Inspired by a novel by Edward Bunker (who also has a small role in the film), 'Straight Time' tells the story of Max Dembo (Dustin Hoffman), who, released from prison and under supervised parole, struggles to reintegrate into society due to prejudice and the constant pressure exerted by his supervisor Earl Frank (a fantastic M. Emmet Walsh). He quickly finds himself in trouble again and begins to commit criminal acts once more. Directed by Ulu Grosbard, the film's beginning is probably its strongest part, while it somewhat loses momentum in the slower and more predictable second half. A symbol of a certain New Hollywood with great characters like Walsh himself and Harry Dean Stanton, Theresa Russell, and an ending that, however unspectacular, is perhaps a punch to the gut and at the same time the only possible one.
more
