer)

Release Date:

1 May 1998 (Canada)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

It's the turn of the century and jobs are hard to find. A young man assigns himself the job of a store clerk, without pay...

Plot Keywords:

Based On Novel | Independent Film

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Gil Bellows	...	Frank Alpine
Armin Mueller-Stahl	...	Mr. Morris Bober
Joan Plowright	...	Mrs. Ida Bober
Jaimz Woolvett	...	Ward Minogue
Frank Moore	...	Detective Minogue
Kate Greenhouse	...	Helen Bober
Sam Aaron	...	Customer Max
Dick Callahan	...	Foreman
David Clement	...	Rabbi #2
Darlene Mignacco	...	Tessie Fuso
Alon Nashman	...	Louis Karp
Michael Ricupero	...	Nick Fuso
Frank Ruffo	...	Coffee Pot Owner
Larry Solway	...	Rabbi #1
Nicolas Van Burek	...	Suspected Man (as Nicholas Van Burek)

Runtime:

USA:116 min

Country:

Canada | UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

Germany:12

Filming Locations:

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Company:

Miracle Pictures

Movie Connections:

References Little Caesar (1931)

Superb Movie

Based on the not so great ratings, I never expected this quiet little movie to be so wonderful. Based on a Malamud story, which I have not read, yet, it manages to convey the feeling that a Bernard Malamud, or Isaac Bashevis Singer, story often evokes. This is not an easy thing for a film, as many readers know how difficult it is to find movies that manage to successfully capture the feeling of the written work.

This film succeeds in conveying the complex emotional web in which the characters find themselves entangled.

I am saddened, but not surprised, that so many of the reviews, here on IMDb, are not as glowing as my take on this gem of a film. Not surprisingly, out of the 49 or so reviews, the gender breakdown shows that women on the whole like this film more than the men.

This is a rather quiet and gentle movie, although there are some scenes of frightening violence, that speaks to both the heart and mind.

Since I wrote this review, I have read the book, and it is superb, and I can now state that, in my opinion, this movie has successfully made the transition from book to film. The movie has really captured the feel of the book. If you enjoyed either one, be sure to try the other.

I still still think about this story. If you want to understand the word "Redemption" read the book and see the movie. Absolutely SUPERB.