Meh Mean Streets is fucking boring. All of the characters are absolutely forgettable other than Harvey's and DeNiro's character. Charlie is a corny-ass guy as far as loan sharks go and the soundtrack is fucking outdated. Jumpin' Jack Flash is always dope tho. I guess you can excuse this on the era and budget and whatnot but it's still embarassing to recommend this movie to someone in this day and age.
@@Generationalwealth94 what the hell man, Boring? That film was so Fucking entertaining,the Movie had so much going on but wasn't committed to any of these plots you need to get your head straight, I loved goodfellas, casino and godfather but these movies have all been overdone in hollywood, but there's just nothing like mean streets nowadays, if your a cinema fan you'll understand
Johnny boys explanation to Charlie of why he couldn't get the money is probably one of my favourite scenes in any film " I'm gonna pay em next sweek I'm payaaaaamm"
I did the scene as a monolog in theater class In 1989. That was back when I thought Italian gangsters were cool. Actually, I still think the guys in that movie were cool, they were just out for a good time, some small time crime but they weren't murderers. They were finding themselves, and I could relate. But, I can't stand Mob guys that intimidate everyday people with violence and murder and walk around with an unnecessary bravado. A lot of the mobsters in movies were simply pieces of shit.
This is what I took up from the film. Charlie’s a gangster but also a devout catholic. He wants to be a good catholic. He believes that you should make up for your sins in the streets and at home. That’s why he takes care of Johnny Boy because that guy is unstable as hell. His catholic beliefs are conflicted with his carrier in the mob. That’s also why he talks to himself throughout the film. He’s basically talking to God, saying how things are going. I like the film because of the connection I have with Charlie. I’m not a mobster, but I am religious. And every day I’m trying to live life whilst also being truthful to my religion. That can be hard sometimes. I also believe that you make up for your sins in the streets and at home by becoming a better version of yourself and being responsible for your own actions.
Great analysis, and I totally agree. A small detail from the movie that fits into this interpretation is the way in which Charlie subjects himself to micro-doses of punishment in the form of placing his fingers over fire. I think this is his way of trying to either remind himself of the eternal damnation awaiting if he doesn't make up for his sins in the streets - as in helping Johnny Boy - or simply reconcile with the possibility that his carrier in the mafia may land him in the fires of Hell anyways.
I think it’s an important film biographically for Scorcese because he grew up devoutly Catholic (he tried to be a priest) but also idolizes the gangsters in his neighborhood. He could never do what they do, not only because of religious or moral reasons, but because he was a sickly child. I think Mean Streets is in effect an attempt to capture with his adult artist’s brain the life of a guy who could have been him under different circumstances and showing how ultimately incompatible those things are
Nice analysis man. For me, the big theme that I take away from Mean Streets is Charlie's struggle to live his life in contemporary America while trying to adhere to his old school ideas of a Catholic identity. We see in the film how seriously Charlie takes his faith, while his friends make fun of him for it or dismiss it altogether. Charlie truly believes in his faith. But he also knows that his Catholicism is incompatible with the world he lives in, which is why he feels he has to go about punishing himself by trying to burn his hand. This is backed up by several of his internal thoughts. "You don't make up for your sins in the church. You do it in the streets. The rest is bullshit and you do it." That's the mantra of Charlie. He tries to force these two ways of living together, but they can't coexist and eventually it blows up in his face. I also think there's a theme of losing one's Italian identity, since it seems that Charlie is further removed from the earlier Italian Immigrants. Charlie's grandparents were probably the Italians who actually came from Italy, but since then that Italian identity has given way more to the American identity. I also think that loss of Italian identity is also tied in with the Catholic identity due to the strong history between Italy and the Catholic Church. For me, this is my personal favorite Scorsese movie. Not his best, lets be clear. But it is my favorite.
Captures that shift perfectly...the transference from immigrant Italian to American identity...what one loses and what one gains...heritage to heritage...Catholicism to cultural flailing...Scorcese lived that adjustment...from relinquishing characteristics symbolically associated with the old world, to accommodate life in the new world...what mattered there, is only a trace on the streets of NYC. Little Italy in NYC now resembles a theme park of sorts now...naturally, to an outsider the inner workings of this territory are far more complex, yet it's appearance as you navigate these streets and alleys are un-threatening and welcoming on these particular iconographic depictions of Italian identity in NYC...? Scorsese through his work and life is the cultural apparition of the Italian/American footprint and dream...
Spot on brother. Harvey plays the role so well. Shit, we all probably have a pain in the ass, nut job friend like Johnny boy. "Yeah, Charlie, bless my balls."
I haven’t watched the analysis yet but I always thought it was about a young catholic kids battle with sin on a daily basis. That’s why he keeps holding his hand over a flame because it represents hell
LOVE the original tag line for the movie "Go To Church On Sunday, Go To Hell On Monday" An American Classic, "Mean Streets'' changed my life. Seeing it for the first time in a little Boston movie theatre back in 1973, I'll never forget it. I remember not being able to move from my seat after the intense ending. The history of getting the film made is a whole other thing, with the GREAT John Cassavetes urging the young Scorsese (after directing "Boxcar Bertha") to make something that was PERSONAL. And so it was "Mean Streets. Getting Bob Dylan's manager Jonathan Taplin onboard to produce helped tremendously. It was by all accounts an independent film until Warner Brothers picked it up for distribution. The cast is Brilliant. Led by the Mighty Harvey Keitel (who was also featured a few years earlier in Scorsese's "Who's That Knocking at My Door") and Robert DeNiro (who is ELECTRIC in his performance as Johnny Boy). A raw and powerful work with a killer soundtrack it announced Scorsese as a director to be reckoned with. Between 1973-1975 I must have seen it 50+ times. My all time favorite movie, which ultimately led to me becoming an actor. Forever Grateful to Martin Scorsese. Thanks for posting and for sharing your take.
This movie is actually semi-Autobiographical for Scorsese. These are people and situations that he saw frequently while growing up in Little Italy in Manhattan. 1st and 2nd Generation Italian-Americans that are mimicking the Mob Figures they saw on Television. They all try to be hustlers and swindlers and bad ass Mafiosos. But deep down they're all frauds. The fight scene is my favorite scene in the film because of this. They all just look like School Boys fighting on a playground. They all want to show how tough they are but none of them even look like they even want to throw a punch or get their suits messed up, and when it's over they all have drinks like nothing happened. All of them are lower then low level. They all still live at home w/ their parents. Even the Mob Boss The fact that there's a lack of Story and the Atmosphere in the film and the characters is allowed to flesh out makes this Film enjoyable on Repeat veiwings. Spike Lee (who was taught by Scorsese in NYU Film School) has used this type of Storytelling in several of his Films (most Famous being Do the Right Thing) Where the Atmosphere that the characters are in is a character in itself. I wish this type of Film making was still going on in Modern films Ive always heard Goodfellas is the most realistic Story of the Mob, and while its a Superior Film, my vote for the most realistic goes to Mean Streets. Very Underrated film in the Scorsese catalogue
Only one problem: They aren't in the mob. They are a bunch of guys walking the wild side. On the outskirts of the mob. Just kind of faking it. If they were bikers they would be called ''hangarounds.'' I'm not even sure if that's a good comparison. Just rowdy guys in NY who are behind on payments to the loan shark or the bookie. Great movie but the aren't in La Cosa Nostra. No way. If they were, people would NOT fuck with them. And they are hardly scary. The movie is more funnier than hell than anything else. Great stuff from De Niro, Keitel and all the rest.
@4th Chairman Yeah, but you can be considered an ''Associate.'' The guys in Goodfellas were associates of the Luchesse family. But Jimmy and Henry can't get made cuz they aren't 100% Italian.
@@MegaMkmiller Thats true, but Charlie is being groomed by the Capo to ascend into the mob. But his love for Teresa and his obligation to Johnny Boy are obstacles to that. The people who say this movie has ‘no story’ baffle me, its a character and dialogue driven story
@@literallyunderrated Yep. Mean Streets tells a great story with plenty of funny stuff too. The ''mook'' line was great and the fight was classic. Old school and really cool!
I think Charlie in particular wanted to stay out of the fight, as I remember him exclaiming, "My bad hand!" before being punched in the face. I also find that this is the most realistic mob film I've seen. I haven't seen any director commentary from Scorsese yet, but a lot of shots feel like they were taken after a few days of roaming New York, almost as if only semi-planned - such as the incorporation of street performers and their music. The end result was definitely what felt like an authentic look at New York.
I have loved this movie forever, the soundtrack, the mundane lives the characters endure. But I could never put my thoughts down what I really believed, thought or knew about it. You have managed to do that and so much more in 6 minutes. Great Job!
Asking what was Mean streets all about is like asking what was the Seinfeld show about? A quirky group of friends who join in wrestling with life's most perplexing, yet often trivial questions
Even though I'm from Belgium, I can relate a lot to these characters. I grew up in an italian neighborhood and there are a lot of similarities between these characters and some people I know on my personal life. To me, this is more than just a movie. It's weird, I feel like a part of my youth and my neighborhood are represented in this film. This gem will always have a special place in my heart.
That’s what makes it so great. When you are watching this movie you forget about actors playing parts and you feel as if you are just watching their lives and how they behaved. That’s the mark of a truly great movie when you don’t realize you are actually watching a movie
As an Indonesian Catholic (minority) myself I can also relate to Charlie's character. On one hand my family's traditional upbringing made me a devout Catholic but on the other hand it's really difficult to keep going on with the temptations of modern life's challenges & then there is also discrimination from muslims majority plus personal conflicts even among "fellow Christians". I've committed many sins but my personal demon is keep holding me back
Maybe an unpopular opinion but.. I prefer mean streets over goodfellas. I get much more rewatch value from streets than the latter. Plus the old school doo-wop oldies soundtrack of streets is incredible.
Seriously I loved the grittiness and realism of it. Goodfellas is good but it’s kinda been overdone. I love so many aspects of it that there’s to many to list. Just the everyday life of early 70s New York
This is one of those movies where the first time I watched it I thought yeah that was pretty cool, but then the second time I was just so impressed and 'got' it so much more
I adore this film. It feels authentic. The dynamic between Charlie and Johnny boy is the attraction to me because I often feel that Charlie would have been the sort of person to have been able to climb the ranks and achieve "great things" in that world, had it not been for the explosive Johnny boy. That relationship is very real.
This film is Scorsese’s breakthrough film. It’s essentially a window into his childhood growing up in little Italy and the things he saw. Very fascinating to see it through his eyes. I especially enjoyed the footage of the actual San Genaro festival including the memorable theme the little band plays. my Dad grew up a few blocks from Mullberry st and remembered the music in the the 1930’s festivals when he saw the Godfather part 2 when Vito whacks the black hand street boss.
This movie had my interest from start to bottom .I had a smile throughout watching these characters go about their business and even though nothing substantial happens throughout the film , it is pretty rewatchable .
This movie is actually pretty emotional to me. My father took me to see when I was 8 years old at a Manhattan movie theater. It was a double feature with Badlands, with Martin Sheen and SIssy Spacek. I'm actually kind of shocked now that he took me to see those movies. It was definitely not appropriate for kids my age, but I was thrilled to see it and I loved it. I still re-watch it every now and then. I love the gritty New York streets and the old cars.
1.if it makes you feel any better i showed my kid resevoir dogs when he was 9 2.during the late 80's i bumped into martin sheen on the street and started badgering him with questions about badlands....he was thrilled("nobody ever asks me about that movie")to the point where his handlers(he was campaigning for somebodY)told him it was time to go and he said "give me a few more minutes"
@@georgegaros1760 that’s a great story! Yeah he was a cold-blooded killer in that movie. I actually watched Terminator II with my son when he was 9 years old. To this day (he’s 33 now) he’s a total movie buff and we love to analyze and reminisce about that movie!
Mickey and Nicky which came out in 76’ seems a perfect companion to this one. The later gangster movies seemed to glorify the lifestyle. The reality of it is much less romantic or adventurous. I really like those early 70’s films that had such a neo-realism. To some their boring I think they’re more authentic and interesting.
i liked that this wasnt the typical ob movie, where the protagonist builds his way up in the mob then it all crumbles down. its about a street rat whos in major debt and his brother trying to cover his ass at all costs but it catches up to him. my take
Thats something I admire about the film. Although I much prefer Goodfellas and Casino, they have a clear structure that Scorsese used for both for sure. Mean Streets was in the beginning of his career and therefore it mixed things up more and didnt have the formula down.
Thanks for not making unnecessary exaggerations in your interpretation and getting straight to the point comparing it with good allegories. Great analysis!
I watched this film and unfortunately didn't appreciate it as I wanted to. I realize now that I didn't understand it much, I'm going to rewatch it after this video. Thank you!
I think the story revolves around the lovable and committed Charlie, how he tries to balance his work with his uncle and between his girlfriend and his crazy friend, and in the end he did not hear his uncle's advice and failed
The Novel The Ghost of Little Italy I believe is about Martin. It's supposed to be an extraordinary read. It's about the Kenmare Street murder which was the inspiration to make Meanstreet
Mean Streets primarily revolves around Charlie's internal conflict. Why does Charlie help Johnny Boy? This question is crucial. Throughout the film, Charlie seeks to soothe his conscience because he leads a life that is entirely contradictory to his beliefs. This is Charlie's penance. We see that Charlie is not as comfortable and happy as he portrays himself in society, as evident from his startled awakening in the opening scene. The church scene is essential for understanding Charlie's thought process. He can't let go of his sinful lifestyle nor ignore his faith and conscience. He remains stuck in between. He doesn't abandon Johnny Boy, but he also avoids talking to his uncle. This indecisiveness leads to both Johnny Boy being shot and probably tarnishing Charlie's reputation in his uncle's eyes.
David here I been a movie buff for over fifty years and today May 28, 2024 I believe is the first time I have seen it. I have to say it is quite a movie, definitely not for everyone. I thought it was interesting how it was filmed, I loved the music in. I liked the 1970’s look to it. It really shows a time I hope we never see again. But I know things can be worse today. It really felt like that that neighborhood would be really hard to get out of. I liked the lady who wanted out. I would never want to live like that. 🍿🍿🍿out of 5 popcorn boxes for the filmmaking Soundtrack and acting, it was so strange to watch the movie in the morning and then turn on the news to see Robert De Nero talk about 45, I glad he did someone famous needs to speak up for America 🇺🇸. See you at the movies!
The point is there is no tight plot. It's slice of life, almost documentary in its approach. That's why 'Mean Streets' works so well. If it had more artifice it wouldn't be as nearly as electrifying and in your face as it is.
The movie Meanstreets is about a young man who was murdered in 1967 who lived on Elizabeth Street. The bathroom scene shows another man Caradine who gets shot several times that was Ralphy Rosmundo who was called Ralphy Boy. He was clipped on Kenmare Street. Scorsese grew up with him. There is a Novel released, The Ghost of Little Italy. The book is about the real Ralphy Boy.
fantastic review. i also had the same impression at the back of my mind when i questioned myself after watching it first "why it was made". Thanks for concretising the answer
It's a character study of the two. Charlie will always be a low level mob guy. The highest he can go is probably taking his uncle's place. Johnny's future is not bright. He's either going to run away from the area and everyone there--because he really has no ties that he cares about--or he's going to eventually get whacked when he owes someone too much money or rubs someone too high the wrong way, both of which he's done to Michael. The point at the end of the movie when they all get shot (the shooting is done by Scorsese himself, you should point out) is that they all live. If they die, their problems are over. Charlie can get out of it by talking to his uncle and swearing off any future contact with Johnny. But Johnny Boy is in for a world of pain.
Mean Streets is my second favorite Scorsese film. To me, Taxi Driver is his best film and my personal favorite. These two films seem quite personal to him, which makes the experience of watching them all the more better.
Back in the 70s there was a theater in Harvard Square that played these amazing double bills. A buck or two for admission. Mean Streets/Taxi Driver is the one I never missed, so have seen both of them dozens of times. They have been favorites of mine for decades now.
That's a solid theory bro. I watched this last year myself & I been fucking with it hard as tf ever since. It's different from regular Mafia movies & to me, this movie seems to be a more realistic portrayal of that.
I just like watching old lesser known movies like this. Get a real view of life back then, not what these other people do these days. You look up 70s and it's all disco costumes, or people now dressing like they think back then was. I love seeing the fashion of pedestrians on the streets of these movies. And use it towards my fashion.
You really hit the nail on the head when you said that Charlie wants to "find honor in a dishonorable world." This was the overwhelming feeling I got from the film. This seems to be well-corroborated with elements such as the bar he frequents having this oppressive, red glow - almost as if to signify it as a Hell or sinful rut that he allows himself to partake in. Moreover, he enacts micro-doses of Hell on himself when hovering his fingers over fire, conveying that he has a reverence for the eternal fire awaiting him should he fail to make up for his sins.
And the last scene with keitel being on his knees (once again asking for forgiveness) and the water splashing down as if it was a baptism. A truly great movie
Thoughtful stuff, but i think in many regards you're missing what's right in front of you. Charlie's "faith" is no small or incidental matter. The social stature of the characters is not as relevant as is the matter of the individual's relationship with good and evil. Charlie grapples with his own faith and purity as well as a desire to redeem his morally hopeless friend in johnny boy. Charlie has a lot of choices to make as he "plays with fire" trying to navigate his "sinful" environment. The mean streets. These religious/spiritual themes are perhaps the most personal to Scorsese amongst his ouvre. The circumstances of characters like Charlie and the rest of the low end hoods is less of a commentary on new york's organized crime world in the 70s and more of a reflection of the type of life Scorsese himself was living in his 20s. Remember, Scorsese uses his own voice for Charlie's "thoughts"
When asked by Barry Norman in an interview in the mid '90s what he thought his best film was Scorsese said Mean Streets would have been if he'd had the budget, but as it didn't went for Goodfellas.
I think the film is representative of the majority of small time crooks that basically are working for beer money rather than having any real kind of vision!
From what I remember from the film, it's about comeuppance. It's explained in the title sequence. "You pay for your sins in the streets, and at home." You're not absolved for the things that you do to others. Life has consequences. (All the rest is B.S.) Charlie is the kid who is going to move up, Johnny Boy does not. In church you pay for your sins though penance. Indulgence is one of the ways you go to reduce the punishment of your sins. You have to perform an action to be absolved of your sins. Most of those actions are though/to "the son" Jesus/Charlie. (Jesus is the son of God, Charlie is the son of the mob boss) In life you pay a price for the people you surround yourself with. (Birds of a feather, flock together) Charlie, when told to get away from Johnny Boy, chooses friendship over family, and he vouches for Johnny Boy. He pays for that in the end.
Idk the more I watched Goodfellas the less I liked it, I'm definitely going to watch mean streets tonight. Godfather 2 is my favorite Mafia movie hands down it's just so elegant compared to the rest in my eyes.
It took me multiple viewings on Mean Streets to really “get it”. Now it and Taxi Driver are my favorite Scorcese. There was nothing better than 70s Scorcese. There was just something so pure and honest about those films. After that I’m not as big of a fan. I guess since I’ve gotten older and seen more films, I’ve kinda grown out of a lot of his stuff. I still enjoy some of his films like Goodfellas which is great, but I wouldn’t consider it a favorite by any means.
A lot more charming real and natural than a lot of Scorseses more grandiose films such as goodfellas and casino despite the fact mean streets isn’t based on a true story. On the other hand it’s a little slower paced and choppy at times and a little off kilter. I still give it a break as it is one of his earliest works. Pretty dope movie
When I seen this movie for the first time in 2019 as a 33 year old, I fkn loved it. It put me right into the 70s I felt like i was getting to see a real life group of guys going throughout their daily lives. It was a classic for me. Scorsese is hands down one of my favorites along with Deniro
I don't think this film really needed a big, flashy plot to be interesting. The characters are well written and acted, so it feels like you know these guys and are just going about life with them. Draws me in every time I watch it, like I'm there in early '70s NYC trying to collect a winning bet. I've heard it said that Martin Scorsese wrote the film inspired by people who grew up around, with the music being the music he grew up with. In that regard, it makes a lot of sense- to a normal guy on the streets of NYC, you probably knew at least a couple guys who were connected in some way or another. There have always been a lot more wannabees than made guys. This film goes beyond about being about wiseguys- it's just about guys. They're portrayed as just normal people, and that's why I enjoy it so much.
You're still to young. It's a Greek thing .. it's a tragedy, where Johnny Boy's character is his destiny, and takes Charlie with him.... This is a masterpiece.
I think that Mean Streets is a nice frame work for The Sopranos because of how both forms of media are about men who are not at the plateau of having copious amounts of money like in Goodfellas and Casino. The difference between the two is that Tony Soprano is a character who wants to get out of feeling like he's doing the same stupid shit everyday, while Charlie and Johnny Boy aren't emotionally venerable to the point of wanting to jump off of a bridge and have accepted their fate in New York until Johnny Boy shits all over it by provoking Michael.
I saw it as a commentary on what the mafia had become by then. By the time people really knew what was going on the Italian American mafia was already kind of dying off, or at least waning in power. Michael is the only (presumably) made guy and a bottom feeder like Johnny disrespects him. I always felt like it was a commentary about the state of the mafia.
It's essentially a 70s Sopranos episode...in a way plus it's also a cinema verite low dialog film...Altman and Fellini are in Scorcese veins at this point...letting the camera speak volumes
Good analysis Mike is the soldier the rest are a little crew of associates trying to get in ,,but they have a reckless Johnny boy putting them back 3 steps you can't talk to a made guy like that period ,you as a associates cant even introduce a made guy to anyone that is a rule this was a great movie for its time
I have no idea why Scorcese included the two guys who were standing in the rain who then jump into Bronson's car, but that gay guy was so ridiculously and obnoxiously over the top it was funny
Martin Scorsese basically makes the same film with almost the same cast over and over again-The Irishman is like a parody of Scorsese’s films all in one movie ❤
Often the film's where nothing really 'happens' are often the most memorable
Meh Mean Streets is fucking boring. All of the characters are absolutely forgettable other than Harvey's and DeNiro's character. Charlie is a corny-ass guy as far as loan sharks go and the soundtrack is fucking outdated. Jumpin' Jack Flash is always dope tho. I guess you can excuse this on the era and budget and whatnot but it's still embarassing to recommend this movie to someone in this day and age.
Yeah same thing as Trainspotting, another film where nothing really "happens" but still my favorite film
@@Generationalwealth94 what the hell man, Boring? That film was so Fucking entertaining,the Movie had so much going on but wasn't committed to any of these plots you need to get your head straight, I loved goodfellas, casino and godfather but these movies have all been overdone in hollywood, but there's just nothing like mean streets nowadays, if your a cinema fan you'll understand
@@Glory-Compass he probably likes the Avengers part 12056 and Spiderman part 5679
@@Kakyoinmilfhunter0712 are you a junkie?
Johnny boys explanation to Charlie of why he couldn't get the money is probably one of my favourite scenes in any film " I'm gonna pay em next sweek I'm payaaaaamm"
I can't read that and not hear it in De Niro's voice LMAO
DD
I did the scene as a monolog in theater class In 1989. That was back when I thought Italian gangsters were cool. Actually, I still think the guys in that movie were cool, they were just out for a good time, some small time crime but they weren't murderers. They were finding themselves, and I could relate. But, I can't stand Mob guys that intimidate everyday people with violence and murder and walk around with an unnecessary bravado. A lot of the mobsters in movies were simply pieces of shit.
He didn't help himself showing up with two chicks by his side whilst still owing money.
@@TheWizardofOdds-ut2bxyeah, but did you take a look at that Heather Weintraub? Fuhgeddaboudit!!
This is what I took up from the film. Charlie’s a gangster but also a devout catholic. He wants to be a good catholic. He believes that you should make up for your sins in the streets and at home. That’s why he takes care of Johnny Boy because that guy is unstable as hell. His catholic beliefs are conflicted with his carrier in the mob. That’s also why he talks to himself throughout the film. He’s basically talking to God, saying how things are going.
I like the film because of the connection I have with Charlie. I’m not a mobster, but I am religious. And every day I’m trying to live life whilst also being truthful to my religion. That can be hard sometimes. I also believe that you make up for your sins in the streets and at home by becoming a better version of yourself and being responsible for your own actions.
Great analysis, and I totally agree. A small detail from the movie that fits into this interpretation is the way in which Charlie subjects himself to micro-doses of punishment in the form of placing his fingers over fire. I think this is his way of trying to either remind himself of the eternal damnation awaiting if he doesn't make up for his sins in the streets - as in helping Johnny Boy - or simply reconcile with the possibility that his carrier in the mafia may land him in the fires of Hell anyways.
Read the Pauline kaels review on this film. It perfectly describes it.
I think it’s an important film biographically for Scorcese because he grew up devoutly Catholic (he tried to be a priest) but also idolizes the gangsters in his neighborhood. He could never do what they do, not only because of religious or moral reasons, but because he was a sickly child. I think Mean Streets is in effect an attempt to capture with his adult artist’s brain the life of a guy who could have been him under different circumstances and showing how ultimately incompatible those things are
Nice analysis man. For me, the big theme that I take away from Mean Streets is Charlie's struggle to live his life in contemporary America while trying to adhere to his old school ideas of a Catholic identity. We see in the film how seriously Charlie takes his faith, while his friends make fun of him for it or dismiss it altogether. Charlie truly believes in his faith. But he also knows that his Catholicism is incompatible with the world he lives in, which is why he feels he has to go about punishing himself by trying to burn his hand. This is backed up by several of his internal thoughts. "You don't make up for your sins in the church. You do it in the streets. The rest is bullshit and you do it." That's the mantra of Charlie. He tries to force these two ways of living together, but they can't coexist and eventually it blows up in his face. I also think there's a theme of losing one's Italian identity, since it seems that Charlie is further removed from the earlier Italian Immigrants. Charlie's grandparents were probably the Italians who actually came from Italy, but since then that Italian identity has given way more to the American identity. I also think that loss of Italian identity is also tied in with the Catholic identity due to the strong history between Italy and the Catholic Church. For me, this is my personal favorite Scorsese movie. Not his best, lets be clear. But it is my favorite.
Great thoughts, thanks for sharing!
love it bro. Charlie is a great compelling character, feels like if he doesnt save Johnny Boy he's not doing his duty as a follower of God.
Captures that shift perfectly...the transference from immigrant Italian to American identity...what one loses and what one gains...heritage to heritage...Catholicism to cultural flailing...Scorcese lived that adjustment...from relinquishing characteristics symbolically associated with the old world, to accommodate life in the new world...what mattered there, is only a trace on the streets of NYC. Little Italy in NYC now resembles a theme park of sorts now...naturally, to an outsider the inner workings of this territory are far more complex, yet it's appearance as you navigate these streets and alleys are un-threatening and welcoming on these particular iconographic depictions of Italian identity in NYC...? Scorsese through his work and life is the cultural apparition of the Italian/American footprint and dream...
Say no to the great Reset
Spot on brother. Harvey plays the role so well. Shit, we all probably have a pain in the ass, nut job friend like Johnny boy. "Yeah, Charlie, bless my balls."
I finally found a good mean streets analysis.
Good job sir
I haven’t watched the analysis yet but I always thought it was about a young catholic kids battle with sin on a daily basis. That’s why he keeps holding his hand over a flame because it represents hell
LOVE the original tag line for the movie "Go To Church On Sunday, Go To Hell On Monday" An American Classic, "Mean Streets'' changed my life. Seeing it for the first time in a little Boston movie theatre back in 1973, I'll never forget it. I remember not being able to move from my seat after the intense ending. The history of getting the film made is a whole other thing, with the GREAT John Cassavetes urging the young Scorsese (after directing "Boxcar Bertha") to make something that was PERSONAL. And so it was "Mean Streets. Getting Bob Dylan's manager Jonathan Taplin onboard to produce helped tremendously. It was by all accounts an independent film until Warner Brothers picked it up for distribution. The cast is Brilliant. Led by the Mighty Harvey Keitel (who was also featured a few years earlier in Scorsese's "Who's That Knocking at My Door") and Robert DeNiro (who is ELECTRIC in his performance as Johnny Boy). A raw and powerful work with a killer soundtrack it announced Scorsese as a director to be reckoned with. Between 1973-1975 I must have seen it 50+ times. My all time favorite movie, which ultimately led to me becoming an actor. Forever Grateful to Martin Scorsese. Thanks for posting and for sharing your take.
This movie is actually semi-Autobiographical for Scorsese. These are people and situations that he saw frequently while growing up in Little Italy in Manhattan. 1st and 2nd Generation Italian-Americans that are mimicking the Mob Figures they saw on Television. They all try to be hustlers and swindlers and bad ass Mafiosos. But deep down they're all frauds. The fight scene is my favorite scene in the film because of this. They all just look like School Boys fighting on a playground. They all want to show how tough they are but none of them even look like they even want to throw a punch or get their suits messed up, and when it's over they all have drinks like nothing happened. All of them are lower then low level. They all still live at home w/ their parents. Even the Mob Boss
The fact that there's a lack of Story and the Atmosphere in the film and the characters is allowed to flesh out makes this Film enjoyable on Repeat veiwings. Spike Lee (who was taught by Scorsese in NYU Film School) has used this type of Storytelling in several of his Films (most Famous being Do the Right Thing) Where the Atmosphere that the characters are in is a character in itself. I wish this type of Film making was still going on in Modern films
Ive always heard Goodfellas is the most realistic Story of the Mob, and while its a Superior Film, my vote for the most realistic goes to Mean Streets. Very Underrated film in the Scorsese catalogue
Only one problem: They aren't in the mob. They are a bunch of guys walking the wild side. On the outskirts of the mob. Just kind of faking it. If they were bikers they would be called ''hangarounds.'' I'm not even sure if that's a good comparison. Just rowdy guys in NY who are behind on payments to the loan shark or the bookie. Great movie but the aren't in La Cosa Nostra. No way. If they were, people would NOT fuck with them. And they are hardly scary. The movie is more funnier than hell than anything else. Great stuff from De Niro, Keitel and all the rest.
@4th Chairman Yeah, but you can be considered an ''Associate.'' The guys in Goodfellas were associates of the Luchesse family. But Jimmy and Henry can't get made cuz they aren't 100% Italian.
@@MegaMkmiller Thats true, but Charlie is being groomed by the Capo to ascend into the mob. But his love for Teresa and his obligation to Johnny Boy are obstacles to that. The people who say this movie has ‘no story’ baffle me, its a character and dialogue driven story
@@literallyunderrated Yep. Mean Streets tells a great story with plenty of funny stuff too. The ''mook'' line was great and the fight was classic. Old school and really cool!
I think Charlie in particular wanted to stay out of the fight, as I remember him exclaiming, "My bad hand!" before being punched in the face.
I also find that this is the most realistic mob film I've seen. I haven't seen any director commentary from Scorsese yet, but a lot of shots feel like they were taken after a few days of roaming New York, almost as if only semi-planned - such as the incorporation of street performers and their music. The end result was definitely what felt like an authentic look at New York.
Good to see today's youth appreciating old movies like this one :)
David Proval who played Richie Aprile on The Sopranos was also in Mean Streets.
Good eye.
I have loved this movie forever, the soundtrack, the mundane lives the characters endure. But I could never put my thoughts down what I really believed, thought or knew about it. You have managed to do that and so much more in 6 minutes. Great Job!
'Whaddya mean get out, I just got in". The best of lines.
Hahaha that line always cracked me up
Asking what was Mean streets all about is like asking what was the Seinfeld show about? A quirky group of friends who join in wrestling with life's most perplexing, yet often trivial questions
Even though I'm from Belgium, I can relate a lot to these characters. I grew up in an italian neighborhood and there are a lot of similarities between these characters and some people I know on my personal life. To me, this is more than just a movie. It's weird, I feel like a part of my youth and my neighborhood are represented in this film. This gem will always have a special place in my heart.
That’s what makes it so great. When you are watching this movie you forget about actors playing parts and you feel as if you are just watching their lives and how they behaved. That’s the mark of a truly great movie when you don’t realize you are actually watching a movie
As an Indonesian Catholic (minority) myself I can also relate to Charlie's character. On one hand my family's traditional upbringing made me a devout Catholic but on the other hand it's really difficult to keep going on with the temptations of modern life's challenges & then there is also discrimination from muslims majority plus personal conflicts even among "fellow Christians". I've committed many sins but my personal demon is keep holding me back
Maybe an unpopular opinion but..
I prefer mean streets over goodfellas. I get much more rewatch value from streets than the latter. Plus the old school doo-wop oldies soundtrack of streets is incredible.
Seriously I loved the grittiness and realism of it. Goodfellas is good but it’s kinda been overdone. I love so many aspects of it that there’s to many to list. Just the everyday life of early 70s New York
I agree as well. Mean streets is his best movie
AGREED.
He made 'be my loving baby' creepy and dark. I was impressed.
Mean Streets is Marty, Bobby, and Harvey working on their craft in their early years and seeing what happens... And it became a cult classic.
This is one of those movies where the first time I watched it I thought yeah that was pretty cool, but then the second time I was just so impressed and 'got' it so much more
same with me bro. Rewatched it for film class and its stuck in my head for days
It gets better the more you watch it
This is exactly what I needed to watch after watching this movie. Great video!
I adore this film. It feels authentic. The dynamic between Charlie and Johnny boy is the attraction to me because I often feel that Charlie would have been the sort of person to have been able to climb the ranks and achieve "great things" in that world, had it not been for the explosive Johnny boy. That relationship is very real.
This film is Scorsese’s breakthrough film. It’s essentially a window into his childhood growing up in little Italy and the things he saw. Very fascinating to see it through his eyes. I especially enjoyed the footage of the actual San Genaro festival including the memorable theme the little band plays. my Dad grew up a few blocks from Mullberry st and remembered the music in the the 1930’s festivals when he saw the Godfather part 2 when Vito whacks the black hand street boss.
This movie had my interest from start to bottom .I had a smile throughout watching these characters go about their business and even though nothing substantial happens throughout the film , it is pretty rewatchable .
This film is not for everybody. Its definitely a "film makers" type of film. Those into acting, chemistry, and cinematography.
This movie is actually pretty emotional to me. My father took me to see when I was 8 years old at a Manhattan movie theater. It was a double feature with Badlands, with Martin Sheen and SIssy Spacek. I'm actually kind of shocked now that he took me to see those movies. It was definitely not appropriate for kids my age, but I was thrilled to see it and I loved it. I still re-watch it every now and then. I love the gritty New York streets and the old cars.
1.if it makes you feel any better i showed my kid resevoir dogs when he was 9
2.during the late 80's i bumped into martin sheen on the street and started badgering him with questions about badlands....he was thrilled("nobody ever asks me about that movie")to the point where his handlers(he was campaigning for somebodY)told him it was time to go and he said "give me a few more minutes"
@@georgegaros1760 that’s a great story! Yeah he was a cold-blooded killer in that movie.
I actually watched Terminator II with my son when he was 9 years old. To this day (he’s 33 now) he’s a total movie buff and we love to analyze and reminisce about that movie!
great analysis :) currently writing an essay on Scorsese and this helped a lot man. keep it up
Mickey and Nicky which came out in 76’ seems a perfect companion to this one. The later gangster movies seemed to glorify the lifestyle. The reality of it is much less romantic or adventurous. I really like those early 70’s films that had such a neo-realism. To some their boring I think they’re more authentic and interesting.
"Honorable men go with honorable men..."
i liked that this wasnt the typical ob movie, where the protagonist builds his way up in the mob then it all crumbles down. its about a street rat whos in major debt and his brother trying to cover his ass at all costs but it catches up to him. my take
Thats something I admire about the film. Although I much prefer Goodfellas and Casino, they have a clear structure that Scorsese used for both for sure. Mean Streets was in the beginning of his career and therefore it mixed things up more and didnt have the formula down.
@@nms7872 yet to watch goodfellas about to tho, casino is also fantastic
You're a MOOK if you don't dig Mean Streets!
Thanks for not making unnecessary exaggerations in your interpretation and getting straight to the point comparing it with good allegories. Great analysis!
Quality put together vid my man! Mean streets goes under the radar
Great video. This might be my most rewatched movie. I discovered it later, there is something about this movie. Appreciate the video !
I watched this film and unfortunately didn't appreciate it as I wanted to. I realize now that I didn't understand it much, I'm going to rewatch it after this video. Thank you!
i didn’t like it on first watch but now currently watching it a second time i’m enjoying it
The mafia element is incidental.
This is, fundamentally, a movie about the transition from adolescence to adulthood.
I think the story revolves around the lovable and committed Charlie, how he tries to balance his work with his uncle and between his girlfriend and his crazy friend, and in the end he did not hear his uncle's advice and failed
The Novel The Ghost of Little Italy I believe is about Martin. It's supposed to be an extraordinary read. It's about the Kenmare Street murder which was the inspiration to make Meanstreet
I just watched the film and I looked up analysis of it to clarify a few things, great work, keep it up ! :)
Mean Streets primarily revolves around Charlie's internal conflict. Why does Charlie help Johnny Boy? This question is crucial. Throughout the film, Charlie seeks to soothe his conscience because he leads a life that is entirely contradictory to his beliefs. This is Charlie's penance. We see that Charlie is not as comfortable and happy as he portrays himself in society, as evident from his startled awakening in the opening scene. The church scene is essential for understanding Charlie's thought process. He can't let go of his sinful lifestyle nor ignore his faith and conscience. He remains stuck in between. He doesn't abandon Johnny Boy, but he also avoids talking to his uncle. This indecisiveness leads to both Johnny Boy being shot and probably tarnishing Charlie's reputation in his uncle's eyes.
I absolutely LOVE this film. Its not Scorsese's best, but its definitely up there.
Subscribed as soon as I heard Goodfellas is your favourite movie of all time
But honestly this video is really well made lol good work
Meanstreets is the real masterpiece. Got to see it in film school. At 25 BTW.
David here I been a movie buff for over fifty years and today May 28, 2024 I believe is the first time I have seen it. I have to say it is quite a movie, definitely not for everyone. I thought it was interesting how it was filmed, I loved the music in. I liked the 1970’s look to it. It really shows a time I hope we never see again. But I know things can be worse today. It really felt like that that neighborhood would be really hard to get out of. I liked the lady who wanted out. I would never want to live like that. 🍿🍿🍿out of 5 popcorn boxes for the filmmaking Soundtrack and acting, it was so strange to watch the movie in the morning and then turn on the news to see Robert De Nero talk about 45, I glad he did someone famous needs to speak up for America 🇺🇸. See you at the movies!
The point is there is no tight plot. It's slice of life, almost documentary in its approach. That's why 'Mean Streets' works so well. If it had more artifice it wouldn't be as nearly as electrifying and in your face as it is.
It was like a Grand Theft Auto movie, just a guy running around running errands.
When you watch this movie, take a shot every time someone says "whatsamattawichoo?"
Johnny's clothes and style is such an aesthetic i love it. Very Mod.
Mean Streets was flat out about everyday life for hoods in little Italy
The movie Meanstreets is about a young man who was murdered in 1967 who lived on Elizabeth Street. The bathroom scene shows another man Caradine who gets shot several times that was Ralphy Rosmundo who was called Ralphy Boy. He was clipped on Kenmare Street. Scorsese grew up with him. There is a Novel released, The Ghost of Little Italy. The book is about the real Ralphy Boy.
@teddyrondinelli7047
This is interesting. Thanks for the info.
fantastic review. i also had the same impression at the back of my mind when i questioned myself after watching it first "why it was made". Thanks for concretising the answer
It's a character study of the two. Charlie will always be a low level mob guy. The highest he can go is probably taking his uncle's place. Johnny's future is not bright. He's either going to run away from the area and everyone there--because he really has no ties that he cares about--or he's going to eventually get whacked when he owes someone too much money or rubs someone too high the wrong way, both of which he's done to Michael.
The point at the end of the movie when they all get shot (the shooting is done by Scorsese himself, you should point out) is that they all live. If they die, their problems are over. Charlie can get out of it by talking to his uncle and swearing off any future contact with Johnny.
But Johnny Boy is in for a world of pain.
Moral of the story........... DON'T PLAY WITH THE STREETS, BECAUSE THE STREETS WON'T PLAY WITH YOU!!!👍👍👍
Better insights into Mean Streets than most of any age. Well done.
Mean Streets is my second favorite Scorsese film. To me, Taxi Driver is his best film and my personal favorite. These two films seem quite personal to him, which makes the experience of watching them all the more better.
Back in the 70s there was a theater in Harvard Square that played these amazing double bills. A buck or two for admission. Mean Streets/Taxi Driver is the one I never missed, so have seen both of them dozens of times. They have been favorites of mine for decades now.
what a review, more of these would be mint
That's a solid theory bro. I watched this last year myself & I been fucking with it hard as tf ever since. It's different from regular Mafia movies & to me, this movie seems to be a more realistic portrayal of that.
I just like watching old lesser known movies like this. Get a real view of life back then, not what these other people do these days. You look up 70s and it's all disco costumes, or people now dressing like they think back then was. I love seeing the fashion of pedestrians on the streets of these movies. And use it towards my fashion.
You really hit the nail on the head when you said that Charlie wants to "find honor in a dishonorable world." This was the overwhelming feeling I got from the film. This seems to be well-corroborated with elements such as the bar he frequents having this oppressive, red glow - almost as if to signify it as a Hell or sinful rut that he allows himself to partake in. Moreover, he enacts micro-doses of Hell on himself when hovering his fingers over fire, conveying that he has a reverence for the eternal fire awaiting him should he fail to make up for his sins.
And the last scene with keitel being on his knees (once again asking for forgiveness) and the water splashing down as if it was a baptism. A truly great movie
What this film has going for it is that it seems very raw and realistic.
O man you’re only 22 years old u have so much to learn STILL
Thanks for the vid bro
its about love, charlie loves jhonny boy.
Thoughtful stuff, but i think in many regards you're missing what's right in front of you. Charlie's "faith" is no small or incidental matter. The social stature of the characters is not as relevant as is the matter of the individual's relationship with good and evil. Charlie grapples with his own faith and purity as well as a desire to redeem his morally hopeless friend in johnny boy. Charlie has a lot of choices to make as he "plays with fire" trying to navigate his "sinful" environment. The mean streets. These religious/spiritual themes are perhaps the most personal to Scorsese amongst his ouvre. The circumstances of characters like Charlie and the rest of the low end hoods is less of a commentary on new york's organized crime world in the 70s and more of a reflection of the type of life Scorsese himself was living in his 20s. Remember, Scorsese uses his own voice for Charlie's "thoughts"
i am amazed
with your breakdown of this film !!!
None of them are made men! Just the uncle. It's not a mafia movie, it's about life in the neighbourhood
Great review. Do you know what happened to the actor who played Jimmy? Lenny Scaletta’s only acting credit is Mean Streets.
When asked by Barry Norman in an interview in the mid '90s what he thought his best film was Scorsese said Mean Streets would have been if he'd had the budget, but as it didn't went for Goodfellas.
I SAW IT @ 17 YRS OLD IN 1973 & LOVED IT EVER SINCE!
I think the film is representative of the majority of small time crooks that basically are working for beer money rather than having any real kind of vision!
Mean Streets and Pink Floyd The Wall are my two favorite movies
From what I remember from the film, it's about comeuppance.
It's explained in the title sequence. "You pay for your sins in the streets, and at home." You're not absolved for the things that you do to others. Life has consequences. (All the rest is B.S.)
Charlie is the kid who is going to move up, Johnny Boy does not. In church you pay for your sins though penance. Indulgence is one of the ways you go to reduce the punishment of your sins. You have to perform an action to be absolved of your sins. Most of those actions are though/to "the son" Jesus/Charlie. (Jesus is the son of God, Charlie is the son of the mob boss)
In life you pay a price for the people you surround yourself with. (Birds of a feather, flock together) Charlie, when told to get away from Johnny Boy, chooses friendship over family, and he vouches for Johnny Boy. He pays for that in the end.
Idk the more I watched Goodfellas the less I liked it, I'm definitely going to watch mean streets tonight. Godfather 2 is my favorite Mafia movie hands down it's just so elegant compared to the rest in my eyes.
You barely mentioned Johnny Boy and his debt, arguably the biggest red line through the story
It took me multiple viewings on Mean Streets to really “get it”. Now it and Taxi Driver are my favorite Scorcese. There was nothing better than 70s Scorcese. There was just something so pure and honest about those films. After that I’m not as big of a fan. I guess since I’ve gotten older and seen more films, I’ve kinda grown out of a lot of his stuff. I still enjoy some of his films like Goodfellas which is great, but I wouldn’t consider it a favorite by any means.
Thank you. Great analysis. Subbed.
What is the song name of the piano at the end vid was amazing a swell this movie was very confusing to me??
song name is First Gymnopédie by Erik Satie, glad you enjoyed!
A lot more charming real and natural than a lot of Scorseses more grandiose films such as goodfellas and casino despite the fact mean streets isn’t based on a true story. On the other hand it’s a little slower paced and choppy at times and a little off kilter. I still give it a break as it is one of his earliest works. Pretty dope movie
When I seen this movie for the first time in 2019 as a 33 year old, I fkn loved it. It put me right into the 70s I felt like i was getting to see a real life group of guys going throughout their daily lives. It was a classic for me. Scorsese is hands down one of my favorites along with Deniro
Mean Streets is one of my all time favorite movies
I don't think this film really needed a big, flashy plot to be interesting. The characters are well written and acted, so it feels like you know these guys and are just going about life with them. Draws me in every time I watch it, like I'm there in early '70s NYC trying to collect a winning bet. I've heard it said that Martin Scorsese wrote the film inspired by people who grew up around, with the music being the music he grew up with. In that regard, it makes a lot of sense- to a normal guy on the streets of NYC, you probably knew at least a couple guys who were connected in some way or another. There have always been a lot more wannabees than made guys. This film goes beyond about being about wiseguys- it's just about guys. They're portrayed as just normal people, and that's why I enjoy it so much.
Top tier comment, great take
I wish this movie got more attention it's one of my favorite movies
What does it matter how much attention it has?
Memorable acting raw, but damn that story rambled with one small action ending.
You're still to young. It's a Greek thing .. it's a tragedy, where Johnny Boy's character is his destiny, and takes Charlie with him.... This is a masterpiece.
I think that Mean Streets is a nice frame work for The Sopranos because of how both forms of media are about men who are not at the plateau of having copious amounts of money like in Goodfellas and Casino. The difference between the two is that Tony Soprano is a character who wants to get out of feeling like he's doing the same stupid shit everyday, while Charlie and Johnny Boy aren't emotionally venerable to the point of wanting to jump off of a bridge and have accepted their fate in New York until Johnny Boy shits all over it by provoking Michael.
WE DONT PAY MOOKS
I saw it as a commentary on what the mafia had become by then. By the time people really knew what was going on the Italian American mafia was already kind of dying off, or at least waning in power. Michael is the only (presumably) made guy and a bottom feeder like Johnny disrespects him. I always felt like it was a commentary about the state of the mafia.
It's essentially a 70s Sopranos episode...in a way plus it's also a cinema verite low dialog film...Altman and Fellini are in Scorcese veins at this point...letting the camera speak volumes
good job. why Eric Satie at the end?
Terrific acting by all, De Niro as Johny boy was exceptional.
Good analysis Mike is the soldier the rest are a little crew of associates trying to get in ,,but they have a reckless Johnny boy putting them back 3 steps you can't talk to a made guy like that period ,you as a associates cant even introduce a made guy to anyone that is a rule this was a great movie for its time
I watched a documentary about the mafia and 2 former FBI agents said mean streets was the most accurate mafia movie they’ve seen.
Excellent video... thanks.
great view man, i am certain thats what it mostly is about
A film about nothing - Now that's something!
Could watch this movie another 5 times….
This is one of my favorite films ever.
I hope they put it back on Netflix.
Why is this video so good but none of the other videos on your channel interest me
I have no idea why Scorcese included the two guys who were standing in the rain who then jump into Bronson's car, but that gay guy was so ridiculously and obnoxiously over the top it was funny
Very well said!
It was a fun movie
I liked it
Hot take but it's better than wolf of Wall Street
Martin Scorsese basically makes the same film with almost the same cast over and over again-The Irishman is like a parody of Scorsese’s films all in one movie ❤