The Grifters

The Grifters (1990)

  • 90% of critics liked it
    (40 reviews)

  • 68% of users liked it
    (9,660 ratings)

Director Stephen Frears' tense adaptation of Jim Thompson's novel The Grifters was one of a number of revival film noirs in the first half of the '90s. Updating the setting to contemporary Los Angeles, the film follows a trio of con artists who are intent on out-foxing each other. Roy Dillon (John… More

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R, 1 hr. 54 min.
Directed By
Stephen Frears
Genres
Mystery & Suspense, Drama
In Theaters
Sep 14, 1990 Wide
On DVD
Jun 30, 1998
HBO Video

Critic Reviews

  • Richard Corliss, TIME Magazine

    Best to savor The Grifters for its handsome design -- the picture looks as clean as a Hockney landscape -- and its juicy performances.

  • Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader

    A mannerist thriller that doesn't begin to work despite the number of talented hands involved.

  • Variety Staff, Variety

    Cusack underplays Roy, making him an unbelievable wiseguy, a colorless cipher too akin to the saps he loves to fleece.

  • Vincent Canby, New York Times

    The Grifters is so good that one leaves the theater on a spellbound high.

  • Hal Hinson, Washington Post

    It seduces you into believing it's merely a cheeky trifle, and then, when you least expect it, lowers the boom.

Read all 14 critic reviews

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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

  • Daniel P


    A forgettable outing from one of my favourite directors, unfortunately. Annette Bening is a sparkplug, Angelica Huston is electric, and the final act is a knockout. Unfortunately, the film bounces around for the first hour or more, in a way that, instead of building intrigue, is… More

  • Jennifer X


    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… More

  • ♥Robyn


    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… More

  • Pierluigi P


    Unjustifiably forgotten new classic. A striking and quirky neo noir with a superb triad of criminals blinded by greed. Terrific score by Elmer Bernstein.

  • William S


    It's dated slightly over the years but the performances are still astonishing "the lady or the loot?"

Read all 14 featured audience ratings

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