A Great Story

Rating: 8/10 (28 December 2006)

Brian DePalma's "The Untouchables" is a blast from beginning to end, and there is nothing not to like about this movie's unique quality. It tells the story of Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner), a federal agent who vows to take down the notorious Al Capone (Robert De Niro). Capone is ruling Chicago's Prohibition-era streets. Violence along with bootlegging is everywhere. Ness is a firm believer in following the law, whether or not he agrees with it. Because of this dedication, and of all the lives taken by Capone, Ness decides to be the first officer to take action and bring the fight to Capone's doorstep. Yet, failed raids and harassment from the media lead him to make another decision; he needs help. Some nights later he meets Irish cop Jimmy Malone (Sean Connery). Malone is an aging, yet very smart police officer who finds himself dedicated to stopping Capone, and help Ness is his mission. "You want to get Capone, here's how you do it: if his man pulls a knife, you pull a gun. If he sends you to the hospital, send one of his to the the morgue. That's the Chicago way." This being one of Malone's lessons to Ness; it's a rough neighborhood, and you'll have to be rough to stop it. Ness, with his teacher and partner, decide to search out other possibilities. George Stone (Andy Garcia) is an Italian who has changed his name in an attempt to avoid connections with the mafia. He has chosen the right side of the law, and he wants others to know it. He is an excellent shot and both Malone and Ness like him. The last member is Oscar Wallace (Charles Martin Smith), an accountant for the FBI, who discovers he can be tougher than anyone ever thought. This is the story of a group of four men, the first of who decide to stand up to the crime wave lead by Al Capone. A great story it is.
Much of the films events are based on the real life experiences of an actual group, nicknamed "The Untouchables," who did bring the fight to Capone's doorstep. While many of the events are actual, there is still plenty of the film that was imagined. I will warn you that this film is probably not an accurate representation of the criminal underworld, but can be stylized in its storytelling. Is there anything wrong with that? Absolutely not. It's a new way of looking at a dark part of this country's history, and it makes for a very interesting perspective. Everything about the story is a blast. Written by David Mamet, the screenplay lets us look into the past in a very romantic way. The only reason this film is romantic, beautifully shot, and executed is because of Brian DePalma. He directed this film to greatness, and made this movie worth every penny; whether you are renting or buying this picture, and feel satisfied at the end, it is due to DePalma. Hats off to him.
Extraordinary acting leads this old-fashioned movie to even greater heights. Kevin Costner, in a role where he was first unknown, pulls his job off in every way. He is likable and charismatic. We do know, however, that when his life and family is threatened, his methods can become intense. A very well-rounded performance from Costner. Charles Martin Smith as Oscar Wallace is a great performance. He is not only funny, but just a great overall acting addition to this group. Andy Garcia, pulling off a career-making performance, lets us know why he should never be underestimated. Sean Connery is great here, scene-by-scene he knocks us off of our feet. This great performance garnered him a well-earned Best Supporting Actor Academy Award. Robert De Niro. We can't say enough about him. Ever. He pulls off one of the best performances of the movie as Al Capone. Not only will his bodily features remind you of Capone, but so will his behavior. There is one point where he smiles just like Capone used to do, and there is a scary similarity. A great, great job from De Niro. You shouldn't be surprised by that.
In the end, everything works. The old-fashioned allure. The great directing. The great script. The great acting. All of these elements make this film a classic. A film that will go down in history, and is every bit worthy of doing so.