A Gangster Saga that Slays It

Rating: 10/10 (29 November 2019)

GRADE: A-
THIS FILM IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
IN BRIEF: An excellent view into a gangster's life, brought to life by one of America's greatest director.
JIM'S REVIEW: Experiencing Martin Scorsese's epic gangster tale, The Irishman, is seeing great art delivered by a master craftsman. The film, over three hours in length, tells its true story that "crime doesn't pay" in the most common of terms, but the visual sweep of the storytelling is mesmerizing. With superb production values and three of the best performances, the movie is one of the year's finest films.
Subject wise, this is safe territory for Mr. Scorsese. He lived on those mean streets and made a career with his many films of Mafia life. His film is based on a confessional biography about hitman Frank "The Irishman" Sheeran entitled I Heard You Paint Houses by Charles Brandt. Steven Zaillian skillfully adapts his literate screenplay and delves into this violent world focusing on Sheeran's notorious rise as we witness his crimes and murders.
Robert DeNiro plays Frank and this is one of his best roles in years. The character reminisces about his career and the toll it took on his family and friends. He plays his unlikable character with no remorse and a pure disregard for mankind, an unethical man with no moral conscience. It is a solid commanding performance.
Providing dual support is Joe Pesci as Frank's crime boss, Russ Bufalino, and Al Pacino as Teamster racketeer, Jimmy Hoffa. Mr. Pesci underplays his character to maximum effect and his interpretation of a cruel and calculating don is chilling. Mr. Pacino has the more showier role and, at first, he overdoes his ranting schtick with too much yelling and cursing, but he finally settles into the role and adds some depth and substance that make his character all the more human.
Other cast members include Anna Paquin, Ray Romano, Gary Basaraba, Jesse Plemons, and a memorable Stephen Graham as Hoffa's nemesis, Anthony "Tony Pro" Provenzano. Also contributing their talents are Bobby Cannavale, Jack Huston, and Harvey Keitel, although they are underused in their underdeveloped parts.
The film's narrative spans five decades, starting from the 1950's, and the artisans' work behind the scenes to capture the various eras is outstanding. The production design is impeccable in its accuracy and its rich period details. Rodrigo Prieto's cinematography is truly exceptional with fluid camera movements, strong use of slo-mo effects, and carefully lit close-ups. Thelma Schoonmaker's concise editing establishes the needed tension and keeps the action front and center. Costumes by Christopher Peterson and Sandy Powell add all the finishing touches to one of the year's most visually arresting films.
Yet while the film has so much to admire, there are a few minor flaws. The predictable story does tend to meander a bit in the middle section and some smaller roles are strictly reinforced negative Italian stereotypes. Much has also been said about the de-aging process, making the three lead actors substantially younger in years by using CGI technology. The overall effect for this reviewer was uneven, like cinematic Photoshopping, but with only partly successful results. Some of the visual enhancement worked, others lacked the high definition and looked slightly unfocused and artificial.
But Mr. Scorsese's vision is as sharp and crystal clear as ever. He masterminds the entire film and is in top form here. It is he who deserves all the many accolades for this superior film. This accomplished director has created yet another masterwork to add to his impressive resume.
In The Irishman, one character wisely warns another, "You might be demonstrating a failure to show appreciation." With sage advice like this, realize that this is an offer you just can't refuse, dear moviegoers. Do not miss this film!