Atlantic City

TV Guide Magazine by

Aided by a superb script from playwright John Guare, director Louis Malle pulls off a minor coup here, celebrating his wounded characters even as he mercilessly reveals their dreams for the hopeless illusions they really are.

The Associated Press by Bob Thomas

Frenchman Louis Malle is an accomplished interpreter of the dreams and dilusions of American smalltimers. He draws first-rate performances from the cast, especially Lancaster as the burned-out hood and Sarandon as the single-minded survivor. [13 Apr 1981]

Chicago Reader by Dave Kehr

Malle's slow, deliberate direction tends to flatten out the script's emotional rhythms—he's stern and arty where a lighter sensibility might have been more appropriate—but the film is still a shimmering success.

Los Angeles Times by Kevin Thomas

Atlantic City is a sophisticated fairy tale, beautifully acted and beautiful to behold; it is as funny as it is touching.

Empire by Kim Newman

A well observed and deeply tender tale.

The A.V. Club by Noel Murray

This is a gentle, warm, well-acted movie, and easy to like.

Chicago Sun-Times by Roger Ebert

What makes Atlantic City sweet -- and that's the word for it -- is the gentleness with which Lou handles his last chance at amounting to something, and the wisdom with which Sally handles Lou.

The New York Times by Vincent Canby

A rich, gaudy cinema trip.