At first glance, Atlantic City is indistinguishable from most other crime films. It’s led by a charming gangster (Burt Lancaster) who falls for a beautiful woman (Susan Sarandon) half his age. They look good together and spend their blood money lavishly. But this coolness is deceptive. It eventually gives way to desperation and delusion as the characters prove to be more naive than they let on. Atlantic City could’ve easily been a farce or a failed mob drama; instead, it’s a crime film given heft by the film’s honesty about its characters’ pathetic circumstances. Director Louis Malle (Au Revoir Les Enfants, My Dinner with Andre) is juggling plenty of things here, but he makes it work, as do Lancaster, Sarandon, and their believable chemistry.
Reviews
Appears On:
Awards
Nominee: Best Actor in a Leading Role at the OscarsNominee: Best Actress in a Leading Role at the OscarsNominee: Best Director at the OscarsNominee: Best Picture at the OscarsScreenplay Written Directly for the Screen: Best Writing at the Oscars
Winner: Best Actor at the BAFTA AwardsWinner: Best Direction at the BAFTA AwardsNominee: Best Film at the BAFTA AwardsNominee: Best Screenplay at the BAFTA AwardsNominee: Best Music at the César AwardsOriginal or Adaptation: Best Screenplay at the César AwardsNominee: Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures at the Directors Guild of AmericaDrama: Best Actor in a Motion Picture at the Golden Globes (USA)Motion Picture: Best Director at the Golden Globes (USA)Nominee: Best Foreign Film at the Golden Globes (USA)Winner: Best Actor at the Los Angeles Film Critics Association AwardsWinner: Best Picture at the Los Angeles Film Critics Association AwardsWinner: Best Screenplay at the Los Angeles Film Critics Association AwardsWinner: New Generation Award at the Los Angeles Film Critics Association AwardsWinner: Top Ten Films at the National Board of ReviewWinner: Best Actor at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards2nd place: Best Director at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards3rd place: Best Film at the New York Film Critics Circle AwardsWinner: Best Screenplay at the New York Film Critics Circle AwardsWinner: Golden Lion at the Venice Film FestivalNominee: Best Drama Written Directly for the Screen (Screen) at the Writers Guild of America
Genre
Crime, Drama, Romance
Director
Louis Malle
Actors
Angus MacInnes, Burt Lancaster, Cec Linder, Elias Koteas, Hollis McLaren, John McCurry, Kate Reid, Michel Piccoli, Susan Sarandon, Wallace Shawn
Language
English, French
Mood
Thrilling
Popular
20 Streaming Services That Still Offer Free Trial in 2025The Cheapest Live TV Streaming ServicesHow to Watch ESPN Without CableThe Best Services to Get a TNT Free TrialHow to get a CNN Free Trial in 2025How to get a Bravo Free Trial in 2025The Best Services to Get a ESPN2 Free TrialThe Best Services to Get a TLC Free TrialThe Best Streaming Services with Dolby Atmos in 2025The Best Streaming Services That Allow DownloadsThe Best Streaming Services for AMEX RewardsThe Best Streaming Services Without Subscription in 2025The Best Ad-Free Streaming Services (Without Commercials)
