The Last Tycoon (1976)

It’s not surprising that this was adapted from an F. Scott Fitzgerald work as it has the feel of a companion piece to the 1974 version of The Great Gatsby. It’s also not surprising that it was an unfinished novel because there’s quite a bit that feels slapdash and pieced together. Robert De Niro plays somewhat of a wunderkind in the early film industry, but there’s only a few scenes that touch on his skill. Instead focus is pulled through a tepid, drawn-out romance. I am now curious how the 2017 mini-series handles the story with an obviously longer runtime.

Oscar Nomination: Best Art Direction-Set Decoration