Paper Moon

Set in the Great Depression era of the 1930s, the movie follows the unlikely partnership between a con artist named Moses Pray (played by Ryan O'Neal) and a young girl named Addie Loggins (played by Tatum O'Neal).

The story begins with the death of Addie's mother. Moses, a smooth-talking hustler, attends the funeral pretending to be a friend of the family. He soon discovers that Addie may be his daughter and reluctantly agrees to take her to her aunt's home in St. Joseph, Missouri. Initially, Moses sees this as an opportunity to make some money by exploiting the situation.

Peter Bogdanovich, the esteemed American New Wave director, showcased his remarkable filmmaking skills in his early works. From the intense thriller "Targets" (1968) to the bittersweet drama "The Last Picture Show" (1971) and the classic screwball 1972 comedy "What's Up, Doc?", Bogdanovich showcased his versatility in many different genres. However, it was his most famous work, "Paper Moon" (1973), set in the Great Depression era, that truly captured the hearts of audiences and critics alike.

Bogdanovich's classical approach to filmmaking is evident in the brisk pacing, sharp humor, and excellent poignant scenes throughout "Paper Moon." The director skillfully balances emotions and changes in narrative direction, dividing the film into three acts that explore the development of the father-daughter relationship, the humorous conflicts with a money-grabbing character named Miss Trixie, and the final act featuring run-ins with a bootlegger. His use of deep-focus and uninterrupted takes, coupled with fast-paced overlapping dialogues, adds authenticity and urgency to the story.

Release: 1973

Stars: Ryan O'Neal, Tatum O'Neal, Madeline Kahn

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%