Midnight Cowboy (1969)

Frankly, you’re beginning to smell and for a stud in New York, that’s a handicap.

— Ratso Rizzo

Returning back to the running theme of this month, Midnight Cowboy was nominated for seven Oscars. It won for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. The movie was good, but seemed hallow.

Joe Buck, an amateur hustler from Texas travels to New York City with his trusty radio in his hand. He struggles to find any means of income in the city.

He meets a handicapped con man, Ratso Rizzo (Dustin Hoffman) who dupes him out of the last remaining Joe has.

When Joe is locked out of his apartment, he has nowhere to go, but he reluctantly befriends Ratso.

The movie was enjoyable, but some things didn’t gel. What was up with the flashbacks to Joe’s life in Texas? Ratso’s dream sequence? Was it necessary?

Judgment: An enjoyable movie that leaves a bad taste in your mouth.

Rating: ****