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Elmer Gantry (1960)

Rate: 10
Viewed: 3/14, 6/22

Elmer
3/14: I didn't think it was possible for Hollywood to produce a film that made a total mockery of religion from the atheistic point of view.

Well, they did it for Sinclair Lewis' book entitled Elmer Gantry. While there are many outstanding scenes, Burt Lancaster gives the most fiery performance of his career. He has never been better, having won the Oscar. This is a different league for him. Sometimes, comparing Burt Lancaster with Marlon Brando isn't far off.

Another superlative performance is given by Jean Simmons who provides a counterbalancing force against the titular star. In the middle of these two is Arthur Kennedy who plays the same recognizable reporter from Lawrence of Arabia and offers a cynical perspective while trying to make sense out of Revivalism.

All in all, Elmer Gantry may run for two and half hours, but it's one of the quickest and most thrilling pictures I've sat through, thanks to Burt Lancaster's Oscar-winning performance.

6/22: There's no doubt of Burt Lancaster winning the Best Actor Oscar for Elmer Gantry.

Giving a powerful chameleon-like performance, he's brilliant. It's too bad about Jean Simmons not being awarded a nomination. She had always been great for many years but never got the recognition she deserved. Arthur Kennedy, Shirley Jones, and Edward Andrews are also very good with an Oscar going to the second.

Elmer Gantry is a complicated movie, and it's easy to lean toward either way. But make no mistake: Elmer Gantry and Sharon Falconer are true con artists. This is what evangelists do for a living: rob people blind in the name of religion.

All in all, Burt Lancaster had given many great performances, but what he did in Elmer Gantry ranks number one of his career.