Mafia movies or movies about that are a rather interesting breed. They hit the mainstream every few years and when they do – they hit hard. The 1970s ushered in The Godfather parts one and two. The year 1990 gave us both The Godfather Part III and Goodfellas respectively. Then it all seemed quiet on the western front until 1999. In 1999, a little network called HBO introduced us to a Jersey family named The Sopranos. For 8 seasons, the world watched Tony and his family unfolded. When the show ended abruptly in 2007, it seems like Hollywood has gotten quiet with this type of media. Maybe perhaps it does it exist. I’ll be honest, this is a genre that I only ever enter every now and then. If you have any suggestions for this genre of film, leave them in the comments below.

The Irishman is the first film of its kind in a long while. With the exception in 2015’s Black Mass but most people, aside from myself, have quickly forgotten that film. It was particularly one of my favorite films of that year. Needless to say, it was a film that stuck with me. Though, The Irishmen brings forth some of Hollywood’s most respectable names together in Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci & Martin Scorsese. The Irishman chronicles the true story of Frank Sheeran (DeNiro)’s rise through the mafia empire – from humble beginnings to elderly age. Irishman is nothing but thorough in its storytelling. It’s three and a half run time may scare some viewers. However, it brilliantly uses almost every minute thoughtfully. There are a couple of sequences that seem to drag on a bit. However, those moments are very far and few between.

This film almost feels like a return to form for a lot of these actors. Honestly, coming from a personal point of view – I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen DeNiro do a role like this. That is, outside of Joker. Sure, he’s been active but never delivering a performance of this caliber in recent memory. DeNiro has never been better this millennium. DeNiro chronicles the detailed depiction of events that happened around him throughout his rise in the mob world. He’s so incredible within the confides. There’s a point in the movie where he shares about his time in the war and how the mafia was basically like being in a unit. DeNiro is a master of emotions here in Irishman. He’s far from alone. The film boasts the high profile return of Pesci as well. Pesci has turned up from time to time but hasn’t been seen to this capacity since 1997’s 8 Heads in a Duffel Bag.

Pesci truly makes an impressive. There’s a line within the film in which DeNiro’s narrative is describing Pesci’s character, Russell Bufalino, in which he says something to the effect of you wouldn’t look at him and think of how powerful he could be. He’s not wrong. Pesci is so well orchestrated within this movie. There’s a level of coldness that only Pesci could bring to the screen. A level of intimation, merely by looks, Pesci is a tour de force within his frames. Pacino is the same way. Pacino is charming, yet ruthless. There’s a lovable quality to him but he’s also the kind of guy you would never want to cross. Pacino gives one of the best performances we’ve seen from him in years. He’s electrifying and intense.

The Irishman is a bit jarring to watch a bit at first. As previously said, that’s going to turn some viewers off. The film opens up on an elderly DeNiro chronicling the events of his life up to that point – how he rose within the organization. That’s one story arc. Then you have a trip between DeNiro, Pesci and their wives going cross country to a wedding. That’s another arc. Then you have the core arc as a whole – the main narrative depicting the rise of Frank Sheeran. It feels a bit weird to watch this unfold but eventually all three meet within the final act. However, viewers are never told who DeNiro is reciting this story too. If it’s breaking the forth wall and directly addressing us, it’s out of tone. If he’s telling to someone else – that’s a narrative choice that’s never truly fleshed out. Not to mention, the film’s ending just leaves this sense of incompleteness. Like Pacino & Pesci’s arcs both feel completed but with DeNiro there is no sense of closure.

Overall, The Irishman, is a powerhouse cinematic experience. The film houses three of the best performances from its leads in Robert DeNiro, Joe Pesci & Al Pacino – that we’ve seen in a LONG time. All three respectively deliver intense and haunting performances that stay with you. DeNiro is a master of his craft as his rags to riches story echoes through themes of family, honor and respect. Pesci gives a quietly intense performance that echoes throughout the film. You understand the true force and power that he boasts. Pacino, while charming, is equally as deep and beautiful. Martin Scorsese is a master of his craft directing this three hour plus epic. While its length is long, the film brilliantly uses almost every frame with intelligence and purpose. There are a couple of sequences that do drag but they are far and few between. For all the impressive performances and directing this film has, there is a weird sense of incompleteness to it. The film’s ending lacks closure for its core character. Still, The Irishman, is an impressive feat and one of the year’s best.

RORSCHACH RATING

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