Author Archives: Matt
THE WIRE (TV Episodes, 2004-2008)
Five episodes written by Richard Price: S03E02, “All Due Respect;” S03E08, “Moral Midgetry;” S04E03, “Home Rooms;” S04E08, “Corner Boys;” S05E07, “Took” One of the great things about the HBO crime drama The Wire is that delving into the details of its … Continue reading
SAMARITAN (Novel, 2003)
Back in my review of Richard Price’s 1978 novel Ladies’ Man I noted that his books can be divided into three phases–one focused on working-class teens coming of age in the Bronx (The Wanderers and Bloodbrothers), one consisting of first-person … Continue reading
SHAFT (Film, 2000)
Directed by John Singleton Screenplay by Richard Price, John Singleton and Shane Salerno (from the story by John Singleton and Shane Salerno, adapted from the novel by Ernest Tidyman) One aspect of Richard Price’s career that I haven’t talked about … Continue reading
FREEDOMLAND (Novel, 1998)
Freedomland, Richard Price’s 1998 novel of racial strife packaged as a kidnapping mystery-thriller, seems destined to age into the reputation of being “just as relevant now as it was the day it was published.” When it first came out it … Continue reading
RANSOM (Film, 1996)
Directed by Ron Howard Screenplay by Richard Price and Alexander Ignon, based on the 1956 screenplay by Cyril Hume and Richard Maibaum At first glance, 1996’s Ransom might seem like a standard Hollywood star vehicle, a predictable action flick featuring … Continue reading
CLOCKERS (Film, 1995)
Directed by Spike Lee Screenplay by Richard Price and Spike Lee, adapted from the novel by Richard Price I’m going to have to advise you not to trust my opinion on this movie. I don’t like it very much, but … Continue reading
KISS OF DEATH (Film, 1995)
Directed by Barbet Schroeder Screenplay by Richard Price, adapted from the original 1947 screenplay by Ben Hecht and Charles Lederer; story by Eleazar Lipsky Kiss of Death, based on the renowned 1947 film noir of the same name, marks the … Continue reading
MAD DOG AND GLORY (Film, 1993)
Directed by John McNaughton Screenplay by Richard Price “I was a prolific screenwriter in the late ’80s and early ’90s,” Richard Price says in this Washington Post profile from 2006. “Hollywood had room for the $25 million movie then. And … Continue reading
NIGHT AND THE CITY (Film, 1992)
Directed by Irwin Winkler Screenplay by Richard Price, based on the Jo Eisinger screenplay adapted from the novel by Gerald Kersh Following in the tradition of Bloodbrothers, Streets of Gold and “Arena Brains,” Night and the City is the final … Continue reading
CLOCKERS (Novel, 1992)
If Richard Price had retired in 1992 he would have already been leaving behind an impressive body of work: Four critically acclaimed novels, an Oscar nomination for his screenwriting, a #1 box office hit, even a credit on a Michael … Continue reading
Priced Out 