Day 23: Paper Moon (1973)

Paper Moon
Director: Peter Bogdanovich
Starring: Ryan O'Neil, Tatum O'Neil, Madeline Kahn

I had never heard of this movie until I read an AV Club list of movies that have influenced Wes Anderson's aesthetic (maybe my favorite director). This movie was outstanding and I am surprised more people don't talk about it.

This was a con man movie about a grifter who runs into a young girl (played by real life father and daughter). Most con man movies seem to be about pulling off "the big con". This one was about a guy making a living off small time jobs (fake bible salesmen, swindling cashiers).

The movie was made in the 70's, but convincingly pulled off the atmosphere and style of the 30's. The black and white cinematography was beautiful. The music was great. Also, the acting was top notch, especially the Oscar winning performance by young Tatum O'Neil. The film was funny, exciting, whimsical, adventurous, and sad.

I can see why people would say that this seems like a Wes Anderson movie. He writes dialogue that pops like the lines in this movie. Also, the overly mature adolescent is very reminiscent of kids in his films. The character growth and the way these two characters become attached to one another had that bittersweet adventurous feel that has become Wes's trademark. This film, though, was much more steeped in reality than Life Aquatic or Royal Tenenbaums.

This movie made me want to go see Brother's Bloom again. Something about con men is so charming in a movie. In real life, though, they would just tick me off.

Lesson learned: Don't try to con a bootlegger.