Product: Mean Streets (1973)
Rating: 5.0
As good the fifth time as the first time
The first time you see a great contemporary film you are looking into a mirror seeing the world around you. The characters, the locations and the conflicts are recognizable as part of your life. Over the years as you watch again, the film jogs memories and settles into your mind. Each viewing is enjoyable, each viewing is unique and the film is always welcome. I had not watch "Mean Streets" in years but was caught up in the story and remembrances at once. This is a great film from a great director with great acting as fresh and enjoyable the first as the fifth viewing.This is a slice of life film. Day to day living, conflicts, problems and opportunities make up the story. That the main characters are on a crash course is apparent to us but they are looking for a way thru a messy life. Harvey Keitel is doomed to fail as a small time hood trying to keep a crazy Robert DeNior from destroying them both. DeNiro establishes a screen persona in this film that he will use often. Realistic with open honest characters this is an excellent enjoyable film.