On K List of Movie Reviews
(For optimum viewing, adjust the zoom level of your browser to 125%.)
King of the Gypsies (1978)
Rate:
4
Viewed:
2/20
2/20:
The description of King of the Gypsies on the back of the DVD cover reads: "The intriguing web of song,
dance, treachery and superstition that makes up Gypsy culture proves too alluring for David to resist..."
The point is lost on whoever wrote it because it's not what happened in this sometimes bizarre film.
David rejected everything the culture stood for because he wanted education, something that he was denied by his father.
As a result, David was shut out of opportunities because he couldn't read or write and therefore had no high school diploma.
When David talked about wanting to lead the Gypsies into the 20th century just to end the ways of the backwards culture, I'm
sure he meant the 21st century. Overall, it's what King of the Gypsies is all about, but it's not a
good movie. Even the Gypsies look bad who are painted as scam artists and hucksters which is what they were and still are.
No matter what, Eric Roberts is phenomenal in his screen debut. Obviously, he was recruited for the role because of his stereotypical "Gypsy"
looks. So were the others such as Susan Sarandon, Judd Hirsch, and Annie Potts. Poor Brooke Shields didn't have them, so she
got made over, replete with a slight dose of man tan.
Oddly, Brooke Shields and Susan Sarandon repeat themselves from Pretty Baby. Judd Hirsch is
never convincing for a formidable adversary toward his son and looks like a pushover; that's why the film doesn't work most of the
time. It doesn't help, either, when Shelley Winters has to be melodramatic while looking stupid at it. Sterling Hayden isn't
genuine as the patriarch of the extended family.
All in all, King of the Gypsies is a sad case of Hollywood's interest in profit by taking advantage of the Gypsy culture,
but Eric Roberts' performance alone makes it worth watching.