Capone
Capone (2020)
There’s been plenty committed to screen about Al Capone the kingpin of prohibition era Chicago. From the brilliant Robert DeNiro in The Untouchables to Boardwalk Empire with Stephen Graham. But little has been shown about his declining health upon his release from prison at the age of (only) 47. Whereas previous incarnations have captured the indulgent optimism of the Roaring Twenties, the naughty excitement of the Speakeasy and the constant threat of mob violence. This film slows down the pace, holds back on the gratuitousness and zones in on a simple character study of a man with dementia.
Written and directed by Josh Trank it’s as if he himself is pairing down (his previous efforts including Fantastic Four). I’m a big fan of the era and Trank captures it perfectly. The pride each character takes in their appearance be it a pinstripe suit or a morning dress. The gramophones, the telephones. Love it. I also appreciate the serene shots of open water; the predators lurking beyond a Florida lake not going unnoticed.
This, however is a performance film. I like Tom Hardy, he always sinks his teeth right in doesn’t he? I always appreciate his efforts. Buried under the weight of a decaying monster he’s limited to a lot of intense bloodshot-eye acting. I’m excited to think what Hardy would’ve done with ‘Fonze in his early days.
As his wife, Linda Cardellini conveys the hopelessness and frustration of watching your loved one deteriorate. I love the way she looks at him as he sings along with the Cowardly Lion while watching The Wizard of Oz. It’s a heartbreaking study of those living with someone who’s capabilities are declining. The despair, frustration, embarrassment. But for the audience there’s also the conflict of knowing the atrocities this victim committed.
Oddly the tempo rises when Capone becomes even more incapacitated and the FBI encroach ever closer, desperate for any nuggets of information as to where his fortune is hidden. But for the most part this is a relaxed affair.
A surprisingly peaceful portrait of such a dangerous world. A leisurely pace, occasionally surreal and always picturesque. This could be a play. With no interval (always a bonus!). So if you’re missing theatre, give this a spin.
7 Studious Thumbs Up! 👍🏻
