Watch The Freshman

The Freshman is a 1990 comedy film directed by Andrew Bergman that stars Marlon Brando, Matthew Broderick, and Bruno Kirby. The movie tells the story of a young man named Clark Kellogg (Broderick) who moves to New York City to attend film school at New York University. Clark's dreams of becoming the next Martin Scorsese are quickly dashed when he realizes that he cannot afford the exorbitant tuition fees. To make ends meet, Clark takes a job as a delivery boy for a shady, but charismatic character named Carmine Sabatini (Brando). Carmine is a local businessman who deals in exotic animals, including a Komodo dragon, which he keeps in his apartment. Clark is initially wary of Carmine and his associates, especially Victor Ray (KIrby), but he is grateful for the opportunity to make some extra money. As Clark becomes more involved with Carmine and his world, he begins to suspect that their business dealings may not be entirely above board. The Freshman is a classic fish-out-of-water story, as Clark struggles to navigate the seedy underworld of New York City, where the rules are different than in his hometown of Vermont. The film is notable for its comedic tone and quirky characters, which include a flamboyant chef named Larry London (Maximillian Schell), a pet-loving gangster named Chuck Greenwald (Paul Benedict), and a tough-talking prostitute named Tina (Penelope Ann Miller). At the heart of the film is the relationship between Clark and Carmine, which is equal parts mentorship and manipulation. Brando's performance as Carmine is one of the highlights of the movie, as he brings his trademark intensity and charisma to the role. Broderick, meanwhile, is the perfect foil for Brando, playing Clark as a naive but likable young man who is easily swayed by Carmine's charm. The Freshman is also notable for its subversion of mafia movie tropes. While the film is set in the world of organized crime, it is not a typical gangster movie. Instead, the film pokes fun at the genre, with characters who are more interested in exotic animals and haute cuisine than in committing murder. Overall, The Freshman is an enjoyable and lighthearted comedy that offers a unique take on the mafia movie genre. The film boasts a talented cast, memorable characters, and a witty script that will keep audiences entertained from beginning to end.