Movie #202 Requiem for a Heavyweight *1962*

Written by Rod Sterling (of Twilight Zone fame) Requiem is the story of a boxer who has lost his last fight.  At least he lost it to Cassius Clay, who played the small role in the movie.  The Dr. has told him that he can no longer fight.  Another blow to the head and he could loose his vision or even die.  Now a lifetime fighter with a smashed up face is forced to seek out employment.  He is managed by Miash, Jackie Gleason in a sleazy role like I have never seen him in.  His cut man and actual best friend is played by Mickey Rooney in a performance that lights up the screen.

But make no mistake about it.  This is Anthony Quinn's show.  He is mesmerizing in the role of "Mountain".  He is such a lovable and sympathetic character.  You only want good things for him, but just like in the ring someone is there to knock him down every time he tries to get up.

He makes a connection with a lovely woman from the unemployment agency.  She begins by trying to find him a job in which he is suited.  She ends by running out of his life after a hormonal rush from the gentle giant.  The real relationship here is between Miash and Mountain.  Mountain believes that he is indebted to Miash for the years of faithful service.  We later find out that Miash my not always have the Mountain's best interests in mind, and eventually he ends up basically ruining what's left of his life.

I loved the opening shot of this movie.  It was a long black-and-white POV shot from Mountian's perspective.  He is fighting the man who would later go on to become Ali.  Other great things about this movie are:

• The incredible cinematography
• Fantastic makeup work.  Quinn looked like he really had been a prize fighter for the past 17 years.
• The way that Quinn stays framed throughout the entire film really makes him look HUGE in comparison to his surroundings.  That is until he becomes so diminished that he can no longer even hold up his head then he is shot to look like he is three feet tall.
• The beauty and the beast sub-plot was tender and honest.
• Miash was in big trouble with the bookies for betting against Mountain.  The mob boss was a woman played by Madame Spivy.  This woman might be the ugliest person I have ever seen in my life.  The only other movie I have seen her in is the original Manchurian Candidate.  She was fantastic in her role as well and stole a few scenes away from the heavyweights.

I have to say that I was shocked by the ending of this movie.  I was expecting another 20 minutes to wrap things up in a tidy little bow like so many studio movies of this time frame did.  I give Requiem for a Heavyweight ★★★1/2.