Product: Mean Streets (1973)
Rating: 5.0
pre-disco Mafia
Martin Scorsese's enthralling look at mob life during the twilight of the hippie era is nothing short of brilliant. I'm no Scorsese expert...but in my humble opinion, this is really where it all started. What's great about "Mean Streets" is, you see pieces of it in all of his other classic films like Taxi Driver, Raging Bull and Goodfellas. Close-ups, slow-motion pans and the use of original artist recordings throughout the entire film (something that wasn't practiced a whole lot during early 70's cinema). The only flaw I can think of concerning Mean Streets is that Frank Vincent and Joe Pesci weren't on hand to beat each other up.Scorsese regulars Harvey Keitel and Robert DeNiro give you an unflinching look at the social aspect of Mafia lifestyle. Cohorts Harry (Paul Schrader's Blue Collar) Northup and Victor (King Of New York and Bad Lieutenant) Argo lend the film a lot of nostalgic appeal. But it's David Proval (of "Sopranos" fame) that gives a standout performance as bar owner and lion tamer. David (Kung Fu) Carradine makes a cameo as the tavern drunk. Mean Streets is not to be missed, gangsters being gangsters hanging out in bars acting tough. Just before polyester suits, platform shoes and "Studio 54"...this is the original "Bada Bing!".olofpalme63