After appearing in the disastrous film THE SILVER CHALICE (1954) and the average MGM loan-out THE RACK (1956), Paul Newman finally landed his breakout role in this fast-paced biopic of boxer Rocky Graziano. The part was originally to be played by James Dean as his follow-up to 1956's GIANT, but that icon's untimely death paved the way for Newman to step into the role and become a star. Newman tackles the role with such an intense aura of vitality that can only come from an artist who hungrily wants to prove his own mettle. With his muscular little body and totally method approach, Newman is completely convincing as Graziano (arguably more so than Dean would have been), and impressively does not shy away from the grittier and less likable aspects of Graziano's character.
Director Robert Wise perfectly captures the essence of New York in the first half of the century, which makes it seem even more inevitable that he would go on to helm WEST SIDE STORY (1961) a few years later. The film chases the sometimes hot-headed Graziano's rise from street thug, criminal, army misfit, boxing champion, and family man, and Wise keeps things moving along at a steady and coherent rate. The Oscar-winning set design and cinematography are both superb, and (in addition to Newman) there are also memorable performances from Pier Angeli, Everett Sloane, and Sal Mineo. Forgive me for the lame summary line, but SOMEBODY UP THERE LIKES ME still packs a punch!
Director Robert Wise perfectly captures the essence of New York in the first half of the century, which makes it seem even more inevitable that he would go on to helm WEST SIDE STORY (1961) a few years later. The film chases the sometimes hot-headed Graziano's rise from street thug, criminal, army misfit, boxing champion, and family man, and Wise keeps things moving along at a steady and coherent rate. The Oscar-winning set design and cinematography are both superb, and (in addition to Newman) there are also memorable performances from Pier Angeli, Everett Sloane, and Sal Mineo. Forgive me for the lame summary line, but SOMEBODY UP THERE LIKES ME still packs a punch!