We were not prepared for how good and how sad this movie is.

This movie is so damn good, it nearly tarnishes the Rocky movies and, by extension, Sly’s already shaky reputation as a somewhat narcissistic opportunist.

With a genuinely revelatory performance from Anthony Quinn at its center, Requiem feels incredibly relevent. The performance also demonstrates what separates the aforementioned movie star and someone like Quinn - the latter brings an incredible depth of vulnerability to this role. Vulnerability that is rare in any time, from any actor, not just in a movie from 1962.

A timeless tale of exploitation by impotent men (and one monstrous woman) with cinematography, writing, and direction that is echoed in so many films in its wake.

The meta-narrative is interesting as well - we go back to 1962 only to find that this very mature and artful film is, in fact, an adaptation of a teleplay from 1956. So, yes, we have had 40 Spider-Men in 2 years but let that be a reminder to people exhausted by reboots and remakes (like your hosts): don’t let it get to you, this is how the business has always been to some extent. As I have lately said - if it’s good, it doesn’t matter.

Somewhat unique to this adaptation, the writer/director team from the original is intact. Requiem stands as testament to Rod Serling’s incredible prowess in screenwriting and introduces us to director Ralph Nelson.

I would be remiss if I did not shout out Mickey Rooney and especially Jackie Gleason, forming the triangle of toxic masculinity geometrically slicing through the picture.

Of course, Muhammed Ali appears in the very opening, not too shabby!

Sort of our one woman (besides Madam Spivey as Ma Greeny - yeah that’s right), Julie Harris is heartbreakingly sympathetic to “Mountain,” but listen in to Colin’s theory about how she’s a bit of a freak.

We hope you enjoy - and thank you for listening! This is a really special movie - a rare masterpiece in the mix like Hoosiers. Give it a chance - you can borrow it from the library.

Here is a link to the Spotify episode.

And how about a link to Podbean? Flick that shit.

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