Scorsese revisits the Mob in The Irishman

by Kathia Woods

In this 9th collaboration between Martin Scorsese and Robert DeNiro, the gang is all back together for The Irishman

The gang in case you didn't know is DeNiro, Pesci, and Keitel. Each actor has played a prominent role in the storied career of Marin Scorsese. The newcomer to the squad is Al Pacino. This is the first time him and Scorsese are working together.

The Irishman is a more intimate movie for Scorsese. In this outing, he shows how a person is converted into a life of murder. He explains via Frank (The Irishman) portrayed by Robert DeNiro how one justifies killing. The issue is that Frank never thought it would affect his most important relationship. Frank goes from driving a truck to Painting Houses (Murder). It was a natural progression for him — a means to take better care of his family. If Frank is one-point, Joe Pesci, as Russell Bufalino, is the line between the two dots. In my opinion, this is Pesci's best performance. Every word he speaks is with conviction, and every movement purposeful. The scenes between him and DeNiro are a master acting class in motion. Each man reminding us why we still care after all this time.

So we have a beginning point, a line but who's the end. Al Pacino, as Jimmy Hoffa is the end. Physically he doesn't bear much resemblance but makes up for it in delivery. Hoffa had a reputation for being blunt, rough, and prejudice. All traits that Pacino pulled from to give an impressive performance. Last seen with DeNiro in the action heist Heat, where their scenes were confrontational. This time he's the hot-headed one compared to DeNiro's calmness. In the press conference held for The Irishman last Saturday, it was nice to see the passion the two men still had for the profession after all these years. All of it was evident on screen.

The surprise performance is Stephen Graham as Anthony Provenzano. He brought the comic relief to an otherwise earnest film. Ray Romano and Sebastian Maniscalo, two gentlemen, known for being humorous held their own with such an all-star cast.

There is a conversation about the role of women in The Irishman and how they are underutilized. Usually, I would agree; however, this story is about men how the nature of their business is more important than family or friendships. In this film, the women are an extension of the men. Anna Paquin, as Peggy Sherran is the one exception. She doesn't have much dialogue; however, her presence represents the truth in this film. She's the one person in Frank's life he can't compartmentalize.

Usually, a movie being three hours can seem exhausting; however, this film manages to hold your attention. I wasn't a big fan of the de-aging process because while the actors looked younger, their movements still resembled seventy plus-year-old men. I would have Scorsese instead hire younger actors and let the veterans play the characters as mature men.

I also understand why Scorsese brought the film to Netflix. He wanted to maintain artistic control. Completely understandable in today's film-making climate. In the end, The Irishman is an impressive piece of work from a Director and Stars that already have given us iconic works. It shows that one is never too old to grow.

Scale: I give this film an 9 for the outstanding performances and acting.