Review
Famed filmmaker Martin Scorsese picked up his mighty conch shell blew on it and assembled, arguably, the greatest actors of the mob movie genre to ever live. Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci and Al Pacino all feature in this historic biopic that follows the life of Frank Sheeran and his involvement with mob boss Russell Bufalino and Union President Jimmy Hoffa. The film takes place during the 1950s, where Frank started as a simple meat deliveryman, but this would change after a chance meeting with Russel Bufalino at a gas station.
Frank started to extend his delivery services to others who he knew to have certain influence and control within his area, and was soon introduced more formerly to Russel by a lawyer who defended him in court, said lawyer played by Ray Romano, who also happened to be Russel's cousin. Russel would soon come to see Frank as a no-nonsense, reliable and trustworthy errand man and muscle, capable of dealing with any problem, both big and small. Frank soon discovered that doing favors for Russel resulted in large returns and an overall powerful ally, constantly putting himself within Russell's good graces, but simultaneously falling further into his pocket. But a complicated trust triangle would soon develop when Frank was sent to offer his services to Jimmy Hoffa.
Far more animated, passionate and emotional than Russel, Jimmy would come to develop the same degree of admiration and trust for Frank that Russel did. Jimmy would call on Frank's assistance during the challenges that would arise due to the JFK presidency, resulting in a constant struggle for professional survival within a tricky arena of politics and gangsterism. Both Jimmy and Russel would offer Frank glimpses into worlds that were essentially two sides of the same coin, mixing business with pleasure while still relying on Frank to do the dirty work when times called for it. What the film shows is a man that isn't afraid to do what is needed, and yet, Frank carries the weight of his deeds in a way that makes audiences feel tremendously bad for him. Primarily in the sense that Frank pays for his good life with constant servitude, having to bury any doubt, or regret for the tasks that he is called upon to do. But more interestingly, he is not the only one, as its apparent that even higher-ranking figures act as errand boys in their way to others.
The film is told as a recollection from a life already lived, leaving it to audiences to decide the nature of Frank's expressed recollections. Running over three hours, the film captures the corruption of both the underground, and the political sphere available to the average citizen, simultaneously looking at the impact that Frank's job has on his family. The darkness of his deeds so tragically understood, particularly from the point of view of one of his daughters.
Each actor is phenomenal in their respective roles, bringing an authenticity that comes from years of playing similar roles to the actual real-life experience of what is portrayed onscreen. Never has Pesci looked more ruthless than he is in The Irishman, no longer portrayed as an overly emotional loose cannon from his films of the past, but rather, a cool, calm, calculating and ruthless mob boss who never has to do more than give a simple glance to communicate his intentions. Al Pacino did well to portray a man with the opposite personality, demonstrating Hoffa's infectious charisma and passion, wearing his heart on his sleeve and not shying away from speaking his mind. Frank navigates between these two personalities, finding qualities that he likes in each, always ready to do whatever is necessary to retain his standing, demonstrate his loyalty and protect his family.
Scorsese has created a film that, unsurprisingly, doesn't shy away from the ugliness of organized crime. Aside from the three leads, the film is filled with the typical colorful characters involved in the lifestyle, showing that the glamour, wealth and power that comes with it, is fleeting, often never producing any sustainable or worthwhile value. This was brilliantly demonstrated in the events lined up during the tail end of the movie. I enjoyed the brief, symbolic shots within the film, often trying to say far more than one would otherwise think, my favorite being a scene where Frank places his watch next to his gun, no doubt symbolic of the short time that most gangsters often have. I found Frank to be an unfortunate figure within the film, a man clearly showing a sense of knowing what is right and wrong, but who're decisions left him to prioritize some duties over others. The weight that he carries weighing on him to the point that it becomes crippling.
The Irishman is a film that is a deserving and fine addition to the crime genre and is carried through with amazing acting, brilliant pacing and narration. It carries itself with an amazing degree of calculated ruthlessness that is very hard to deny, and hearing De Niro recall all of his past endeavors are done with an amazing tone that paints a picture of regret and sadness. A Netflix night would not be complete without this film on the playlist, fans looking for another good mob film, need look no further. Happy viewing :).
More Info
The Movie DB: The Irishman
Score: AA
Out of 10: 8.5