SetUp



	The Set-Up 8 of 10

		Directed by Robert Wise Cinematography by Milton Krasner Robert Ryan Audrey Totter George Tobias Alan Baxter Wallace Ford Percy Helton


Here�s a concept: a 72 minute film where the time on screen corresponds directly to the real time story of 72 minutes, with a cast of hardened characters both viciously cynical and blindly optimistic (sometimes both at once), a fluid and innovative visual style from a well-respected director just coming into his prime, a musical score which is composed entirely of motivated music, a great action finale (or make that two action finales), and a social message that packs a serious punch. Sounds like a great concept, doesn�t it? Now here�s a little tidbit: the film has already been made. And in 1949, no less. Robert Wise, shortly before truly becoming an �A-list� director, imbues this almost painfully simple story with an amazing amount of clout, combining elements of the Italian Neo-Realistic and Film Noir styles of those times, but in a way that makes them seem much fresher somehow, much more modern. Wise manages to carry off the real-time challenge in fine fashion, with the film�s two bookend shots adding a particularly nice touch. And he brings to the fight sequences a visceral power and force that seems truly light-years ahead of its time. The story itself revolves around an aging boxer named Stoker. (Like pretty much every character in the film, he is known only by a single name, and a nick-name at that.) At the opening of the film, his corrupt manager and trainer agree with the shadowy thug Little Boy that their man will throw the fight; and for peanuts as well. (Hence, the origin of the title.) The crafty manager, too greedy to cut Stoker in on his own measly payday, �neglects� to tell our hero what is afoot; the result is that both the fight and the deal go quickly and spectacularly awry. The film�s cast ranges from the workmanlike to the truly excellent, with Robert Ryan�s portrayal of �Stoker� Thompson at the very top of the list. He does a wonderful job os showing both the destructive power of boxing as well as its undeniable appeal. Alan Baxter plays his villain Little Boy like a slimmer, nastier version of J. J. Gittes. And its always great to see and hear Percy Helton. The rest of the cast left me a bit less impressed, but only in comparison. A slight stiffness from some of the supporting actors, a bit of a heavy-handed approach on the audience insert shots, and an ending that is a touch schmaltzy are my most serious objections, and they are insignificant compared to the film�s overall power and its obviously influential and mature film-making. A real pleasure to watch.

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