Product: Mean Streets (1973)
Rating: 5.0
Don't Believe the Naysayers - A True Classic
Contrary to what many reviewers may say, this is one of Scorsese's greatest films. Along with Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, and Raging Bull, it best showcases his unique and original style of directing that has made him one of the most skillful in the business. It's an indie film classic, and creates an atmosphere and aesthetic that filmmakers have been trying to emulate ever since its release. That being said, it's just the sort of production that mainstream moviewatchers probably won't get. Those looking only for a predictable, clear-cut plot with a conventional style of storytelling and acting will be lost and frustrated with the improvisational nature of this movie. Taxi Driver and Goodfellas (equally as good as Mean Streets) were both hits at the box office, because they appeal more to the masses with their general entertainment value. Mean Streets, on the other hand, tells a somewhat dark, meandering story that at times may seem like it's going nowhere.Martin Scorsese was able to create an intimate, realistic setting for his movie by encouraging actors to improvise certain scenes, and shooting long takes that make for flowing, realistically punctuated dialogue. Newer filmmakers such as Quentin Tarantino have been heavily influenced by Scorsese's off-the-cuff manner of directing. Not every scene in Mean Streets makes immediate sense, because he often captures tidbits of the characters' lives that don't seem like they logically pertain to the plot. However, the plot itself in this movie is a nebulous entity, taking a back seat to the realistic dialogue and more pronounced themes of religion, friendship, and crime. There is a fair dose of black humor in this film, but it is ultimately more of a drama, due to the movie's dark ending, and emphasis on internal conflict with the characters, especially Harvey Keitel's excellently portrayed Charlie.Another feat that Scorsese is accredited for in the direction of this movie is bringing two little-known actors to the forefront of Hollywood fame. The two main stars of the movie, Harvey Keitel and Robert DeNiro, now obvious household names, were nigh-unheard of talents prior to the release of this movie. Ever since Mean Streets, they slowly grew more and more famous, due in large part to their repeated roles in Martin Scorsese's future film classics (The Last Temptation of Christ, Goodfellas, Raging Bull, Taxi Driver). Scorsese can be given partial credit for bringing the actors' talents out for his films, but it should be noted that Keitel and DeNiro both deliver amazing performances in Mean Streets, not to mention their other Scorsese movies. Keitel's portrayel of Charlie's conflicted, devout Catholic gangster is spot-on, and DeNiro's Johnny Boy is amusing, fascinating and appropriately demands the viewer's empathy. Both stars help to raise this movie to its classic status.Though not as easy or accessible as Scorsese's later work, Mean Steets established him as a creative, noir-influenced filmmaker with a deft eye for realism and intimacy. His movies are habitually more difficult than most mainstream fare, and may require repeat viewings to be truly appreciated. Mean Streets has a good chance of going straight over many viewer's heads, especially if they have had little experience with the art of independent film. Nevertheless, everyone who appreciates cinema should at least give Mean Streets a try, but it is a blatant fact that not everyone will enjoy it.