The Irishman
(Netflix)
By Lucas Allen
Director Martin Scorsese returns to the gangster genre this time not released by any major Hollywood studio but on a popular streaming service. With Netflix, any talented filmmaker can be given the most creative freedom without worrying about certain restrictions. For Mr. Scorsese, it gives him a chance to create something risky that most studios would be too scared to greenlight. His new film “The Irishman” is adapted by screenwriter Steven Zaillian from the book “I Heard You Paint Houses,” by Charles Brandt.
Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro) retells his life as a loyal member to mob boss Russell Bufalino (Joe Pesci). After serving in World War II, he works as a meat delivery trucker until a minor incident has him hiring his lawyer Bill Bufalino (Ray Romano). Soon enough, Bill introduces his client to his father Russell before Frank became part of the inner circle. Being part of the mob, he gets to live a life of luxury with other heads of the circle like Angelo Bruno (Harvey Keitel) and “Skinny” Razor (Bobby Cannavale).
Then Frank gets a call from Union president Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino) and offer him a job as his personal assistant. After accepting the job, Frank experiences the ins and outs of Hoffa’s leadership and his controversial clashes with both the politicians and the law. Later when Hoffa’s personality is starting to go out of control, Frank faces an unimaginable decision when Russell wants him to take care of the problem. Frank’s choice would lead to one of the greatest unsolved mysteries of the 20th century.
In the tradition of his previous works “Goodfellas” and “Casino,” Scorsese tells the story from the main character’s perspective with narration to provide the exposition. With this film, there’s a lot more being shown and told about these characters’ own ways of living during those days. Character interactions are essential to move the story along and the actions that follow show the fitting consequences from one to another. While not much in structure, it’s interesting to see how Frank’s life story is told throughout the film using different points in history.
Though it has everything that makes a Scorsese film great, you may have a hard time getting through its three-and-a-half-hour runtime without feeling the need to take a bathroom break or two. There are some dialogue scenes that go on longer than they should. A good trimming here and there would’ve helped the pacing and not become a pretty boring experience for some viewers. It’s easy to see the ambition on the screen, but there is a difference between showing everything and testing your audience’s patience. But if you have enough patience plus time to spare, you can still get something out of it.
One thing you can likely agree on is Scorsese always manages to put together an excellent cast for a project as big as this. De Niro at 75 remains stone cold in his brutality when playing a complex character through the years especially with some help from CGI de-aging. Pesci doesn’t play the character over the top, but his quieter mean streak works for his performance. But the film’s true MVP is Pacino, who’s perfect to play someone as ambitious and go-getting as Hoffa with that right amount of the actor’s boundless energy. While the rest of the cast do well in their roles, it’s the power of those three actors that absolutely keeps the movie going.
There’s no doubt that “The Irishman” will probably make Oscars history as the first film originally produced on Netflix to receive the Best Picture prize. But try not to think about it too much when this film is worth watching and is quite good on its own merits. Whether you want to watch it whole or treat it as binge-worthy miniseries, this movie is not to be missed on the biggest TV in your house.
THE MOVIE’S RATING: R (for pervasive language and strong violence)
THE CRITIC’S RATING: 3.5 Stars (Out of Four)
