Billy Bathgate (1991)

Film Title and Release Date
"Billy Bathgate" is an American gangster film released in 1991. It is a motion-adaptation of E.L Doctorow's 1989 book of the very same name.

Director and Cast
Directed by Robert Benton, "Billy Bathgate" features a star-studded cast that includes Dustin Hoffman, Nicole Kidman, Loren Dean, and Bruce Willis. Dustin Hoffman plays gangster Dutch Schultz, while Loren Dean handles the titular role of Billy Bathgate. Nicole Kidman carries out as Drew Preston, Schultz's sweetheart, and Bruce Willis looks like Bo Weinberg.

Plot Summary
Set in 1935, "Billy Bathgate" informs the transformation of a 15-year-old young boy called Billy, played by Loren Dean, who is drawn into the world of criminal activity. Billy resides in Bronx, New York, and becomes amazed by the well-known gangster Dutch Schultz, whom he considers a charming and wealthy Robin Hood figure.

After witnessing Schultz's execution of an associate, Billy is discovered by the gangster and taken under his wing. He quickly increases through the crime ranks ending up being Schultz's confidant. The story includes different historical events like the Schultz's trials and his gang's participation with a legal council played by Steven Hill.

Amid these occasions, Billy develops an infatuation with Drew Preston, Schultz's girlfriend, played by Nicole Kidman. The narrative unfolds with Billy finding out the ramifications of unendless commitment, the harmful force of power and the bitter effects of blind faith in his criminal mentor.

Crucial Reception
"Billy Bathgate" was met with blended reviews from critics and audiences on its release. Some applauded Benton's instructions, the excellent efficiencies of the cast, especially Dustin Hoffman's portrayal of Schultz, and its striking depiction of the 1930s. However, others slammed the movie for a complicated plot that diluted the book's depth.

Ticket Office Performance
Despite its potential, "Billy Bathgate" did not measure up to expectations at the box office. The film earned a total of $15.5 million, a far cry from its $45 million production budget. The poor reception impacted its long-lasting marketability.

Awards
The movie got numerous nominations, showcasing the skill of the main cast and production crew. Of these nominations, Nicole Kidman won the Golden Globe for 'Best Supporting Actress' for her role as Drew Preston.

Final Thoughts
Overall, "Billy Bathgate" functions as both a coming-of-age tale and a deep expedition of the world of the mob during the 1930s in the States. The film's comprehensive and sensible representation of the age, combined with engaging performances by the excellent cast, renders it a remarkable insight into the gangster category, regardless of its shortcomings in plot and ticket office performance.

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