As a huge fan of classic cinema and character actors, I can’t help but be in awe of Jennifer Salt’s captivating performance as Annie in “Midnight Cowboy.” Her ability to convey the complexities of a troubled yet intriguing character through limited screen time is truly commendable.
This article contains discussions of sexual assault and mental health.
Released in 1969, “Midnight Cowboy” is a well-known film based on James Leo Herlihy’s novel of the same name, helmed by acclaimed British New Wave director John Schlesinger. This movie, set in New York City, tells an unforgettable story about a swindler and a young male prostitute, portrayed brilliantly by Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight. The narrative is both harrowing and rare, earning it an X-rating for its explicit sexual content – the equivalent of NC-17 today. Notably, Hoffman’s improvised scene where he thumps a New York taxi’s hood and proclaims “I’m walkin’ here!” has become iconic.
The controversial rating given to “Midnight Cowboy” back in 1970 didn’t harm its enduring reputation in any way. In fact, it was the first film ever to receive an NC-17 rating yet go on to win Best Picture, alongside director Schlesinger and screenwriter Waldo Salt. Added to the National Film Registry at the Library of Congress in 1994, “Midnight Cowboy” boasts an impressive cast, some members of which have since passed away – Sylvia Miles, John McGiver, and Barnard Hughes. Among the surviving cast members are notable actors who appeared in the 2022 documentary “Desperate Souls, Dark City and the Legend of Midnight Cowboy.”
Dustin Hoffman (Ratso, or Enrico Salvatore Rico Rizzo)
In “Midnight Cowboy,” Jon Voight portrays Joe Buck, while Dustin Hoffman’s character is Enrico Salvatore “Rico” Rizzo, often referred to as Ratso. A clever and sly con artist with a limp, Ratso is always seeking opportunities to make money quickly. Noticing Joe’s inexperience as a hustler in New York City, Ratso befriends him, though his motivation is clear: financial gain. Throughout the film, Ratso suffers from a persistent and worsening cough. Near the end, despite his high fever, Ratso urges them to travel to Florida together on a bus. Sadly, Ratso passes away during the journey, leaving Joe to grieve for his dearest friend. In his final moments, Ratso requests to be addressed as Rico instead of Ratso.
Regarding Hoffman, there’s little need for an introduction; he gained prominence with roles in “The Graduate” two years prior to “Midnight Cowboy,” earning Oscar nominations for both films. Throughout his illustrious career, Hoffman graced the screens of numerous productions. He took home Oscars for “Kramer v. Kramer” and “Rain Man,” as well as appearing in films like “Tootsie,” “All the President’s Men,” and lighter fare such as “Meet the Fockers” and the “Kung-Fu Panda” series. Hoffman continues to remain active in the industry today, making it essential for those who haven’t seen his work in “Midnight Cowboy” to give it a watch.
Jon Voight (Joe Buck)
As a big fan of “Midnight Cowboy,” I can’t help but notice the pivotal role Dustin Hoffman’s character, Rico, plays in guiding the storyline with his questionable mentorship of Joe Buck. Nevertheless, it’s clear that Jon Voight’s portrayal of Joe is the film’s true protagonist. When we first encounter Joe, he’s embarking on a bus journey from Texas to New York City with the hope of beginning anew. However, his plans to succeed as a sex worker don’t exactly take off. The first woman he beds is taken aback when he asks for compensation, and eventually, it’s Joe who ends up shelling out the cash. Despite Rico’s assistance, Joe’s existence remains far from ideal. He’s forced to sell his own blood for funds and must part with his cherished portable radio during hardships.
Since his Oscar-nominated role in “Midnight Cowboy” in 1969, Jon Voight has continued to act in various films and television shows. Notable mentions include his Academy Award-winning performance as a Vietnam veteran in “Coming Home” in 1978, and nominations for “Runaway Train” in 1985 and “Ali” in 2001. Voight has also appeared in movies like “Heat,” “Deliverance,” the first “Mission: Impossible” film, and the “National Treasure” series. Recently, he had a leading role on Showtime’s hit series “Ray Donovan” as Mickey Donovan, father to Ray played by Liev Schreiber.
Brenda Vaccaro (Shirley)
In the movie “Midnight Cowboy,” Joe takes a concoction of various drugs without knowing their effects, resulting in intense hallucinations during an art exhibition intended to evoke Andy Warhol’s vibrant pop art. Amidst the chaos caused by Rico’s disruptive coughing fits, Joe encounters Shirley (Brenda Vaccaro), a wealthy woman who hires him for her needs. Initially affected by the drugs, Joe eventually engages in a transaction with Shirley. As he leaves, she suggests that he could expand his clientele among her affluent acquaintances, giving Joe hope that he might be making progress in his sex work career.
By the time she acted in “Midnight Cowboy,” Vaccaro was an accomplished Broadway actress with three Tony Award nominations under her belt. She went on to receive a Golden Globe nomination for her role as Shirley, which also earned her a win and an Oscar nod for “Once is Not Enough” (1975). In the ensuing years, she continued her successful career on television shows including “Murder, She Wrote,” “The Golden Girls,” “Friends,” and “Ally McBeal.” More recently, she appeared on “And Just Like That,” Quentin Tarantino’s film “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” (2019), and the documentary about “Midnight Cowboy” alongside Jon Voight.
Jennifer Salt (Annie)
Through Joe’s flashbacks in “Midnight Cowboy,” Annie, played by Jennifer Salt, plays a significant role in the storyline. She provides background information on Joe’s past and helps shape his character at the film’s beginning. The relationship between Joe and Annie, depicted in these flashbacks, appears romantic but is disturbing due to its violent and sexually assaultive overtones. In some memories, it seems that both characters are victims of a group of men. As the story progresses, Annie’s mental health deteriorates rapidly. The last time she’s seen is when she enters an ambulance, but her final destination remains uncertain – it could be a psychiatric facility.
I, Salt, had the opportunity to work on some amazing projects in Hollywood. I appeared in films like “The Wedding Party” directed by Brian DePalma and “Play It Again, Sam” with Woody Allen. Simultaneously, I was deeply involved in a long-lasting sitcom called “Soap,” which aired from 1977 to 1981 on ABC. Nowadays, I’ve hung up my acting shoes and focus on screenwriting. In this new role, I have contributed to numerous projects led by Ryan Murphy, such as “Nip/Tuck,” “American Horror Story,” and “Ratched.” Additionally, I wrote the 2010 film “Eat Pray Love” starring Julia Roberts, again collaborating with Murphy.
If you’re struggling with mental health issues or know someone who is, reach out for support. You can text “HOME” to 741741 to contact Crisis Text Line, call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) for the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline, or check out the resources on the National Institute of Mental Health website.
Bob Balaban (Young Student)
During the beginning of his career as a sex worker in New York City, Joe comes across an unidentified young man who requests to pay him $25 for a sexual act at a movie theater. While they carry out their encounter during the screening of a low-budget film, it is later revealed that the high school student, who becomes sick and retches in the bathroom after the movie ends, cannot produce the promised payment. Infuriated, Joe menaces him but eventually leaves without causing harm since he no longer wished to be part of this unfortunate situation. The young student, portrayed by character actor Bob Balaban for the first time on screen, appears in this film role.
You may not recognize Balaban’s name, but it’s likely that you’ve come across his work at some point. He boasts an extensive film and television resume, with credits in notable projects such as “Gosford Park,” “Capote,” “Seinfeld,” “Broad City,” and countless others. Two frequent collaborators often cast Balaban in their films: Christopher Guest, who showcased his deadpan acting in comedies like “Waiting for Guffman,” “Best in Show,” “A Mighty Wind,” “For Your Consideration,” and Mascots; and Wes Anderson, who has included him in films ranging from “Moonrise Kingdom” to “The Grand Budapest Hotel” to his latest project “Asteroid City.” Balaban also appeared in “Desperate Souls, Dark City and the Legend of Midnight Cowboy” alongside Jon Voight and Brenda Vaccaro. After making his debut in “Midnight Cowboy,” Balaban’s career has flourished with no shortage of roles.
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2024-07-15 05:00