Roger Corman, the filmmaker and producer often called the “King of the B-movies,” directed this 1970 Depression-era gangster flick in the wake of Bonnie and Clyde, when rural outlaws and folk anti-heroes were suddenly in vogue. “Any similarity to Kate Barker and her sons is intentional,” reads the introductory note—although this portrait takes liberties with history. Shelley Winters delivers a big, broad, blowsy performance as “Ma” Barker, a white-trash matriarch who dotes on her four delinquent boys and abandons her weak husband to lead them on a crime spree. Don Stroud plays oldest son Herman, a sadistic bully, and Robert De Niro costars as younger offspring Lloyd, an idiot junkie with an almost perpetual dazed grin (Robert Walden and Clint Kimbrough round out the quartet as Fred and Arthur Barker, respectively). This is 1970s-style exploitation, with violence and nudity played for spectacle; but Corman also brings a psychological edge and a sexual perversity to the material (Ma isn't averse to incestuous relationships). The period detail is all done on a budget, with a few vintage cars for the robbery and getaway scenes, and the filming makes uses of on-location towns and banks. Winters dominates the film, which is both sleazy and fascinating, and one of the more interesting gangster pictures of its era. Costars include Pat Hingle (as a kidnap victim), Bruce Dern (who joins the gang), and Diane Varsi (as Herman's hooker friend). Remastered for DVD and its Blu-ray debut, extras include an archival interview with Corman. A strong optional purchase. (S. Axmaker)
Bloody Mama
Kino Lorber, 95 min., R, DVD: $19.95, Blu-ray: $29.95 Volume 30, Issue 1
Bloody Mama
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