Movie #1850 ........................."The Irishman"

Movie #1850 "The Irishman" refers to Frank Sheeran, played by Robert DeNiro, friend/upfront witness to Jimmy Hoffa's mob  life (played by  Al Pacino).  This very long (3 hours and 20+ minutes) film goes back and forth in time to show us the "possible" beginning and ending of Jimmy Hoffa's career as Teamster Union president and his ties to the mob.  Joe Pesci is the go between who introduces them both --- their first phone call is very telling when DeNiro introduces himself as a great "painter" of houses --- code word for assassin.  It's tough to like anyone in the film, knowing what they are all capable of doing, but this saga does follow Frank, since it is based on his deathbed confession to a journalist.  (that's why I put quotation marks around "Possible" interpretation of his demise --- no one is sure --- it's amazing how closed mouth these mobsters were on this particular subject!)  It shows glimpses of his family (wish there was more --- why pay for Anna Paquin's casting of his daughter  (who likes Hoffa) for her to just give looks occasionally?  The wives are weak and of the times --- they are windowdressing, sitting by the pool sunbathing, or making the men stop so often on long journeys to use the bathroom, or cooking up a big Italian dinner while their men figure out how to "paint people's houses" and bully the other men (men, men, men)  into falling into line.  Maybe that's why I don't care for mobster films any more ---  And if you have seen "Godfather" you have seen the best, in my opinion, but this one was a bit better than the others because I (among many others) always wondered what the heck happened to Jimmy Hoffa --- so this helped me answer that question.  I also liked how it showed Frank slowly getting drawn in to the mobsters' way of life ---- because at first, he was just driving a truck and making  deliveries.....and then it escalates to much more.  I was also interested in the makeup that so many people/critics have complained or delighted in ---- I thought it was an innovative way to use the actors you are most comfortable  working with and put them all in one film.  However, I don't see a reason why Scorsese couldn't have put more up and coming actors on the payroll to play their younger counterparts -- like De niro did for Marlon Brando in "The Godfather" --- but when you look at how many people that would involve, perhaps Scorsese made the correct decision --- film would have been even more confusing with the amount of people you need  to tell this story.  There are some beautiful shots, much of the dialogue is pretty terrific (thanks to Zaillian) , the acting is outstanding, esp. DeNiro and Pesci (who plays a quiet, but powerful mob head here), but it is long --- Marty needs someone over his shoulder to "paint houses" to some of the characters and subplots here!  I'd give it 4 out of 5.  And I usually don't like mob movies! (oh, I said that already!  )



"THE IRISHMAN"   2019    3 hours and 29 mins.     rated R
a mob hitman recalls his possible involvement with the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa.

Director:

 Martin Scorsese

Writers:

 Steven Zaillian, Charles Brandt (book) 

Stars:

 Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci