PAPER MOON (1973) - ♦♦♦♦♦

Directed by - Peter Bogdanovich

Written by - Joe David Brown, Alvin Sargent

Starring - Ryan O'Neal, Tatum O'Neal, Madeline Kahn

"PETER BOGDANOVICH is certainly one of the most interesting figures of the American New Wave, and his role is especially fascinating when considered as a bridge between the classic and new wave of American cinema in general. Such a role was already defined in his essential coming of age drama THE LAST PICTURE SHOW, but it is even more obvious with his Great Depression set film PAPER MOON, which is certainly one of his best works of all time. 

For PAPER MOON, BOGDANOVICH channels the spirit of PRESTON STURGES and his own legendary brand of comedy drama with great sensibilities towards the social struggles of the marginalised classes. The story is that of a con man, finding himself saddled with a young girl who may or may not be his daughter with whom he is forced to forge an unlikely partnership. 

The set up is incredibly funny and hilarious, supported by a powerhouse script that makes that skillfully balances it with beautiful touching and tender dramatic moments that are well timely scattered throughout the duration of the film. For added nostalgic appeal, the great cinematographer LASZLO KOVACS makes use of a sepia tinted toned black and white photography that looks absolutely stunning. 

In addition, the leading duo is famously played by team up of the real life father and daughter RYAN and TATUM O'NEAL, an excellent and daring choice that really worked not just for the ability of the two players, including the precocious TATUM O'NEAL who rightfully became the youngest Academy Award winning actress of all time at only ten years of age for her role in the film, but also because the two increase the appeal and entertainment value with the natural chemistry they share on screen."

Comedy, USA