Only being familiar with Huston's 40s films, I was genuinely surprised that he made something so in tune with the New Hollywood of the 70s - it's a film you could imagine Bogdanovich or Schrader making. Uniformly excellent performances, from Keach and Bridges in particular, and the direction enhances this by just leaving the camera on and letting the scenes play out. There's a few scenes between Keach and his girlfriend that are just devastating portrayals of alcoholism. The boxing matches are genuinely visceral - the camera abandons its detachment and swoops in among the contenders. Boxing is the most important thing when they're in the ring, but outside they're just working stiffs. That's the source of the film's tragedy, and its greatness.

I had a 4.5-star review logged but upon reflection I can't help but give this 5 stars. Hopefully I will watch it again soon.

This one doesn't get nearly enough attention when boxing films are being mentioned, or ranked, for that matter. Keach is tremendous as Billy Tully, with honorable mentions to a young Jeff Bridges and Nick Colasanto. On the other end of the scale we have Susan Tyrell....
A typical 70s film, and I mean that very much as a compliment, with great atmosphere, including the title song by Kris Kristofferson. The ending should really push it up to 4 stars, maybe I'm a bit too strict tonight.

Stacy Keach gave the best performance of 1972. There. I said it.

John Huston directed this boxing film that follows both a washed-up fighter (Stacey Keach) and a young, mostly unsuccessful upstart (Jeff Bridges) as they struggle with women, liquor and their ring opponents. It’s a sadly poignant film for the most part, but it also feels a little artificial in some of its stage-like affectations.

Huston always had a way with drunk, down-and-out bums, hicks, blue collar whites (and Hispanics). no different, this is a character piece about self destruction, alcoholism, empty promises, broken dreams and dysfunctional relationships. some the best stuff around, rife for cinematic drama. the film unrolls in a very novelistic way thanks to great writing/adapting by Leonard Gardner from his book. Keach turns in easily the best performance of his career. Bridges is serviceable as a young up-and-comer. there's a lot of comedy in here, intertwined with the impoverished struggle and tragedy of washed up boxers. a classic.

oh, and as far as a boxing picture before 1976's "Rocky," the in-the-ring camerawork is very impressive.

A criminally overlooked 70s American Masterpiece. most will consider it blasphemy but I think it's a better film than Raging Bull.

Why It’s Essential — FAT CITY was a small-scale win for John Huston among critics, and deserves a larger audience for its realistic portrayal of professional boxing.

Why You’ll Want to Skip It — It is first and foremost a character drama, so sports buffs may be better served revisiting the better-known ROCKY.

Nobody loves you when you're down out. Can someone get that second chance or even the first? Talent is fleeting and misery stays.

John Huston never read a tough guy novel he didn't film. I love that about him. Also, has there ever been a bad boxing film? I implore you.

Not a bad film at all, the boxing scenes are quite good, although they do go on for a little too long. The performances are excellent, and the film is gritty cinema at it's grittiest.

(You can read my full review here: everyjohnhustonmovie.blogspot.ca/2013/01/fat-city-1972.html)

My dislike of boxing probably prejudices me against most boxing films; it is hard to be objective about films which feature a 'sport' I find hard to appreciate as a sport, even though this film is mostly not about boxing, but about life itself.

This one doesn't get nearly enough attention when boxing films are being mentioned, or ranked, for that matter. Keach is tremendous as Billy Tully, with honorable mentions to a young Jeff Bridges and Nick Colasanto. On the other end of the scale we have Susan Tyrell....
A typical 70s film, and I mean that very much as a compliment, with great atmosphere, including the title song by Kris Kristofferson. The ending should really push it up to 4 stars, maybe I'm a bit too strict tonight.