The Chicago Way

Rating: 7/10 (30 June 2005)

The Untouchables is the story of how brutal Chicago mobster Al Capone was put away by Elliot Ness (Kevin Costner) and his team of Untouchables (incorruptible cops who behaved as if Capone could not harm them). The remake features a virtual powerhouse of stars including Costner, Sean Connery (Best Supporting Actor), Robert De Niro and Andy Garcia. De Niro is perfectly cast as the malicious Al Capone delivering a great performance despite having limited screen time. De Niro appeared to be far more selective in his roles in the 1980s/90s before he whole heartedly embarked on the comedy scene which has had mixed results (Meet the Parents was good whilst Show Time was not, and don't even talk about Rocky & Bullwinkle). It is reassuring to see De Niro do what he does best and with complete conviction to the role. Sean Connery steals the limelight from Costner as the experienced cop who knows how to bring Capone down: "They pull a knife, you pull a gun. He sends one of yours to the hospital, you send one of his to the morgue. That's the Chicago way, and that's how you get Capone!" Costner is also very good as the young idealistic Ness who gradually abandons his ideals and becomes more and more like his enemy. A young Garcia is well cast as the cocky sharp shooter fresh out of the academy. Brian De Palma's movies have been very varied and include Carrie, Raising Cain and Bonfire of the Vanities. I personally feel that his best work falls under the gangster genre (Scarface, Carlitos Way) and the Untouchables is a fine addition to this portfolio. The Untouchables does have an underlying feeling of depression (although this is probably accurate given the era in which it is set!). Within the movie this is also likely to stem from the gradual demise of each member of Ness' team but this also appears to be characteristic of Palma's films (a depressing tone as opposed to death). Whilst everyone contributes a good performance the viewer does not truly get to know the main characters. Whilst we understand that Ness is somewhat blinded by his ideology and committed to upholding the law and defending his family we can not help but feel distanced from the other members his team including Malone (Connery) whose past is relegated to a passing comment. Whilst one can not expect detailed character development for multiple individuals without creating an excessive running time (already almost 2 hours) one can not help but think this could have been achievable with some tweaks to the dialogue. Overall, strong performances, a good story and some beautifully filmed action sequences (the pram on the train station stairway is a popular favourite) form an excellent film that is likely to stand the test of time. Credit should also be given to the excellent costume design, score and beautiful re creation of 1930s Chicago. The Untouchables should take its place as a classic in the gangster movie hall of fame.