At the age of twenty-nine, Elgar Enders "runs away" from home. This running away consists of buying a building in a black ghetto in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn. Initially, his intention is to evict the black tenants and convert the building into a posh flat. But Elgar is not one to be bound by yesterday's urges, and soon he has other thoughts on his mind.
A wealthy, irresponsible young man from a privileged background decides to become a slumlord in a New York City "ghetto" as a form of social protest. He soon finds himself out of his depth, dealing with tenants, his own liberal guilt, and a complicated relationship with one of his tenants and her activist boyfriend.
The Landlord was met with generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its unique blend of social commentary and dark humor, as well as its unconventional approach to portraying race and class in America. Beau Bridges' performance was particularly highlighted. While not a massive box office success, it has gained a cult following over the years for its bold themes and Ashby's distinctive directorial style.
Google audience: Audience reviews suggest appreciation for the film's thought-provoking themes and its attempt to tackle complex social issues with humor and drama. Some viewers found the protagonist's actions frustrating, but generally recognized the film's intelligence and originality.
Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song (for "All This and World War II").
The film was controversial at the time of its release for its frank depiction of race and class issues, and for featuring a white actor in the lead role of a story set predominantly in a Black neighborhood.
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