The Grifters

1990, Crime/Drama, 1h 53m

43 Reviews 10,000+ Ratings

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critics consensus

Coolly collected and confidently performed, The Grifters is a stylish caper that puts the artistry in con. Read critic reviews

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Movie Info

Hard-as-nails Lily Dillon (Anjelica Huston) works as a swindler for dangerous bookie Bobo (Pat Hingle), probably the only man she fears. Arriving in Los Angeles on "business," Lily looks up her son, Roy (John Cusack), a small-time con artist content with paltry sleight-of-hand cheats. Roy's girlfriend, Myra (Annette Bening), looks like an All-American type but is a grifter looking to pull off another big-time con. The convergence of the three hustlers inevitably means trouble for all of them.

Cast & Crew

John Cusack
Roy Dillon
Anjelica Huston
Lilly Dillon
Annette Bening
Myra Langtry
Pat Hingle
Bobo Justus
J.T. Walsh
Cole
Charles Napier
Gloucester Hebbing
Henry Jones
Simms
Michael Laskin
Irv
Eddie Jones
Mintz
Stephen Frears
Director
Donald E. Westlake
Screenwriter
Jim Thompson
Writer
Robert A. Harris
Producer
Jim Painter
Producer
Martin Scorsese
Producer
Peggy Rajski
Co-Producer
Barbara De Fina
Executive Producer
Elmer Bernstein
Original Music
Oliver Stapleton
Cinematographer
Mick Audsley
Film Editor
Juliet Taylor
Casting
Victoria Thomas
Casting
Leslie McDonald
Art Direction
Nancy Haigh
Set Designer
Richard Hornung
Costume Designer
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Critic Reviews for The Grifters

All Critics (43) | Top Critics (11) | Fresh (39) | Rotten (4)

View All Critic Reviews (43)

Audience Reviews for The Grifters

  • Aug 28, 2014
    A young con artist learns the hard way that relationship problems cannot be solved with money. And there's a crapload of money here on display. Every time you look somebody is reaching into a bag to pull out stacks of green. Stacks of green laying around like a Halloween candy grab. And while Cusack and Bening are okay in this, make no mistake this is Anjelica Huston's movie. The best scene is between her and Pat Hingle, who can pull off psycho/wackjob with the best of them.
    Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
  • Nov 29, 2011
    "The Grifters" is a film all about style. It takes on the attitude of a hardboiled film noir, bringing back memories of a time never replicated but always copied. The score by Elmer Bernstein is a fantastic one and worthy of an Academy award, and there is great acting all around, especially from Annette Bening. This is a film that isn't liked by many due to its pacing and lack of tangible plot, but I found to be quite mesmerizing for the most part. A rewarding watch.
    Stephen E Super Reviewer
  • Apr 28, 2011
    This is my semi-strange parallel: I see this film as a depraved, con man version of My Cousin Vinny. It's regional, it's tricky, and it's female character driven, even though the protagonist in each is ostensibly the male. But I think it's mostly because Annette Bening's character reminds me a lot of Marisa Tomei's, body hugging dress and all.
    Jennifer X Super Reviewer
  • Nov 17, 2010
    ok first of all..for those who don't know what a grifter is, its when a person manipulates another individual to give them money leaving you high and dry. this film is based on a novel and it follows a trio of con artists who are intent on out-foxing each other. great performances and a solid script
    ♥Robyn Super Reviewer
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