Anyway, Somebody Up There Likes Me has Paul Newman as Rocky Graziano, the famous boxer. A lot of people know that James Dean was signed on to play Graziano. Then came the car crash and Newman got his big break. I have to admit I can't picture anyone but Newman as Graziano.
A lot of people also call Somebody Up There Likes Me Newman's true debut (if everyone will just forget the misstep that was The Silver Chalice) and for good reasons too. He practically throws himself into the role. He speaks with an authentic-sounding New York accent (sexy), doesn't take guff from anyone (sexier) and is in robust shape (sexiest). Is it Method acting? Nope, just some damn fine acting.
Robert Wise may be better known for his Oscar-winning musicals West Side Story and The Sound of Music, but he should be noted for Somebody Up There Likes Me just as much. It's not on the same level as Raging Bull, but it's just as excellent.
My Rating: *****
I've always wanted to see this film. Paul Newman was sexy ;)
ReplyDeleteI love boxing whether watching it live, on tv or in films and Paul Newman's one of my favourite actors so this film can't go wrong with me.
ReplyDeleteYou're right that it's not on the same level as Raging Bull but it's got its merits and it's funny to think that Rocky Graziano and Jake La Motta were childhood friends and ended up in the same juvenile correction unit.
Who would have thought then that both their lives would end up immortalized in film!