The Pawnbroker (1964)

 Sidney Lumet's "The Pawnbroker"


Beyond featuring one of the greatest performances of the 1960s, Sidney Lumet's 1964 film "The Pawnbroker" is equally unique for its influence in abolishing the Hays Code. Although the Code wouldn't officially be abolished until 4 years later, "The Pawnbroker's" use of brief nudity caused so much controversy, that conversations began to take place about the special 'exception' it received, along with the continued censorship of film.  Aside from these discussions, the film remains a powerhouse of influence in the contemporary American film landscape. 

The film stars Rod Steiger as Sol Nazerman, a professor and Holocaust survivor working at a pawn shop in East Harlem. Now a single loner, he continues to have visions of the wife and children he had prior to the war, as well as horrific visions of what happened to them during it. His trauma defines his behavior, as his gruffness and lack of empathy creates a tension with everyone he meets.

What engages me most by "The Pawnbroker" is its total lack of resolve. The film is simply about a man struggling through the haunted memories of the past and his current traumas, unable and unwilling to do anything to pull himself out of this grinding desolation. It's a tonal film - one of tension by an unsatisfied existence. It stews in discomfort and suffering. 

Secondly, the performance by Rod Steiger in this film is perhaps his greatest performance as an actor. Lumet is known for pulling the best performances of his stars, and this is certainly no exception. In fact, the nomination of Steiger for Best Actor was the film's only nomination. When reflecting back on this film, he will be in the forefront of my recollections.



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