Rowlands was known for her cutting-edge acting stylein grueling character studieswith hercreative partner and husband.
And then, the action thrillerGloriacame along.
you’re able to have yourLiam NeesonandVin Diesel.
Image by Zanda Rice
They don’t hold a candle to this tough, New York broad.
Though Rowlands received an Academy Award nomination for her performance,Gloriahas become an underrated, forgotten thriller.
This intense thriller showcases her resilience and determination to survive against all odds.
Gloria Swenson, a former mob moll, takes in a young boy named Phil after his family is murdered by the mob. On the run through New York City, Gloria uses her street smarts and connections to protect Phil while fending off the gangsters pursuing them. This intense thriller showcases her resilience and determination to survive against all odds.
What Is ‘Gloria’ About?
Gloriabegins with a family chaotically preparing for death in their small, impoverished apartment in the Bronx.
Gloria begrudgingly takes Phil.
Rowlands is hilarious, completely ignoring the threat at hand.
The underrated crime movie brilliantly explores the inevitability of death.
They greet Gloria like the old friends they pretend to be.
Rowlands licks her lips, her eyes looking around like a caged animal.
But, leave it toRoger Ebertto come to the rescue and be the voice of reasonin his positive review.
He bites and hisses everything like a snake, because the world has made him into one.
Image via Columbia Pictures
The mob swarms her on a train car, believing her to be trapped.
At her best moment, she steps out of the car slowly, egging on her pursuers.
Not only wasGloriaa rare movie for Rowlands, it was a rare movie for any actress.
Image via Columbia Pictures
The foundationGlorialaid is later built upon by genre icons likeJean RenoinLeon: The Professional.
It was unfortunately cheaply remade in the ’90s starring fellow feminist icon,Sharon Stone.
New York in the ’70s was a notoriously dangerous time, andGloriacaptures that dark period of the city perfectly.
Here, the duo embraces fantasy and leaves the realism of anguished women behind to have some fun.
Gloriais currently available to rent or buy on Apple TV+ in the U.S.
WATCH ON APPLE TV+
