The Irishman
Starring: Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Al Pacino
Directed By: Martin Scorsese
Rated: R
Martin Scorsese is no stranger to the mafia. In the span of his career, the director has made several films about the subject matter including Goodfellas, Casino, and The Departed. However, things have been a bit different for the filmmaker this decade as he explored family-friendly silent cinema in Hugo, Wall Street wealth in The Wolf of Wall Street, and the 17th century Catholic Church In Silence. With each and every movie release, audiences everywhere wondered if he had forsaken his favorite genre: mobsters contemplating life. I’m in no way discrediting Scorsese’s work in Hugo, The Wolf of Wall Street, or Silence. I think all 3 are great films and a testament to his work as a versatile director. But he hasn’t made a mafia movie since The Departed in 2006! That’s 13 years. How was Marty S. (that’s what the kids in the mall call him) going about his life without filming some mafia shenanigans? Well, the drought is over. Martin Scorsese is back with another mafia epic, The Irishman.
The Irishman follows a truck driver named Frank Sheeran, who is supposedly Irish (hence the title) but quite obviously an Italian man with fake blue contact lenses portrayed by Robert De Niro. Frank strikes up a friendship with Russell Bufalino (Joe Pesci), a prominent member of the mafia. Through this friendship, Frank climbs the ranks as a mafia hitman, eventually working for Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino). His relationship with Hoffa may be the key to unlocking the mystery of his disappearance.
The Irishman is Martin Scorsese’s mafia epic dealing with themes of loss, friendship, and the fleeting nature of time. The passion project has been in development for years, hitting many roadblocks on its way to release. It’s a story that Scorsese cares deeply about, and that’s clear while you watch. At three and a half hours long, the film spans over 30 years of Frank’s life, showing each step of his journey into the mafia underworld. (If the runtime is keeping you from watching, don’t let it. This is a gripping story that moves quickly.) The Irishman is not a film that glamorizes the mafia lifestyle, quite the opposite. It portrays the cold hard truth of how relentless organized crime is to its members. The central characters may think they have power, but they’re just passengers waiting for death to come knocking.
Robert De Niro is the central focus of the film as Frank Sheeran. It’s his story as other characters move in and out of his life. Frank is a hitman who shows no remorse for killing, viewing it as a “job.” De Niro carries the character through multiple stages of life from early fatherhood to an elderly man. He is so dedicated to the mob that he forsakes all other relationships, including his own family. The dynamic with his daughter Peggy (Anna Paquin) is particularly upsetting as the years go by, and their relationship slowly deteriorates because of his profession. Frank wears a signet ring on his finger, symbolizing that his loyalty to the mob comes before anything and anyone else. As the elderly Frank narrates his life in a nursing home, it’s as if he never truly had his own sense of agency. He did whatever was asked of him without question. As he ages, Frank realizes how quickly time passes and people fade from one’s life.
Joe Pesci came out of retirement specifically for this role to play Russell Bufalino. He’s a quiet force commanding every move around him. He’s close to Frank, but not too close, so he can enforce a situation when he needs to exert his power. It’s a surprisingly subdued performance by the wildly energetic Pesci. He doesn’t yell or scream (or terrorize Kevin McCallister) but shows he can be just as compelling without any theatrics.
Al Pacino steals this movie as Jimmy Hoffa. It’s no surprise considering his prestigious acting past that he nails this role. He injects an energy to the film that is infectious. As an audience member, you’re drawn in to the world of Hoffa and his Teamsters. Pacino is humorous, authoritative, and unbearably stubborn. His inability to listen or take orders from others is infuriating. Hoffa and Frank’s relationship is one of the most fascinating aspects of the film. The two develop a close bond, with Hoffa even becoming a father figure to Frank’s daughter, Peggy. The progression of their friendship and Hoffa’s characterization is probably my favorite aspect of this film. Al Pacino deserves awards consideration for this performance.
Instead of using makeup, the actors in The Irishman are made to look younger through de-aging technology. There’s been a lot of talk about this technique. In the early scenes of the movie, it looks a bit odd. Robert De Niro is supposed to look mid 40’s (AND IRISH), and he just doesn’t! One scene where he beats up a store clerk looks very unnatural. It’s obviously a 70-year-old man acting. However, as the movie progresses, you get used to the de-aging. I’m more confused by the fact that Robert De Niro is playing an Irish character.
The Irishman presents a haunting character-driven drama detailing the fleeting nature of time and the twisted world of the mafia. It takes its time for the story to build but remains compelling throughout. Martin Scorsese’s riveting direction, paired with top-notch performances make for a fascinating viewing experience.
My Rating: 9/10