Café Society

REVIEW
Fact-based drama about Mickey Jelke (Whaley), a sophisticated New York playboy whose cushy lifestyle of booze and broads is brought to a screeching halt by a headline-grabbing scandal. When Jelke declares his love for the sultry but subpar Patricia Ward (Boyle), his mother cuts him off without a cent. To maintain his extravagant standard of living, Jelke begins to prostitute Pat, and his downfall really begins. This stylish film captures the essence of how the 1950s could not tolerate the socially irresponsible especially if they were monied. Jelke's fast friendship with Jack Kale (Gallagher), an undercover cop who is seduced by the high-class milieu, further explores the tensions that surface between the haves and have nots. Whaley is terrific in the lead role, and Boyle is equally impressive as the tough-minded girlfriend. DeFelitta films Café Society in a manner that is right out of the era it depicts, and it couldn't be more appropriate.