Movie Introduction"Forty Deuce" is a fascinating 1982 drama movie directed by Paul Morrissey and written by Alan Bowne. The 90-minute film features Orson Bean, Kevin Bacon, Mark Keyloun, and Ann Twomey, among others, and it explores the seedy underbelly of New York City's male prostitution sector, specifically focusing on the lives of hustlers running in Times Square, passionately referred to as "Forty Deuce".
Plot Synopsis"Forty Deuce" revolves primarily around Rickey (played by Kevin Bacon), a street-smart male hustler earning a living in Times Square's dirty underbelly. Rickey and his fellow hustlers, Kenny (played by Mark Keyloun) and Mitch (played by Chris Caputo), operate a plan where they use their services to curious out-of-towners and after that rob them. Rickey is tasked with diverting attention while Kenny & Mitch commit the burglary.
The film's plot thickens when a rich entrepreneur called Mr. Roper (played by Orson Bean) gets here from Beverly Hills and wishes to witness the city's darker side. Seeing an opportunity, Rickey has Kenny pose as a young underage hustler and presents him to Roper. However, things spiral out of control when Roper is found dead in the hotel room. In the confusion that follows, Kenny is accused of killing Roper, sparking a hazardous and significant confrontation in between the hustlers, the pimp, and an undercover authorities detective.
Key Themes and Topics"Forty Deuce" effectively puts its viewer in unsanitized 1980s New York City-- a time of grittiness and high criminal activity, providing an intense, sobering point of view of the life of street hustlers in Times Square. The film checks out themes of desperation, survival, and ethical obscurity amidst the severe truths of street life, using a commentary on the exploitation and vulnerability experienced by those on society's fringes.
Efficiency and Notable AspectsKevin Bacon's fascinating efficiency as the street-confident Rickey is one of the film's highlights, showcasing his broad range as a star. Orson Bean likewise provides an outstanding portrayal of the wealthy yet naïve Mr. Roper, offering the movie a reputable villain. The cinematography and set design effectively capture Times Square's 1980s ambiance, making it almost another character in the movie.
Important ReceptionUpon release, "Forty Deuce" amassed combined reviews from critics. Some applauded the movie for its raw, unflinching portrayal of Times Square's dark side and the efficiencies of the central cast, particularly Kevin Bacon and Orson Bean. Nevertheless, others criticized it for its bleak narrative and absence of character advancement. Despite its controversy and polarized opinions, the movie is remembered as a renowned representation of the grittiness of 1980s New York and is often pointed out for its early representation of the darker side of male hustling, marking it as a substantial movie in Paul Morrissey's career.
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