One of the most overestimated films of the 1970s, Fingers, James Toback’s feature directing debut, stars Harvey Keitel.
Jimmy “Fingers” Angelelli (Keitel) is a brilliant young pianist who also works as a debt collector for his father Ben (Michael V. Gazzo), a local loan shark. Wherever Jimmy goes, he always carries a stereo with him, playing classic rock from the 1950s and 1960s.
While trying to focus on an recital interview at Carnegie Hall, Jimmy falls for Carol (Tisa Farrow). He gets further sidetracked when collecting a large debt from a mafioso named Riccamonza (Tony Sirico), who threatens Ben’s life.
Cast
Harvey Keitel as Jimmy Fingers
Tisa Farrow as Carol
Michael V. Gazzo as Ben Angelelli
Jim Brown as Dreems
Tanya Roberts as Julie
Danny Aiello as Butch
Ed Marinaro as Gino
Tony Sirico as Riccamonza
Dominic Chianese as Arthur Fox
Largo Woodruff as Dreems’ girl
Sam Coppola as Sam
Credits:
Cinematography: Michael Chapman
Edited by Robert Lawrence
Release date: March 2, 1978
Running time: 89 minutes
French Remake
The film was remade by Gallic director Audiard under the title “The Beat That My Heart Skipped.”