The Killing of a Chinese Bookie: The 1978 Director's Cut

About The Killing of a Chinese Bookie: The 1978 Director's Cut

The 1978 Director's Cut of "The Killing of a Chinese Bookie" is a dramatic thriller film written and directed by John Cassavetes. The plot revolves around a strip club owner and small-time gangster, Cosmo Vitelli, who is forced into a dangerous mission after falling into debt with the mob: he must assassinate a high-ranking Chinese mobster, or 'bookie'. The film is a gritty exploration of the underbelly of organized crime and the lengths individuals are compelled to go to save themselves.

Making / Production

Cassavetes initially directed and screened the film in 1976. However, it was not well received, and so the film was pulled from release and re-edited, re-releasing the final director's cut in 1978. This version was shorter, faster, and considered more focused than the original.

Actors

• Ben Gazzara as Cosmo Vitelli. Gazzara delivers a fascinating performance as the strip club owner trapped in a dangerous game of life and death.
• Azizi Johari as Rachel. Johari beautifully portrays the supporting character of Rachel, one of the strippers working in Cosmo's club.
• Timothy Carey as Flo. Carey delivers a chilling portrayal of the mob enforcer Flo, and introduces an element of unpredictability in the plot.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The original 1976 version of the film was over two hours long, and it failed at the box office on its initial release.
• The film is often considered as one of the pioneers in the neo-noir film genre.
• Many scenes in the film were shot inside actual Los Angeles strip clubs.

Quotes

• "You bet heavy when you're depressed, huh?"
• "I'm not killing anyone. Not for you, not for me, not for anybody."
• "They can kill me, they can hurt me, but they can't make me kill."

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's score is crafted by Bo Harwood, Cassavetes' frequent collaborator.
• The music is gritty and tense, mirroring the film's dark narrative and grim portrayal of the criminal underworld.
• The soundtrack notably features several smoky lounge and strip club performances, adding layers to the film's atmosphere.