Dummy
The real-life account of an illiterate, deaf-and-mute, black youth who was accused of murdering a prostitute, and the relationship that developed between him and his court-appointed attorney, who also was deaf, and the events leading up to his precedent-setting trial.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young, working-class man from the Bronx gets involved in petty crime and drug dealing. He struggles with his relationships, aspirations, and the harsh realities of his environment. The film explores his descent and the difficult choices he faces.
Critical Reception
Dummy received mixed reviews upon its release. While some critics praised its raw portrayal of urban life and the performances, others found its narrative bleak and its pacing uneven. It gained a cult following over time for its gritty realism.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its authentic depiction of Bronx street life.
- Noted for strong performances from its lead actors.
- Criticized by some for its bleak subject matter and narrative focus.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for 'Dummy (1979)' is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film is notable for being an early work of author Richard Price, who not only stars in it but also contributed significantly to the screenplay, drawing from his own experiences and observations of urban New York.
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