Citizen Kane?

Rating: 7/10 (14 November 2019)

Irishman is the Citizen Kane of our era--a fascinating story of moral corruption; masterfully written and directed; brilliantly acted; but cold and clinical, nearly devoid of heart. It lacks the emotional wallop of a Raging Bull, Goodfellas, Departed, or even Aviator, i.e., it's a film to be respected but not loved. No doubt it will show up on most "Best Films" lists--movie critics place more emphasis on craft than on impact-but I doubt it will thrill many other viewers.