The Irishman

Rating: 10/10 (2 December 2019)

A masterclass in storytelling. Scorsese employs flashes of his usual visual style, but this film is reliant on the performances and the layering and complexity of the decades-spanning story. Schoonmaker is on top of her editing powers as per usual. Not only is this an instant classic, but it serves as a wonderful addition to his oeuvre. Whereas GoodFellas is kinetically dynamic in its camera movement and editing, this film contrapuntally unravels with subtle flourishes and a slow-burn methodology, making for a contemplative film. By the film's conclusion one reckons with the idea of mortality and how one may look back at earlier life at old age, which beckons a re-evaluation of life in the present moment. In the end, there is no doubt that this film surpasses its genre tropes and achieves what few films do: greatness. Scorsese delivers a classic to close the decade, and considering his being three years away from 80, I wonder what other tricks he may have up his sleeve, because if he can make something like this there is no telling what's to come. I'm deeply grateful to be on the receiving end of his art. Did I mention how great, Robert De Niro and company are? Folks this film is for all-time. Enough said.