The Irishman
The Irishman (2019)
Upon hearing that Martin Scorsese was set to direct a gangster film staring Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino I was thrilled. And I couldn’t believe my luck that it was Netflix; appealing to both my love for 1950’s tough guys who dress daily in their Sunday best, and me not having to sit in a cinema and listen to strangers eat.
I even strategically timed it during a visit home so I could watch it on my parents’ superior television.
At three and half hours I gave myself the caveat that I’d watch ninety minutes and pick up the rest the next day.
Turns out I didn’t need to. I was engaged throughout. This isn’t for everyone - those who watch a film with one eye on their phone - but for the none-heathens who appreciate a good slow burner crafted by an artist given free reign by his edgy distributer, it does not disappoint.
I might be biased but I delighted in being in the company of these beloved celluloid favourites; Raging Bull overseeing the safety of Godfather Jr., dining with the cop from Thelma & Louise (Keitel) while trying to impress one half of Home Alone’s Wet Bandits (Joe Pesci). It makes my heart swell.
I was also eager for Pacino to get a nomination, 27 years after he won for Scent of a Woman. It’s about time.
Stephen Graham never really stood a chance at award glory against these iconic grandfathers but it would’ve been the icing on the cake. He’s reliably robust as he channels the charm and unpredictable lunacy of his previous incarnation of Al Capone.
The story fictionalises the events leading up to the factual disappearance of Labour Union Leader Jimmy Hoffa in 1970’s Michigan. But at the core this is a tale about family, compromise and forgiveness. It is heartbreaking.
However there is some fun to be had. The “de-ageing” of the actors is unintentionally amusing. There’s something macabre about their youthful faces and their bodies still move like 70 year old men. But even this is endearing.
Watch this during a long haul flight or on a coach trip from London to Manchester. That 4.5 hour journey will fly by!
9 Epic Thumbs Up!
