Product: Mean Streets (1973)
Rating: 5.0
A Top Film
This is one of the most important movies of the 70's, released after The Godfather, and whilst probably not as good a film, I think it has been far more influential on other filmmakers - Tarantino for one. This is Scorcese's first masterpiece and rewards repeated viewings. The film is loosely based on Scorcese's own upbringing in little Italy.The cast are perfection. Harvey Keital and Robert DeNiro spark brilliantly off each other, helped by a fabulous script and I believe some improvisation as well. Noteably the scene in the back of the bar "you mean last Tuesday". The dialogue in this film is marvellous and occasionally it is intentionally funny as well.Prior to this film Scorcese had made some interesting films but none of them had his stamp on them. Mean Streets comes straight in out of nowhere as a fully fledged masterpiece:The use of music when Johnny enters the bar; Its done in slow motion to the Stones Jumpin' Jack Flash.The use of colour.The drunk scene, not very long, but perhaps the best ever done. The camera (some sort of steadycam) faces Harvey Keital and we are staggering around with him, until eventually he falls over and passes out on the floor - the camera goes with him.The wonderful fight sequence in the pool room over being called a "Mook"; when nobody knows what a Mook is...Look out for Scorcese in an uncredited cameo role as Jimmy Shorts, and also for David Carradine as a drunk.This is essential for any movie collection.