Today’s quick review: The Irishman. Philadelphia truck driver Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro) is inducted into the world of organized crime when he meets Russell Bufalino (Joe Pesci), an influential criminal with ties to the Teamsters Union. As Frank makes a name for himself as a reliable fixer, he forms a fast friendship with Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino), the controversial head of the union, and tries to help him through the toughest points of his career.
The Irishman is a far-reaching crime drama from director Martin Scorsese. The Irishman chronicles the criminal activities of the Teamsters Union and its mob associates over the course of the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Robert De Niro stars as Frank Sheeran, a loyal hitman who quietly worked his way to the center of it all. The Irishman takes advantage of an all-star cast to tell an unusual type of crime story that puts a personal spin on historical events.
The Irishman has a distinctly retrospective feel to it. The story is narrated by Frank from his retirement home, decades after his criminal prime. The perspective afforded by old age changes the meaning of his story dramatically. What seemed like necessary sacrifices in the moment take on the tinge of regret when viewed in hindsight. More so than any other crime movie, The Irishman explores what it’s like to take the final tally of a life of crime.
This setup is a double-edged sword. Frank’s perspective gives the movie a very different tone than it would have had otherwise, but it also robs it of its dynamism. What could have been dramatic moments if allowed to play out chronologically are undercut by Frank’s narration and the movie’s tendency to jump backward and forward in time. The Irishman is a much more sedate and wistful movie than other crime dramas, which may not appeal to some viewers.
The Irishman has the breadth, depth, and acting quality it needs to realize its vision. Fans of biographical crime dramas, Martin Scorsese, or any of the cast will want to give it a shot, at the very least to see its unusual take on the genre. But those who enjoy crime movies for their high tension and lurid appeal will find that it’s only a partial hit. The Irishman tries something different; whether it works for you will come down to taste.
For a crime drama with a similar setup starring Robert De Niro, try Once Upon a Time in America. For another glimpse into the world of organized crime, try Casino, Goodfellas, or Bugsy. For another crime drama about an aging gangster, try The Godfather: Part III. For a more modest crime drama about a mob hitman, try The Iceman. For one about the interaction of labor unions and organized crime, try Kill the Irishman.
7.9 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for strong acting and interesting themes; your score will vary.