As my dad once said (in Bengali): “Ki ekta beta!”  (This translates to “What a man!”  This is an exclamation of admiration for a guy who other men want to emulate.)  He “popped” (as the kids say) onscreen.  Burt Lancaster was one of Hollywood’s (unusual) leading men- stunning on the outside and able to create compelling characters from the inside. Why unusual?  He didn’t primarily rely on his looks or strong screen presence to get by;  he took on challenging anti-hero and villainous roles, too.  I believe today’s audiences will be able to connect with his work, as his method is quite modern.  The born and bred New Yorker showed a vulnerability and passion in his acting (which more stoic leading men of his generation lacked). 

AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center (just a few blocks from me) will be showing some of Lancaster’s films from February 7-April 17.  Below are the films that I’m most interested in. 

The Killers (with Ava Gardner) – UPDATED 2/8: Read my review! 

Criss Cross – UPDATED 2/17: Read my review!

Here is the full list of films, show times, & descriptions. 

My reviews of Lancaster’s films:

Elmer Gantry

From Here to Eternity

Trapeze & Sweet Smell of Success