The Untouchables
3/4
Starring: Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Andy Garcia, Charles Martin Smith, Robert DeNiro
Rated R (for Graphic Violence and Some Language...I guess)
"The Untouchables" is one of those grand gangster epics that brings to mind "Goodfellas" and "The Godfather." Director Brian De Palma widens the scope with huge, spacious shots to increase the size of the film...so to speak. It's not flawless, but it is entertaining.
In the 1920's, Prohibition was in full swing. Because the demand for alcohol is still high, the law leaves an opening for the mob to battle for the control of liquor. The so-called "Beer Wars" are ravaging Chicago, with legendary mafioso Al Capone (DeNiro). Capone has his fingers in every part of the law, so he's essentially untouchable. A Treasury officer named Elliot Ness (Costner) has been sent in to take down Capone, although it's tough going. Then he meets a beat cop named Malone (Connery), who tells him that he's going to have to get clean men and be prepared to get down and dirty to nail the mob boss. So, with Malone, a new recruit named George Stone (Garcia) who's skilled with a gun, and a government accountant named Oscar Wallace (Smith), the four men go to war on Capone.
There are a number of interesting subtexts to this film, which adds to the richness of the narrative (a narrative that, I might add, is a little on the thin side). For example, everyone knows how to get Capone, but no one is willing to cross him so they just take his bribes and do what he wants.
The acting is great. Before his ego decreased his star status significantly, Kevin Costner was once one of the most famous movie stars in the mid 80s to mid 90s, starring in such movies as "JFK," "The Bodyguard," "Bull Durham," and of course, "Field of Dreams." It's not hard to understand why. As Ness, Costner is the ideal hero: handsome and clean cut, noble and fighting for justice. But Cosnter gives him enough vulnerability that he doesn't seem too good to be true. Sean Connery won an Oscar for playing Jimmy Malone. He's quite good as the Irish cop who is still on the beat because he won't take bribes from Capone. He knows how to bring him down, but he can't do it alone. Andy Garcia doesn't have much to do as Stone, although maybe that's for the best because his performance is too understated and stiff. Charles Martin Smith, who went on to become director as well as a character actor, is a terrific nerd. Robert DeNiro appears for a few scenes as Capone, but he's just okay. Far more intimidating is Billy Drago, who plays Frank Nitti, Capone's henchman.
This is a triumph of style and visual appeal. Brian De Palma has been known as a Hitchcock imitator, and there are a few instances where this shows (specifically, the point of view shots that Hitch was so fond of). But they are in a different context, which makes them fresh rather than a ripoff. The film is also visually dazzling; the cinematography by Stephen H. Burum is excellent and the production design is also top notch.
Sadly, although the dialogue is strong (the film was written by David Mamet, so that's a given), there are a few plot holes here and there. Minor, but they are there. And the story, while interesting, could have used a little more depth and development. Frankly, this film could have used some more time to tell it's story.
"The Untouchables" is great entertainment. There's plenty of action, great drama and some genuine suspense.
Starring: Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Andy Garcia, Charles Martin Smith, Robert DeNiro
Rated R (for Graphic Violence and Some Language...I guess)
"The Untouchables" is one of those grand gangster epics that brings to mind "Goodfellas" and "The Godfather." Director Brian De Palma widens the scope with huge, spacious shots to increase the size of the film...so to speak. It's not flawless, but it is entertaining.
In the 1920's, Prohibition was in full swing. Because the demand for alcohol is still high, the law leaves an opening for the mob to battle for the control of liquor. The so-called "Beer Wars" are ravaging Chicago, with legendary mafioso Al Capone (DeNiro). Capone has his fingers in every part of the law, so he's essentially untouchable. A Treasury officer named Elliot Ness (Costner) has been sent in to take down Capone, although it's tough going. Then he meets a beat cop named Malone (Connery), who tells him that he's going to have to get clean men and be prepared to get down and dirty to nail the mob boss. So, with Malone, a new recruit named George Stone (Garcia) who's skilled with a gun, and a government accountant named Oscar Wallace (Smith), the four men go to war on Capone.
There are a number of interesting subtexts to this film, which adds to the richness of the narrative (a narrative that, I might add, is a little on the thin side). For example, everyone knows how to get Capone, but no one is willing to cross him so they just take his bribes and do what he wants.
The acting is great. Before his ego decreased his star status significantly, Kevin Costner was once one of the most famous movie stars in the mid 80s to mid 90s, starring in such movies as "JFK," "The Bodyguard," "Bull Durham," and of course, "Field of Dreams." It's not hard to understand why. As Ness, Costner is the ideal hero: handsome and clean cut, noble and fighting for justice. But Cosnter gives him enough vulnerability that he doesn't seem too good to be true. Sean Connery won an Oscar for playing Jimmy Malone. He's quite good as the Irish cop who is still on the beat because he won't take bribes from Capone. He knows how to bring him down, but he can't do it alone. Andy Garcia doesn't have much to do as Stone, although maybe that's for the best because his performance is too understated and stiff. Charles Martin Smith, who went on to become director as well as a character actor, is a terrific nerd. Robert DeNiro appears for a few scenes as Capone, but he's just okay. Far more intimidating is Billy Drago, who plays Frank Nitti, Capone's henchman.
This is a triumph of style and visual appeal. Brian De Palma has been known as a Hitchcock imitator, and there are a few instances where this shows (specifically, the point of view shots that Hitch was so fond of). But they are in a different context, which makes them fresh rather than a ripoff. The film is also visually dazzling; the cinematography by Stephen H. Burum is excellent and the production design is also top notch.
Sadly, although the dialogue is strong (the film was written by David Mamet, so that's a given), there are a few plot holes here and there. Minor, but they are there. And the story, while interesting, could have used a little more depth and development. Frankly, this film could have used some more time to tell it's story.
"The Untouchables" is great entertainment. There's plenty of action, great drama and some genuine suspense.
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