A quality period gangster movie from the man behind "Scarface"

Rating: 8/10 (11 October 2014)

Brian De Palma's "The Untouchables" is loosely based on the 1950's TV show of the same name. It follows the exploits of federal agent Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner), who leads a small group of 'untouchable' cops in an operation designed to topple the empire of Chicago mob boss Al Capone (Robert De Niro).
The movie has a unique feel, which probably isn't for everyone. If you're expecting a serious crime drama like "GoodFellas" or "The Godfather", you won't find it here. Yet, the movie is violent enough to sport a well-earned 'R' rating. Ultimately, what differentiates "The Untouchables" from most other gangster movies is a deft admixture of action, humour and even nostalgia. To be honest, it took me a few viewings before I warmed up to the movie but now I appreciate its unique spin on this well-worn material.
The cast is one of the movie's strong suits. The producers paid a high price for Robert De Niro but it was worth every penny. He delivered a larger than life performance and figured prominently in the movie's most memorable scene. Sean Connery was no slouch, either, winning an Oscar for his portrayal of Malone, the aging beat cop who educates Ness in the ways of Chicago. Kevin Costner's star-making performance is a good one as he was well-suited to playing the stiff, morally upright Ness. Charles Martin Smith provided a welcome dose of comic relief and a young Andy Garcia rounded out the titular squad. Other notable performances came from a memorably villainous Billy Drago and Patricia Clarkson as Ness's devoted wife.
The direction by Brian De Palma shows masterful control and a keen eye throughout. Hitchcockian touches are in evidence at times and the climactic shootout includes a classic homage to Eisenstein's "Battleship Potemkin". Ennio Morricone's score is also well done but I think that it has a bit of a glossy 80's feel that I'm not too fond of. As for other areas of the production, the convincing period costumes and sets both deserve special mention.
In the end, although "The Untouchables" delivers fairly lightweight entertainment it does so with quality acting, direction and production values. It may not be perfect but it's definitely good enough to warrant its status as a classic. The only thing standing in the way of an unqualified recommendation is the movie's overall tone, which skews more towards action/adventure than crime drama, potentially to the disappointment of gangster movie fans.