Ten Benny (1995)

Ten Benny Poster

The story of a young shoe salesman whose overestimation of his own sharpness leads to gambling debts, pissed-off loan sharks, and overall misery.

Introduction
"Ten Benny", also referred to as "Absolutely nothing to Lose", is a 1995 drama film directed by Eric Bross, which explores the intricacies of human relationships, ambition, and the extreme economic realities of working-class individuals attempting to make their mark. The movie focuses on the story of Ray and his group of pals who are caught in the throes of their adult years, love, and the pursuit of their dreams.

Plot Summary
The main lead character, Ray Diglovanni (Adrien Brody), is a having a hard time boy with aspirations that exceed the confinements of his existing life in a small New Jersey town. Ray and his pals, who all work building tasks, share imagine success that seem simply out of reach in their existing circumstances. Ray's life takes a remarkable turn when he ends up being romantically involved with Joanne (Sybil Temtchine), the daughter of a local shylock.

Ray's relationship with Joanne sets off a chain of events that challenge his loyalties, moral boundaries, and the bonds he shows his friends. His life is further complicated when he takes a loan from Joanne's daddy, turning his financial misfortunes into a web of deceit and difficulty. As the plot unfolds, Ray significantly finds himself in over his head, facing dangers from the shylock and grappling with the emotional and legal effects of his choices.

Character Development and Themes
Throughout the movie, Ray's character is subjected to pressures that evaluate his integrity and ambition. Adrien Brody delivers an engaging performance, representing Ray's change as he tries to browse between betraying his good friends for individual gain and staying real to his roots. This vibrant emphasizes the movie's broader styles of loyalty, the lengths people will choose love, and the moral issues faced in the pursuit of a better life.

On a thematic level, "Ten Benny" showcases the gritty truth many blue-collar workers deal with, in addition to the temptations and risks accompanying dreams of upward mobility. Through Ray's interactions and obstacles, the film raises questions about the significance of relationship, trust, and the expense of financial desperation.

Visual Style and Direction
Director Eric Bross utilizes the background of New Jersey's metropolitan landscape to produce a gritty and realistic atmosphere that strengthens the film's underlying mood. The visual style is raw and unpolished, matching the troubled lives and flawed personas of the characters. Camera work and lighting are used effectively to convey the plain contrast in between the characters' dreams and their severe environment.

Crucial Reception
Despite not achieving mainstream success, "Ten Benny" gained some acknowledgment in the indie circuit. Adrien Brody's representation of Ray was admired for his depth and psychological resonance, signifying his capacity as a rising star at the time. However, criticisms of the movie often fixated a sense of predictability in the story and character arcs, with some audiences feeling the styles of ambition and reality's extreme bite were well-trodden ground.

Conclusion
In summary, "Ten Benny" is a movie that uses an extensive check out the human experience, juxtaposing the pursuit of success with the weight of individual decisions and the realities of life in a blue-collar environment. With its engaging character development, strong efficiencies, and styles that resonate beyond its setting, the film sticks out as an earnest exploration of the complexities that specify our choices and relationships.

Top Cast

  • Adrien Brody (small)
    Adrien Brody
    Ray Diglovanni
  • Frank Vincent (small)
    Frank Vincent
    Ray Diglovanni, Sr.
  • Sybil Temchen (small)
    Sybil Temchen
    Joanne Deturo
  • Tony Gillan
    Butchie
  • James E. Moriarty
    Donny Dematto
  • Lisa Roberts Gillan (small)
    Lisa Roberts Gillan
    Linda