Saint Jack (El rey de Singapur)

6.8/10? This is yet another one of those criminally underrated gems. Easily within one of those top 100 films you should really see before you die, instead of all the crap. Now, this is all you need to know. But since IMDb requires at least 10 lines for comments, I will point out the more obvious. This one has a real story, real locations, superb acting, superb direction. And while Ben Gazzara is as cool as ever, the other dudes are no slouches either. They just do not make movies like these anymore. Yes, perhaps not the biggest cash cow in the box office, but when you see this you know what I mean. Probably the best thing Bogdanovich ever put together. Just see this!

an interesting story that probably worked better in print than film.I did not read the novel.Good Singapore location shots. There's probably more depth to the character Jack Flowers than most Gazzara roles as we watch him roam the underbelly of Singapore soliciting women, and in one scene,a pair of transsexuals.Technically, it's well done with slightly above average acting and direction.Good performances by some unknown actors. Still, one walks away wishing there was a little more substance to the main character and the film overall.All 'n all, it is worth seeing although it lacks in certain areas.

Chatty, engrossing character portrait, adapted from Paul Theroux's novel by Howard Sackler, Theroux and director Peter Bogdanovich, regarding Jack Flowers, a good-natured, middle-aged American living in early 1970s Singapore; he's a pimp who loves people and enjoys servicing his international clientele of businessmen with a colorful assortment of women, but recent events--a violent shakedown by the competition, also the death of a good friend--has caused him to rethink his life. Bogdanovich originally wanted Orson Welles to direct the film after then-girlfriend, Cybill Shepherd, won the rights to the novel in a legal settlement with Playboy magazine (Playboy is listed as a production company and Hugh M. Hefner is credited as one of the executive producers). Directing the film himself, Bogdanovich (who also has a key supporting role) won back the praise of critics--if not the general public--with this finely-etched drama for grown-ups. Ben Gazzara is a marvel in the lead; subtle, introspective, congenial but direct, a straight-talker with a head for business, the actor does some of the best work of his career. The film itself is too long, with a meandering midsection, though cinematographer Robby Müller has given the Singapore streets and daytime city views a beautiful hazy look. Bogdanovich introduces us to a collection of one-of-a-kind characters, funny and offbeat creatures who come out at night, and their interplay with Flowers and each other has a nice, friendly rhythm. Ultimately, the film is a wistful portrait of friendship, loyalty and business, with people happily scraping by, day after day, with private dreams but no ambition. **1/2 from ****

Ben Gazzara is not the Jack Flowers I saw in Paul Theroux' novel; he's too self-confident by half. But different in tone as they may be, both Theroux' and Bogdanovich's "Saint Jack" are successes. The location shooting in Singapore and the utter lack of background music are among Bogdanovich's own touches. It's a fine, solid little film, sexy, political and all over bright. Gazzara works as a gofer for a Chinese business to maintain his visa. But his dream is to open his own brothel, which with the backing of a few friends, he does. But the Chinese "mafia" closes him down (the confrontation with a Chinese midget and his musclemen is memorable). And then the CIA, represented by Peter Bogdanovith, subsidizes Flowers in a new brothel for Viet troops on R&R. It lasts as long as the war does (his former Chinese employer rags Gazzara about the Vietnamese victory). Then Gazzara is forced into some sleazy blackmail which, finally, he rejects. A moral decision in a very amoral story. British actor James Villiers has a small but distinctive part as Frogget. In a conversation with bar cronies he says: "The last time I was in UK they made homosexuality legal. I said to my wife, I said let's get out of here before they make it compulsory." This is not on DVD yet. Why the hell not?

It has been more than a week since i last watch Saint Jack, the after effects of it still lingers. That shows it is not an ordinary film.

I went into the theatre without much expectation, when the film starts with the opening credit rolling, i sat up very straight, devouring the fascinating font selected. The long tail of each font stretching beyond its normal alignment gives me a hint that this is going to be a different experience. This is not the usual crappy 70s sleazy film made. There is a humour exuding even from the font. Its gonna be interesting.

As Jack walks into the Chinese shophouse and greeted by a young Indian chap who talks and spray mosquito around him, i found myself unable to hide my humored smile behind the dim theatre. Such fascinating and improvisational like mis en sense repeats throughout the entire film.

The 70s is an era which i was born into. I was too young to have a vivid memory of it. When the landscape and the people scape were unfolded in front of me, instinctively i feel this film is depicting a rather accurate portray of my country. Although the film revolves around the character of pimp, Jack Flowers, Jack is not the only main role. Singapore is in fact the other protagonist. All the caricatures of small roles that appears throughout the film etches a multicultural developing nation with an array of characters that Jack immensely enjoy interacting with. It is the same feeling whenever i visit other developing country.... fascinating.

Honestly, i think the plot is thin. but the rich characters made up for everything. It is an underrated film that has finally seen its daylight (in Singapore). the delightful feeling is an accidental discovery of a film treasure that records an era with so much nuances and humour.

The Marking of Saint Jack:Kinda Hot. A book written by Ben Slater adds even more fun to the entire experience.