Dir. Martin Scorsese (trailer)
The Irishman is a culmination of director Martin Scorsese's entire career. Scorsese is arguably most famous for his films about the mob, such as Goodfellas, Casino, and Mean Streets, and has often been accused of glorifying the mafia. Through The Irishman, Scorsese has made the ultimate mafia film, by showing the dark and realistic side of things that happens after the film cameras have shut off. Many have wondered if Scorsese could have made this film in his younger days, or if it could only be told now by an older, more reflective director.
Based on the book of the same name, the film tells the true story of Frank Sheeran, a hitman for the mafia as he reflects over his past transgressions at the end of his life. The film stars movie legends and regular Scorsese collaborators Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci, and Harvey Keitel, all on screen together for the first time. What makes the film unique is the film's use of CGI to de-age the actors, rather than using different actors over different periods of time in the film. While the CGI used in the film is not perfect, this is one of the first major movies to use such technology throughout the film. As Sheeran reflects on his past, including his involvement with the disappearance of teamsters leader Jimmy Hoffa and time spent fighting in WWII, the audience can also feel Scorsese and De Niro reflecting on their own careers.
While many critics and fans alike consider this to be Scorsese's masterpiece, I often felt that the film is too long and is not his strongest film. Pacino as Hoffa gives one of his best performances in years and it is always interesting to see what an iconic director like Scorsese comes up with next. I recommend this film to anyone who loves gangster films and wants to see a unique and well-acted movie.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Recommended for fans of: drama, Motherless Brooklyn (2019), historical/period pieces, Capone (2020), Live by Night (2016)
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