“Rough business, this movie business. I’m gonna have to go back to loan-sharking just to take a rest.”
With those words, John Travolta gives one of his best performances as Chili Palmer, a loan shark who wants to break into the movie business…this “Cult Movie Monday” celebrates cinema with the 1995 Classic:
The Brilliant “Get Shorty!”
Look at this cast: John Travolta, Gene Hackman, Rene Russo, James Gandolfini, Dennis Farina, Delroy Lindo and Danny DeVito – tackling Elmore Leonard’s novel that sees mobster Chili Palmer head to Hollywood to collect a mob debt.
Here is the trailer, which captures the film perfectly:
Author Elmore Leonard said that this is the best film adapted from one of his books, and I can’t argue..this is one of my all-time favorite films, because it’s a “Sharp as a knife” sendup of Hollywood!
Travolta is perfect as the low-level Mobster who heads to Hollywood to collect a debt.
Instead, he falls in love with the idea of making movies.
He meets a “B”-movie Actress played by Rene Russo, along with a “B” movie Producer played by the legendary Gene Hackman.
James Gandolfini has a great supporting performances as a movie stuntman who also works as “muscle” for small time hustler Delroy Lindo.
The late character Actor Dennis Farina is also terrific as Ray Bones, a Miami Mobster who has to come to Hollywood to find out why John Travolta hasn’t collected the debt yet. Here is their exchange:
Chili Palmer: “How did you get in here?”
Ray Bones: “It was easy. I told ’em I was you, I acted real stupid and they believed me.”
“Get Shorty” LOVES movies – like this great exchange between Delroy Lindo (Bo) and John Travolta (Chili Palmer), who doesn’t let a gun being pointed at him get in the way of correcting Lindo’s movie error:
Bo (holding a gun on Chili): “You broke into my house, and I have a witness to it.”
Chili Palmer: “What?”
Bo: “Only this time it ain’t no John Wayne and Dean Martin shooting bad guys in “El Dorado.”
Chili Palmer: “That was “Rio Bravo.” Robert Mitchum played the drunk in “El Dorado.” Dean Martin played the drunk in “Rio Bravo.” Basically, it was the same part. Now John Wayne, he did the same in both. He played John Wayne.”
Bo: “Man, I can’t wait for you to be dead.”
Delroy also got to offer up this insult to Gene Hackman, who plays B-movie king Harry Zimm.
“You think we watch any of your movies, Harry? I’ve seen better film on teeth.”
“Get Shorty” is a great great film: a really sharp comedy with action, great one-liners, and a lot of fun – at the expense of the fake world of Hollywood.
FYI, Gene Hackman turned down this movie at first, because he doesn’t usually do comedies. Director Barry Sonnenfeld said that’s exactly the attitude he wanted from him on-set. Play it straight, and let the audience decide if it’s funny.
I love Gene Hackman’s performances, and for his birthday two years ago I shared my ten favorites – click here to see his best movies:
Follow the blog if you want more about movies, music, pop culture and more – and let me know your thoughts on “Get Shorty!”
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Thanks so much for reading!
Categories: Action Films, Art, Books / Media, Comedy Movies, Cult Movies, Film Fight Club, Great Films, Hollywood, Los Angeles, Movies, Movies About Movies, Obscure Movies, Pop Culture, Talent/Celebrities, Uncategorized
johnrieber 
I’ve never seen this and never thought I was interested but after reading this I want to watch it.
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It’s a great film – funny, terrific acting with a great cast, and it REALLY IS what Hollywood is all about – I know, I work in it!
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Yes Great movie! In my opinion Jackie Brown was a better Elmore Leonard novel made into a film, but I am a huge Tarantino fan so I may be a little bias!
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Yes, that is terrific as well…tough to pull off his style and tone in a film…both did it nicely
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This is one I liked a lot when it first came out. I love the scene when the Prius in green (I think) is driving up by the valet and John Travolta can’t believe he has to get in it. I would like to watch this again. I bet I’d find it funnier today!
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It has aged very well, and it’s bittersweet to see James Gandolfini and Dennis Farina in great roles…thanks for commenting!
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This is a movie that I always saw at the video store or on TV and never got around to watching. The next time I get a chance, though, I’ll definitely check it out.
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I you love films about the movie business, you will love this – and there is terrific acting from a large cast of stars! Thanks for commenting!
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A nice tribute to a terrific film. I’m going to share a link with you because I think you might enjoy it. Feel free to delete it if you don’t want it mucking up the site. I’m following now because I also looked at your Hackman tribute and that was excellent.
https://kirkhamclass.blogspot.com/2017/12/movies-i-want-everyone-to-see-get-shorty.html
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I will read this – and follow back as well…Gene Hackman retiring was a big loss to cinema!
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This sounds familiar but I think I have read about it and not actually seen it, John. A great post to jiggle my memory.
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It’s a terrific film – great plot and what a cast!
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Great cast. Great script. Great film. Love it!
Best wishes, Pete.
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Great post, I actually have never seen this movie. I’ll have to check it out. Do you know if it’s available on Netflix or Hulu?
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It should be – it’s been out there for so long it pops up all over cable! It’s a terrific film with a GREAT cast, worth watching!
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Have not seen this in ages.
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Watched it again recently and was reminded of just how funny it was – and so accurate about Hollywood! Also, a really great supporting cast including Delroy Lindo, James Gandolfini and Dennis Farina as well!
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Maybe I should give it a re-watch
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