de Palma at his best

Rating: 7/10 (24 September 2004)

Brian de Palma was good in his little-known films "The fury" and "Carrie." Here, he proves he that is better than ever as he doffs his cap at the Russian filmmaker Sergei Eisenstein's 1920's classic "Battleship Potemkyn" and its incredible Odessa steps sequence with the baby in the pram. This sequence is finely executed and a charming homage to Eisenstein. Hats off to de Palma!
The opening crane shot of De Niro (Al Capone) surrounded by manicurists, shoeshiners and journalists sets the mood of what is to follow--cinema for the cinephile. Here is a director's film--the script of David Mamet takes a back seat, the music of Ennio Morricone never overpowers. You are forced to drink in the heady wine from the director.
Take the killing of Malone. The camera captures Malone's movements from outside the building--moving as a human being would. Take the killing of Billy Drago (Nitti). The camera deceives Nitti and the viewer as Ness falls off the roof with a cry.
If de Palma was at his best he also got three fine performances in the film--one from Sean Connery, one from De Niro, and one from Billy Drago.