Glitzernder Asphalt (1987)

Glitzernder Asphalt: Directed by Jerry Schatzberg. With Christopher Reeve, Kathy Baker, Mimi Rogers, Jay Patterson. A New York journalist lies when his fake story about a pimp describes a real pimp up for murder.

“Pretty good movie with an early Morgan Freeman as a pimp. Most of the characters that Freeman plays (especially of late) are good hearted, good natured and easy going that make him a likable character, viewers come to expect that type of character but this one reminds me of the one Denzel Washington played in Training Day. Hard, mean, and ruthless; totally opposite from what weu0026#39;re used to seeing from either actor, but a refreshing change. The fact that itu0026#39;s the complete opposite from their usual rolls give them that much more impact.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eAnd while movie ad excerpt quotes praising performances are almost always the sign of a stinker (damning with faint praise), in this case, I think Morgan Freemanu0026#39;s performance is worth this movie alone. Itu0026#39;s nuanced, and a perfect study of a sociopathic personality. Freeman plays a total predator, who will brutalize without conscience, but will pour on immense charm in the next second as a way of manipulating others. No one had ever heard of Morgan Freeman before this movie…but he was nominated for an Oscar for this performance. He should have won it! The energy level on screen goes down infinitely when Freeman is not present. Kathy Baker also does a decent job as one of Fast Blacku0026#39;s prostitutes. All in all, the movie was enjoyable, had a good story-line and is a must-see for Morgan Freeman fans and Christopher Reeve fans.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eOverall rating: 7 out of 10.”