Really enjoyed watching this one. Up there with Taxi Driver & Raging Bull. It's a slow burn of a film and quite mature. Probably the best film of the year tbh.
I’ve been waiting on this movie for about 3 years now! DeNiro is my favorite actor and it’s great to see him with Scorsese (my favorite filmmaker), back with his classic sidekick, Joe Pesci, and the great Pacino!! Great review! Glad to see people still like these kinds of films, hopefully I’ll be able to check this out tomorrow
Interesting review! Thanks. One of our film school graduates actually worked on this movie as a P.A. while it was being shot out in the Kaufman Astoria studios in Queens. She was a direct assistant to the Director of Photography, Rodrigo Prieto, and was on set while they were working with De Niro, Pesci etc. So it's interesting to watch your take on the movie. Greetings from Digital Film Academy in New York!
The only fault I could find is that I don't understand why they didn't get a stand in for De Niro for the scene where he 'beats up' the shopkeeper. De Niro treads on the guys hand and the guy screams like he's just been filleted. Compared it to, say, the Billy Bats scene in Goodfellas. C'mon. The Irishman was great, though. The Oscars should have created an award 'best acting ever, no backsies', and given it to Pesci. The scene where he 'orders' the hit on Joe Gallo... he doesn't say a word because he doesn't need to. The stare he gives De Niro says it all: "That motherf*ckers gotta go. Make it happen". You can almost see it play out in his eyes. Phenomenal.
Brilliant review! It's going to be interesting at this year's Oscars because it may very well be Scorsese's magnum opus The Irishman going against Tarantino 's magnum opus Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Both are great films but I think the The Irishman feels like it's just on a different level from recent Best Picture winners. It really is on the level of the best movies he’s done and it’s actually incredible that he was able to achieve this at his age. You are right-I saw this at a theater here in New York but I think streaming is a great format for this film -simply because it’s modern and a lot more people will see it.
I've been saying it for a few years now. Streaming services (including UA-cam) are where the creativity is. That's where you're going to find your real art. I am thankful that in 2019 a movie like this can still be made and made so well. Great review as always!
12:33 " I'm getting the feeling I came in at the end. The best is over. " - Tony Soprano It's been a year since I watched The Sopranos for the first time, still one of my favorite shows.
This movie definitely feels like an end of an era, not only because of the way the story is represented, but considering the age of actors in real life and the way cinema is changing. It has a more realistic atmosphere than goodfellas or casino cause it’s toned down, and that gives a great every day feeling which is immersive. It also makes other scenes more suspenseful, the sequence after the plane fight was masterclass of suspense. I also detected some scenes that the dialogue and vibe reminded of Tarantino, and that was positive in my books. We can clearly see Scorsese wanted to make an epic tragedy and show the inexorable and inevitable way, that nothing lasts forever.
I know that Netflix offers some producers and directors the ability to get a film made. But, I'm old school. Netflix's method of giving a 2-3 week theatrical release to qualify for the Oscars, and then not even giving it a DVD release. It annoys me to no end. It took me 3 years to finally find a DVD of the wonderful Netflix film OKJA. I know I should be more willing to accept the current financial considerations of Film making. But, I'm 68, and I don't have to.
Thanks for doing these. Even though our tastes differ quite a lot, I do appreciate your thorough analysis. You are up there with Mark Kermode and John Simon as my go-to film reviewers. Keep up the work.
THE SENSE OF AN ENDING, or THE SILENCE TO COME I've an affinity for filmmakers who bake in certain anxieties, realities, and contemplations about their own mortality, as well as their understanding of big-h History and their own filmography's place in cinematic history. The filmmakers who come to mind are David Lynch with MULHOLLAND DR. and Twin Peaks: The Return, Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood, and now Scorcese's spiritual twins of Silence and The Irishman. Lynch. Tarantino. Scorcese. These three Iconic and accomplished directors with polarizing, controversial, and aesthetically stunning filmographies have all recently created works of art that feature the absence of sound to communicate a theme for their work. (Tarantino's left the door open for one last film, but he's said numerous times that he's said everything he has to say about cinema with OUATIH, so essentially he's saying he's going to be silent until he has something more to say.) While I have no doubt that Scorcese's recent editorial in the New York Times was a way to him to sound the alarm about the elimination of risk from Hollywood filmmaking, I can't help shake the suspicion it was also veiled publicity stunt to get people talking about him and his upcoming movie again, to generate the polar opposite of silence: a bunch of people arguing on the internet. For what it's worth, I saw The Irishman at the Films Streams' Dundee Theater in Omaha this week, and it was an exceedingly special event to see such a masterfully constructed film that got made despite all the challenges facing it. Challenges such as securing funding, de-aging the actors, convincing Joe Pesci to come out of retirement, etc. I knew what I was getting into, and I settled in for the ride, trusting the master to tell a fascinating story. It did not disappoint. I wonder about all the people who streamed it this weekend and tweeted about how boring and slow they thought the movie was. Perhaps they went in with faulty expectations, hungering for something more cocaine-fueled, whipsmart, with killer action sequences like Goodfellas. I suspect they found it difficult to connect with Frank Sheeran's character considering how the shape of the narrative doesn't have the "outcast orphan finding a family" quality of Henry Hill's story. Even with the flashback, Sheeran's time as a post-WWII truck driver trying to scam some extra money is a tougher identification figure for modern audiences conditioned on MCU Hero's Journey Plots. Perhaps there's some age-ism at play, or maybe Scorcese doesn't want to thrill modern audiences in the same way he used to, because he's trying--like a good priest--to ask audiences why they'd want to vicariously thrill to cinematic depictions of crimes in the first place. I'd contend that he's attempting to atone for his own role in glamorizing a criminal lifestyle in his earlier films, something we're unlikely to ever see an MCU director get to do. Can one imagine the Russo Brothers returning to direct an MCU film in almost years to create a somber meta-cinematic commentary on their own role in superhero filmic history? It's all somewhat silly and pedantic at this point, because for me, the debate about whether the Marvel Studios films are cinema is a regrettable line of debate because there are so many other topics related to Scorcese (in general) and The Irishman (in particular) worth discussing. For starters: 1) How does de-aging technology affect actors' performances? 2) How does the way in which a person experiences this film--streaming or theatrical viewing--affect their appreciation of the film? 3) Does it matter that the book the film is based on is probably a bunch of hooey? 4) In what ways does this film thematically connect to Silence, another long-gestating Scorcese passion project that didn't exactly light up the box office? 5) Could this story have been told in under three hours times? If so, what would be cut? 6) On a related note, why could Tarantino's most recent film open wide with a traditional studio backing him when Scorcese apparently couldn't get any of the traditional studios to back this project?
Very excited to watch this. I agree with your feelings on Scorsese’s mob movies; they’re lots of fun, but his character dramas are so much more rich and compelling - I’ll take King of Comedy over Goodfellas any day. This sounds like it strikes a nice balance between those two modes of filmmaking, if your words are any indication. Thank you for another delightful review! Your takes are vastly more nuanced and better articulated than most UA-cam movie critics, so your uploads are always a treat.
really great in depth review which i think gives justice to the picture itself. credit it to yourself as i was searching for a perspective which wasnt made for clickbait etc. regardless, just had my 2nd viewing and may go for a 3rd one. i think the irishman may now be my favourite scorsese picture ahead of raging bull. the themes it touches upon, soundtrack, and the cast really stand out for me. as a lifelong fan of the sopranos, the wire, boardwalk empire, vinyl, and the godfathers, the irishman is almost a dream come true for me - especially with its cast of actors. with pacino and deniro being my personal top 2 favourite actors. i read this comment somewhere else but i think it really sums it up nicely - the irishman is scorsese's eulogy to that entire genre/era of filmmaking
Thing is, I mainly want to see this film since I have a friend who's an extra, yet I'll always see anything by Scorsese regardless. Thank you so much for this video, and I absolutely appreciate your point of view!
The Sopranos is my favorite show alongside Twin Peaks, it is just a monument of psychology and existentialism. I would love to hear you talk about either of those shows as im sure you like Twin Peaks as well.
With ‘The Irishman’, Martin Scorsese has planted the seed of a mighty oak which may only grow in stature over time. Currently, I’ve no idea where it might rank in his filmography. But as a diehard fan who was weaned on his films, it was a thrill to witness this reunion of past collaborators (along with this first time pairing w/Pacino). DeNiro and Pesci banter is as iconic to me as the image of bones crushing to the strains of ‘Thus Spake Zarathustra’... or a sled being tossed into a fiery furnace... or Gene Kelly dancing with an umbrella. This film has a straightforward sensitivity heretofore never displayed (unthinkable back in Scorsese’s ‘Mean Streets’ days). But this is partly how this newest film derives much of its power. The emotional tone he manages to strike (without ever veering into mawkish sentimentality) is especially affecting. We are witnessing the close of an epoch in cinema, similar to how many may have felt about the prospect of John Ford never directing another western. The genre will continue to evolve with the times. David Chase left his mark on the genre, breathing new life into it by examining deeper psychological complexities of mob life with ‘The Sopranos’ (I am also a huge fan of the series)... Perhaps the prequel film he is working on now will yield some exciting possibilities. In any case, Robbie Robertson’s end credit music was an eloquent summation of what many fans must be feeling right now - that even though more projects may await us from the legendary director, ‘The Irishman’ is a coda to a seminal portion of his oeuvre.
Excellent overview...you made some very insightful points, particularly about De Niro's performance and Scorsese's career choices. I saw the film last night as my first Netflix service moview, so I'm still processing the experience, not just the film, whicg is rich and complex.
I have seen all of Scorsese's films since The Aviator in a cinema & I was worried about missing out on The Irishman because of the Netflix thing. Fortunately, I was able to see it when I was in London in 2019, & it was an amazing experience. The running time just flew by. I've only seen it once since then & it was on blu ray. Although I still very much loved it, seeing it on a smaller screen I could feel the running time by the time it was nearing the end, so I do appreciate Scorsese's views that seeing it on the big screen was the definitive way to see it. My favourite film of 2019.
Streaming is not an immersive experience, you're forever distracted. The internet has fostered short attention spans, where people lack patience for more contemplative, deliberate cinema. Movies are no longer events, unless they're comic book/animated/action/Star Wars films. Sigh.
Cos watching films from the comfort of your own home is a lot less enjoyable than sitting in a dark room surrounded by strangers eating loudly, talking amongst each other and making you wish they weren't there.
I feel similarly. At the end of the day I feel ever so slightly MORE convinced by Nicholson's physicality as Hoffa, his portrayal of the Teamster boss in that David Mamet scripted world felt a more exacting essay in the man's ticks, mannerisms and fiery demeanour as a performance. Nicholson's take on his voice and accent was also very accurate too. BUT... Despite Pacino being his usual shouty self here, his interpretation of Hoffa initially, for me, coming off like many of his numerous other enraged firebrand performances, it then really became his own after the hour and a half mark, he really put his stamp on it come the prison scenes. It was here, especially after having watched a documentary about Hoffa in preparation of watching this, that I became utterly immersed in Hoffa's world as presented in The Irishman. I was no longer watching Pacino's impression of Hoffa. He was also SO funny as Hoffa wasn't he!? The scene where he had to plead with Sheeran (DeNiro ) to come back into his office after feeling he'd been insulted by him in one of his moody verbal onslaughts ("I wasn't including you in that, Frank, just everybody else") was hilarious. I was so pleased to watch Pacino back in a role that he could really chew on whilst also feast on the subtleties of it too. But ultimately Nicholson's portrayal wins out for me too.
I get the same feeling you have about Scorsese's mob movies. Love them, some of the scenes are very memorable (like Hoffa's rant on this one) but I never feel too conected to it. I guess it's just not my thing.
Stopped at the 4:52 mark, but I'll come back to this review after Thursday, when I see "The Irishman" on the big screen. One thing that's bound to be worth commenting on is how the film's length factors in.
You mention some of Scorsese's films that you love... Have you seen by chance, his Religion Trilogy? It consists of, "The Last Temptation of Christ", "Kundun", and "Silence". I think all three of those are masterworks of art. And you needn't BE religious (not sure if you are or not) to admire them. They are fantastic artworks of cinema, regardless.
Hi! Would love your take/opinion review on the Sopranos series, esp the final episode (Made in America). I loved the series but the ending to me and most fans was incomplete.. no sure clues, even after people analyzing it to death all these years later. Also (the prequel) The Many Saints of Newark. Thanks
I would have liked to have seen younger actors playing the roles of the main characters when they were young, utilizing prosthetics and makeup instead of digital de-aging, which really distracts me. This is probably my main complaint. All and all I enjoyed it, but it was kind of Scorsese-by-the-numbers, with needless CGI used on the faces. I'd give it a 3 1/2 out of five. EDIT: I would definitely have liked to have seen more concerning Frank's relationship with his family/daughters. To me, that's kind of what the story ended up becoming, and it would have set this gangster film apart from, say, something like Goodfellas.
This movie is very '70s. I like that. Those were the best years for movies and music by far. Too bad we don't have more of that, instead of CGI trash fest
I'm used to seeing an energetic Joe Pecsi as a psycho killer with a sociopathic short fuse and a personality as big as the Grand Canyon - not a mumbling old man parked in a restaurant booth for most of the movie. This film is ALL hype.
Just watched The Irishman from a small town of India 🇮🇳 called Ranchi on a tiny smartphone with earphones. I simply hate the fact that it was not released in movie theaters. I was born in the mid 90s so I still have no idea what it's like to watch a crima drama movie directed by Martin Scorsese starring Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci, Anna Paquin, Harvey Keitel and others. It was a "once in a lifetime" kind of thing but what can i do when Netflix doesn't really respect the fan following / respect these guys have from length and breath of this world.
Hmm I had mixed feelings about this one. I thought it was too long and Pacino overacted for me, but De Niro was good and Pesci was amazing. I also thought it got better at the end which was excellent, I liked seeing them as old men ruminating on their decisions, trying to convince themselves they did the right thing, I wouldn't have minded seeing a bit more of that. Not too sure the CGI de-ageing worked for me either.
Yay, I found someone who felt pretty much the same things! I thought Pacino was at his best as Lefty in Donny Brascoe, but was rehashing versions of other roles he’s played in this one as Hoffa, and couldn’t capture enough of him for me to believe he _was_ the person-an interesting character of _somebody,_ just not Hoffa.
Worth the hype. One of the BEST gangster flicks ever. The acting... 3 hour movies are a problem for short attention spans and those who think all sci-fi movies are masterpieces. Ha. Wish it was 5 with Deniro, Pacino and Pesci. I'm watching again later.
I've got a feeling it isn't going to be good as, mean streets, casino, Goodfellas etc. But I could be wrong but I'm watching it soon when I have time. Because the run time, wow I remember once upon a time in America very long but a brilliant film
Cinema is not fading but being re-transformed. Netflix and Amazon are at the forefront of that transformation for better or for worse. You have to admit 2019 has seen a watershed moment for film: Parasite. Waves. Joker. Atlantics. The Last Black Man in San Francisco. While great directors work has typically passed them by Scorsese continues to make great films, case in point, "Silence."
I'm glad this film was as popular as it was and that you rated it so highly. I'm a huge Scorsese fan and saw him speak live many years ago. His knowledge of film history and his passion for everything about cinema just blew me away and it became clear to me then why he made such good movies. They are everything to him. I really wanted to like this movie but there were just too many things wrong with it not least of all its length. It was disjointed and the digital aging simply wasn't authentic for me and even the acting was spotty. I'm going to rewatch it someday in the hopes that my view will change, but for now, thumbs down.
It's a sad story. It's a slow burn. Pesci was great. They all were great. Tracking shots. Deaged de niro.
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I think scorsese has been interested in human morality in his films quite consistenly, and understand that through the lens of mafia and organized crime is very interesting to me.
For August 10, 2022: I have not been interested to see this film for mainly one reason. Yes.. I Know.. Commenting on a movie I haven't seen. Ok.. The reason being.. That new Technology that Scorsese was using/trying out/experimenting with really put me off. Trying to make Deniro and Pesci and Pacino look 30's years younger.. No deal for me. That Merely Deprived younger generation actors/Up and coming actors in Hollywood to get a chance/opportunity to be in that caliber of a movie. I saw some of the scenes for it.. I wasn't convinced.. All I could think was how Some younger actors were deprived of the chance to work on a movie like that. In fact it would have been better to start the movie off.. I don't know how the movie works.. Haven't seen it.. But am Presuming that the movie starts with them all being younger. I am not really at all interested to see this movie.
My guess is, if you’re a big Pacino fan (and lots of people clearly are) you’ll love his take on portraying Hoffa. But if you’re less than that, and have more than a little familiarity of the actual Hoffa, you will feel an unpleasant disconnect from watching Pacino play him. From my point of view, Pacino is just barely convincing as Hoffa, and was a tragically bad choice. While capturing certain elements well, at no time did he feel to me like he was Hoffa. Pacino, in most roles that I’ve seen him in, is playing the same person through the years, only with a different name and make-up. I have other thoughts about the film, most of which are positive, and a few mildly negative, none of which are particularly significant enough to go into. But Pacino’s unconvincing portrayal of Hoffa almost ruins the film for me. The effect would be the same for me had he been cast to play Justin Beiber. He played _an_ interesting character well, just not _the_ character he was supposed to be. He just couldn’t capture the essence of Hoffa. Just my opinion.
This movie is not for anyone under the age of 40, sure some of you weirdo 20 year olds will like this movie but MOST and I mean MOST of you who don't remember Goodfellas or Casino, will not like this movie and you should't! But for 40 and older movie goers....I have to say this is a classic!
The Irishman was an absolute mess. As stated in the review its Scorsese in his 'comfort zone' or more like Scorsese on autopilot rehashing the same themes with the same actors and doing it terribly. If I could get past the bad CGI, which I can't, there is the obvious problem with these senior citizens stumbling around and past that is a story that is a complete fabrication beyond the ol' artistic license, a complete lie. This is Scorsese's Godfather 3, I'll just try to forget it ever happened when watching his good films.
This is one of his best films, definitely better than anything he has done in the 21st century, if you think this is the same themes and aesthetic of his previous mob films you flat put did not pay attention, and notice how all the "criticism" people who don't like this film have is on how the effects were not convincing, almost like that's the only consideration they have, curious uh
@Marco Gianesello - why the insult? “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”, right? So are films we like or don’t like, even when we’re paying attention. The de-aging didn’t bother me, just Pacino as (not) Hoffa did. I enjoyed pretty much everything else, and had the Hoffa role been better cast, I would have likely seen this as a masterpiece like you do. But having one of the three main characters of a very long film portrayed so unconvincingly puts this movie overall somewhere in the middle. Yes, Pacino was portraying an interesting realistic character, unfortunately for me it just wasn’t Jimmy Hoffa, at all! And telling me I wasn’t paying attention can’t change that, or anybody else’s opinion.
the irishman wove a path thru the 20th century italians the irish they seemed everywhere, powerful unions , political assinations all shown with a doo-wop background , the actors all did the best work they had done in years,this film was the america of the 20th century, it also a world when people knew the rules and if you broke them you reaped what you had sown. at the end with de niro sitting in thatchair and as the camera pulls back showing a lonely older man and the sadness that his life presented him- heartbreaking,
Unpopular opinion. It was ok. From the high level nerd view about all the details and cinematography sure it was a film makers paradise. And the actors can do no wrong because they are awesome at what they do. However, it didn't add anything to my life. I can see this as something you'll have on in the background on a lazy Sunday when there is nothing else on TV. They'll cut out many parts of the movie because won't matter, and jam their commercials in. The hours spent could have been placed into watching 2 films that make you feel something. It was reaching for that Good Fellows, Godfather, feel, and to me fell short of being able to achieve it.
This movie is a disaster.That's why it's on Netflix. The story isn't anything fresh,or compelling. Scorcese couldn't find actors to play younger versions of the characters? Deniro looked and acted like an old man through the whole movie,and the CGI was comical. The grocer scene was hilarious.Deniro moved like a 75 year old man.LOL
It’s a bloated self indulgent mess defined by its terrible choice to not hire younger actors for the flashbacks. I am a huge fan of everyone involved, but found this unwatchable. History will not be kind to it, especially as compared to his actual masterpieces.
Lionel Nation says it's the worst film he's ever seen. He dissed everyone in it except Pesci, and he disssed the script, the direction, all of it. It made jokes about it because it's so bad.
"The Irishman" needs to be retitled "So, I Heard You Watch Paint Dry". Starts off as a slooooow quasi mob movie and then morphs into The Jimmy Hoffa Story. Way over hyped and does not deliver - AT ALL! This is no Goodfellas or Sopranos! Go see this movie if you have trouble sleeping.
This movie has no diversity what so ever. No blacks, asian or latino represented, woman are not even a footnote all they do here is smoke or be mad, young people dont even appear. Is like the movie was made by a old guy, to have fun memories with his old freinds for 3.5 hours.
Longer hair prettier face and smoother skin you’re making it harder and harder to focus on what you’re talking about lol! Be easy on us men out here turn it down babes it’s tooo much lol!!!
Your reviews are so thoughtful and introspective. You do such a good job!
Really enjoyed watching this one. Up there with Taxi Driver & Raging Bull. It's a slow burn of a film and quite mature. Probably the best film of the year tbh.
I’ve been waiting on this movie for about 3 years now! DeNiro is my favorite actor and it’s great to see him with Scorsese (my favorite filmmaker), back with his classic sidekick, Joe Pesci, and the great Pacino!!
Great review! Glad to see people still like these kinds of films, hopefully I’ll be able to check this out tomorrow
Requiem for the mob movie.
Have you seen Joker?
Will be a toss-up between The Irishman and Joker.
I did a review of Joker
Interesting review! Thanks. One of our film school graduates actually worked on this movie as a P.A. while it was being shot out in the Kaufman Astoria studios in Queens. She was a direct assistant to the Director of Photography, Rodrigo Prieto, and was on set while they were working with De Niro, Pesci etc. So it's interesting to watch your take on the movie. Greetings from Digital Film Academy in New York!
Great timing about the post
Just finished watching this with my family
Thank you FRIENDO....
The only fault I could find is that I don't understand why they didn't get a stand in for De Niro for the scene where he 'beats up' the shopkeeper. De Niro treads on the guys hand and the guy screams like he's just been filleted. Compared it to, say, the Billy Bats scene in Goodfellas. C'mon.
The Irishman was great, though. The Oscars should have created an award 'best acting ever, no backsies', and given it to Pesci. The scene where he 'orders' the hit on Joe Gallo... he doesn't say a word because he doesn't need to. The stare he gives De Niro says it all: "That motherf*ckers gotta go. Make it happen". You can almost see it play out in his eyes. Phenomenal.
Brilliant review!
It's going to be interesting at this year's Oscars because it may very well be Scorsese's magnum opus The Irishman going against Tarantino 's magnum opus Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
Both are great films but I think the The Irishman feels like it's just on a different level from recent Best Picture winners.
It really is on the level of the best movies he’s done and it’s actually incredible that he was able to achieve this at his age.
You are right-I saw this at a theater here in New York but I think streaming is a great format for this film -simply because it’s modern and a lot more people will see it.
Hey have you ever thought of doing a video ranking the films of a director whose filmography you've seen in its entirety (Lynch, Welles)?
Good idea
It would most definitely be Gaspar Noe rather than Welles,Lynch.
@@sagarsaxena6318 Gaspar Noe has five films and one of them's terrible; I doubt it would make for a particularly interesting video.
I've been saying it for a few years now. Streaming services (including UA-cam) are where the creativity is. That's where you're going to find your real art. I am thankful that in 2019 a movie like this can still be made and made so well. Great review as always!
12:33 " I'm getting the feeling I came in at the end. The best is over. " - Tony Soprano
It's been a year since I watched The Sopranos for the first time, still one of my favorite shows.
Please check out HBO's The Wire
@@HEAVYDIAPER Love the first two seasons of The Wire, I'll finish the other three eventually.
This movie definitely feels like an end of an era, not only because of the way the story is represented, but considering the age of actors in real life and the way cinema is changing. It has a more realistic atmosphere than goodfellas or casino cause it’s toned down, and that gives a great every day feeling which is immersive. It also makes other scenes more suspenseful, the sequence after the plane fight was masterclass of suspense. I also detected some scenes that the dialogue and vibe reminded of Tarantino, and that was positive in my books. We can clearly see Scorsese wanted to make an epic tragedy and show the inexorable and inevitable way, that nothing lasts forever.
I certainly liked much more than Goodfellas. This is was one of his best movies in years.
I know that Netflix offers some producers and directors the ability to get a film made. But, I'm old school. Netflix's method of giving a 2-3 week theatrical release to qualify for the Oscars, and then not even giving it a DVD release. It annoys me to no end. It took me 3 years to finally find a DVD of the wonderful Netflix film OKJA. I know I should be more willing to accept the current financial considerations of Film making. But, I'm 68, and I don't have to.
Thanks for doing these. Even though our tastes differ quite a lot, I do appreciate your thorough analysis.
You are up there with Mark Kermode and John Simon as my go-to film reviewers. Keep up the work.
THE SENSE OF AN ENDING, or THE SILENCE TO COME
I've an affinity for filmmakers who bake in certain anxieties, realities, and contemplations about their own mortality, as well as their understanding of big-h History and their own filmography's place in cinematic history.
The filmmakers who come to mind are David Lynch with MULHOLLAND DR. and Twin Peaks: The Return, Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood, and now Scorcese's spiritual twins of Silence and The Irishman.
Lynch. Tarantino. Scorcese. These three Iconic and accomplished directors with polarizing, controversial, and aesthetically stunning filmographies have all recently created works of art that feature the absence of sound to communicate a theme for their work. (Tarantino's left the door open for one last film, but he's said numerous times that he's said everything he has to say about cinema with OUATIH, so essentially he's saying he's going to be silent until he has something more to say.) While I have no doubt that Scorcese's recent editorial in the New York Times was a way to him to sound the alarm about the elimination of risk from Hollywood filmmaking, I can't help shake the suspicion it was also veiled publicity stunt to get people talking about him and his upcoming movie again, to generate the polar opposite of silence: a bunch of people arguing on the internet.
For what it's worth, I saw The Irishman at the Films Streams' Dundee Theater in Omaha this week, and it was an exceedingly special event to see such a masterfully constructed film that got made despite all the challenges facing it. Challenges such as securing funding, de-aging the actors, convincing Joe Pesci to come out of retirement, etc. I knew what I was getting into, and I settled in for the ride, trusting the master to tell a fascinating story. It did not disappoint.
I wonder about all the people who streamed it this weekend and tweeted about how boring and slow they thought the movie was. Perhaps they went in with faulty expectations, hungering for something more cocaine-fueled, whipsmart, with killer action sequences like Goodfellas. I suspect they found it difficult to connect with Frank Sheeran's character considering how the shape of the narrative doesn't have the "outcast orphan finding a family" quality of Henry Hill's story. Even with the flashback, Sheeran's time as a post-WWII truck driver trying to scam some extra money is a tougher identification figure for modern audiences conditioned on MCU Hero's Journey Plots.
Perhaps there's some age-ism at play, or maybe Scorcese doesn't want to thrill modern audiences in the same way he used to, because he's trying--like a good priest--to ask audiences why they'd want to vicariously thrill to cinematic depictions of crimes in the first place. I'd contend that he's attempting to atone for his own role in glamorizing a criminal lifestyle in his earlier films, something we're unlikely to ever see an MCU director get to do. Can one imagine the Russo Brothers returning to direct an MCU film in almost years to create a somber meta-cinematic commentary on their own role in superhero filmic history?
It's all somewhat silly and pedantic at this point, because for me, the debate about whether the Marvel Studios films are cinema is a regrettable line of debate because there are so many other topics related to Scorcese (in general) and The Irishman (in particular) worth discussing. For starters:
1) How does de-aging technology affect actors' performances?
2) How does the way in which a person experiences this film--streaming or theatrical viewing--affect their appreciation of the film?
3) Does it matter that the book the film is based on is probably a bunch of hooey?
4) In what ways does this film thematically connect to Silence, another long-gestating Scorcese passion project that didn't exactly light up the box office?
5) Could this story have been told in under three hours times? If so, what would be cut?
6) On a related note, why could Tarantino's most recent film open wide with a traditional studio backing him when Scorcese apparently couldn't get any of the traditional studios to back this project?
Very excited to watch this. I agree with your feelings on Scorsese’s mob movies; they’re lots of fun, but his character dramas are so much more rich and compelling - I’ll take King of Comedy over Goodfellas any day. This sounds like it strikes a nice balance between those two modes of filmmaking, if your words are any indication. Thank you for another delightful review! Your takes are vastly more nuanced and better articulated than most UA-cam movie critics, so your uploads are always a treat.
really great in depth review which i think gives justice to the picture itself. credit it to yourself as i was searching for a perspective which wasnt made for clickbait etc. regardless, just had my 2nd viewing and may go for a 3rd one. i think the irishman may now be my favourite scorsese picture ahead of raging bull. the themes it touches upon, soundtrack, and the cast really stand out for me. as a lifelong fan of the sopranos, the wire, boardwalk empire, vinyl, and the godfathers, the irishman is almost a dream come true for me - especially with its cast of actors. with pacino and deniro being my personal top 2 favourite actors.
i read this comment somewhere else but i think it really sums it up nicely - the irishman is scorsese's eulogy to that entire genre/era of filmmaking
This movie is so damn good. The poor Hoffa family never will know the truth for real though.
Thoroughly impressed. Articulate, well thought out, made some great points. Just subscribed. Cheers ✌️
Thing is, I mainly want to see this film since I have a friend who's an extra, yet I'll always see anything by Scorsese regardless. Thank you so much for this video, and I absolutely appreciate your point of view!
I´m glad to hear that 10:30 , I also thought about the similarity with the Attica speech, most of all with the "solidarity" yelling.
The Sopranos is my favorite show alongside Twin Peaks, it is just a monument of psychology and existentialism. I would love to hear you talk about either of those shows as im sure you like Twin Peaks as well.
Would love you to review Terrence Malick’s movies. In particular: Tree of Life, Badlands, The Thin Red Line, and a Hidden Life.
With ‘The Irishman’, Martin Scorsese has planted the seed of a mighty oak which may only grow in stature over time.
Currently, I’ve no idea where it might rank in his filmography. But as a diehard fan who was weaned on his films, it was a thrill to witness this reunion of past collaborators (along with this first time pairing w/Pacino).
DeNiro and Pesci banter is as iconic to me as the image of bones crushing to the strains of ‘Thus Spake Zarathustra’... or a sled being tossed into a fiery furnace... or Gene Kelly dancing with an umbrella.
This film has a straightforward sensitivity heretofore never displayed (unthinkable back in Scorsese’s ‘Mean Streets’ days). But this is partly how this newest film derives much of its power.
The emotional tone he manages to strike (without ever veering into mawkish sentimentality) is especially affecting. We are witnessing the close of an epoch in cinema, similar to how many may have felt about the prospect of John Ford never directing another western.
The genre will continue to evolve with the times. David Chase left his mark on the genre, breathing new life into it by examining deeper psychological complexities of mob life with ‘The Sopranos’ (I am also a huge fan of the series)... Perhaps the prequel film he is working on now will yield some exciting possibilities.
In any case, Robbie Robertson’s end credit music was an eloquent summation of what many fans must be feeling right now - that even though more projects may await us from the legendary director, ‘The Irishman’ is a coda to a seminal portion of his oeuvre.
I have to admit, I'm infinitely more excited about The Many Saints of Newark than I ever was for El Camino (not a fan of Breaking Bad, personally).
Excellent overview...you made some very insightful points, particularly about De Niro's performance and Scorsese's career choices. I saw the film last night as my first Netflix service moview, so I'm still processing the experience, not just the film, whicg is rich and complex.
I have seen all of Scorsese's films since The Aviator in a cinema & I was worried about missing out on The Irishman because of the Netflix thing. Fortunately, I was able to see it when I was in London in 2019, & it was an amazing experience. The running time just flew by.
I've only seen it once since then & it was on blu ray. Although I still very much loved it, seeing it on a smaller screen I could feel the running time by the time it was nearing the end, so I do appreciate Scorsese's views that seeing it on the big screen was the definitive way to see it.
My favourite film of 2019.
Question did you watch this in the theatre or on netflix
I could watch Joe Pesci all day
Streaming is not an immersive experience, you're forever distracted. The internet has fostered short attention spans, where people lack patience for more contemplative, deliberate cinema. Movies are no longer events, unless they're comic book/animated/action/Star Wars films. Sigh.
Cos watching films from the comfort of your own home is a lot less enjoyable than sitting in a dark room surrounded by strangers eating loudly, talking amongst each other and making you wish they weren't there.
@@lukess.s You missed the point of his post
The film is great, no doubt, but Hoffa, with Jack Nicholson and directed by Danny Devito, is a better read on Jimmy Hoffa.
I feel similarly. At the end of the day I feel ever so slightly MORE convinced by Nicholson's physicality as Hoffa, his portrayal of the Teamster boss in that David Mamet scripted world felt a more exacting essay in the man's ticks, mannerisms and fiery demeanour as a performance. Nicholson's take on his voice and accent was also very accurate too. BUT... Despite Pacino being his usual shouty self here, his interpretation of Hoffa initially, for me, coming off like many of his numerous other enraged firebrand performances, it then really became his own after the hour and a half mark, he really put his stamp on it come the prison scenes. It was here, especially after having watched a documentary about Hoffa in preparation of watching this, that I became utterly immersed in Hoffa's world as presented in The Irishman. I was no longer watching Pacino's impression of Hoffa.
He was also SO funny as Hoffa wasn't he!? The scene where he had to plead with Sheeran (DeNiro ) to come back into his office after feeling he'd been insulted by him in one of his moody verbal onslaughts ("I wasn't including you in that, Frank, just everybody else") was hilarious. I was so pleased to watch Pacino back in a role that he could really chew on whilst also feast on the subtleties of it too. But ultimately Nicholson's portrayal wins out for me too.
Also, as you suggest, Hoffa (1992) is a more focused and larger 'life and times of..' biopic and covers more of his experiences.
Pacino did a horrible job as Hoffa.
Besides that,Hoffa was a two faced weasel.
john dillinger only moron think jack better than a pacino
Alan Ford i think you just a moron lol cause al pacino did great
I get the same feeling you have about Scorsese's mob movies. Love them, some of the scenes are very memorable (like Hoffa's rant on this one) but I never feel too conected to it. I guess it's just not my thing.
Stopped at the 4:52 mark, but I'll come back to this review after Thursday, when I see "The Irishman" on the big screen. One thing that's bound to be worth commenting on is how the film's length factors in.
You mention some of Scorsese's films that you love... Have you seen by chance, his Religion Trilogy? It consists of, "The Last Temptation of Christ", "Kundun", and "Silence". I think all three of those are masterworks of art. And you needn't BE religious (not sure if you are or not) to admire them. They are fantastic artworks of cinema, regardless.
Hi! Would love your take/opinion review on the Sopranos series, esp the final episode (Made in America). I loved the series but the ending to me and most fans was incomplete.. no sure clues, even after people analyzing it to death all these years later. Also (the prequel) The Many Saints of Newark. Thanks
Excellent. I'd love to see your review of Once Upon A Time In America.
They don't make film makers like them anymore unfortunately
I would have liked to have seen younger actors playing the roles of the main characters when they were young, utilizing prosthetics and makeup instead of digital de-aging, which really distracts me. This is probably my main complaint. All and all I enjoyed it, but it was kind of Scorsese-by-the-numbers, with needless CGI used on the faces. I'd give it a 3 1/2 out of five.
EDIT: I would definitely have liked to have seen more concerning Frank's relationship with his family/daughters. To me, that's kind of what the story ended up becoming, and it would have set this gangster film apart from, say, something like Goodfellas.
This movie is very '70s. I like that. Those were the best years for movies and music by far. Too bad we don't have more of that, instead of CGI trash fest
Ironic you say that considering the Irishman had a lot of CGI.
I'm used to seeing an energetic Joe Pecsi as a psycho killer with a sociopathic short fuse and a personality as big as the Grand Canyon - not a mumbling old man parked in a restaurant booth for most of the movie. This film is ALL hype.
This comment only has one like. I bet it was the person who typed it
Just watched The Irishman from a small town of India 🇮🇳 called Ranchi on a tiny smartphone with earphones. I simply hate the fact that it was not released in movie theaters. I was born in the mid 90s so I still have no idea what it's like to watch a crima drama movie directed by Martin Scorsese starring Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci, Anna Paquin, Harvey Keitel and others. It was a "once in a lifetime" kind of thing but what can i do when Netflix doesn't really respect the fan following / respect these guys have from length and breath of this world.
Probably my favorite review for the irishman
I can't get into Scorcesse's non-mafia stuff. Ha. To each their own but overally a great intelligent review.
Very thoughtful review.
This is one of the best reviews I’ve seen for this movie, extremely insightful
Hmm I had mixed feelings about this one. I thought it was too long and Pacino overacted for me, but De Niro was good and Pesci was amazing. I also thought it got better at the end which was excellent, I liked seeing them as old men ruminating on their decisions, trying to convince themselves they did the right thing, I wouldn't have minded seeing a bit more of that. Not too sure the CGI de-ageing worked for me either.
Yay, I found someone who felt pretty much the same things! I thought Pacino was at his best as Lefty in Donny Brascoe, but was rehashing versions of other roles he’s played in this one as Hoffa, and couldn’t capture enough of him for me to believe he _was_ the person-an interesting character of _somebody,_ just not Hoffa.
Worth the hype. One of the BEST gangster flicks ever. The acting... 3 hour movies are a problem for short attention spans and those who think all sci-fi movies are masterpieces. Ha. Wish it was 5 with Deniro, Pacino and Pesci. I'm watching again later.
I've got a feeling it isn't going to be good as, mean streets, casino, Goodfellas etc. But I could be wrong but I'm watching it soon when I have time. Because the run time, wow I remember once upon a time in America very long but a brilliant film
De Niro was too old and rickety to play a a young man, however the film was good overall. The corner store scene was painful to watch.
spoiler ************************ when he was beating the shit out of the guy, have you seen robert deniro arm ? i think he got a medical condition
Yeah, he never looked younger than forty.
@@MrAwombat 40? come on, he never looked 40 in the entire film.
Al pacino was amazing and stole the show for real .... Jack Nicholson can take notes
Cinema is not fading but being re-transformed. Netflix and Amazon are at the forefront of that transformation for better or for worse. You have to admit 2019 has seen a watershed moment for film: Parasite. Waves. Joker. Atlantics. The Last Black Man in San Francisco. While great directors work has typically passed them by Scorsese continues to make great films, case in point, "Silence."
"It's what it is"
I'm glad this film was as popular as it was and that you rated it so highly. I'm a huge Scorsese fan and saw him speak live many years ago. His knowledge of film history and his passion for everything about cinema just blew me away and it became clear to me then why he made such good movies. They are everything to him. I really wanted to like this movie but there were just too many things wrong with it not least of all its length. It was disjointed and the digital aging simply wasn't authentic for me and even the acting was spotty. I'm going to rewatch it someday in the hopes that my view will change, but for now, thumbs down.
Subscribed!
Hey please please please
Can you review with spoilers season wise review of the Sopranos.( Your favorites)
Please please please.
It's a sad story. It's a slow burn. Pesci was great. They all were great. Tracking shots. Deaged de niro.
I think scorsese has been interested in human morality in his films quite consistenly, and understand that through the lens of mafia and organized crime is very interesting to me.
Wasn’t Hoffa killed after leaving the Red fox
David Lewis yes, thats what happens here
I liked it alot was a great watch cgi a bit weird but still work out anyways.
Have u seen too old to die young buy nwf it's epic
For August 10, 2022: I have not been interested to see this film for mainly one reason. Yes.. I Know.. Commenting on a movie I haven't seen. Ok.. The reason being.. That new Technology that Scorsese was using/trying out/experimenting with really put me off. Trying to make Deniro and Pesci and Pacino look 30's years younger.. No deal for me. That Merely Deprived younger generation actors/Up and coming actors in Hollywood to get a chance/opportunity to be in that caliber of a movie. I saw some of the scenes for it.. I wasn't convinced.. All I could think was how Some younger actors were deprived of the chance to work on a movie like that. In fact it would have been better to start the movie off.. I don't know how the movie works.. Haven't seen it.. But am Presuming that the movie starts with them all being younger. I am not really at all interested to see this movie.
This is an amazing film. I won't compare..more like put along side with goodfellas, casino and godfather.
The Sopranos question consciousness itself? Where does that happen?
My guess is, if you’re a big Pacino fan (and lots of people clearly are) you’ll love his take on portraying Hoffa. But if you’re less than that, and have more than a little familiarity of the actual Hoffa, you will feel an unpleasant disconnect from watching Pacino play him. From my point of view, Pacino is just barely convincing as Hoffa, and was a tragically bad choice. While capturing certain elements well, at no time did he feel to me like he was Hoffa. Pacino, in most roles that I’ve seen him in, is playing the same person through the years, only with a different name and make-up. I have other thoughts about the film, most of which are positive, and a few mildly negative, none of which are particularly significant enough to go into. But Pacino’s unconvincing portrayal of Hoffa almost ruins the film for me. The effect would be the same for me had he been cast to play Justin Beiber. He played _an_ interesting character well, just not _the_ character he was supposed to be. He just couldn’t capture the essence of Hoffa. Just my opinion.
"Charisma" is ATTRIBUTED.
Can you do a Goodfellas review
This movie is not for anyone under the age of 40, sure some of you weirdo 20 year olds will like this movie but MOST and I mean MOST of you who don't remember Goodfellas or Casino, will not like this movie and you should't! But for 40 and older movie goers....I have to say this is a classic!
The Irishman was an absolute mess. As stated in the review its Scorsese in his 'comfort zone' or more like Scorsese on autopilot
rehashing the same themes with the same actors and doing it terribly. If I could get past the bad CGI, which I can't, there is the obvious
problem with these senior citizens stumbling around and past that is a story that is a complete fabrication beyond the ol' artistic license,
a complete lie. This is Scorsese's Godfather 3, I'll just try to forget it ever happened when watching his good films.
This is one of his best films, definitely better than anything he has done in the 21st century, if you think this is the same themes and aesthetic of his previous mob films you flat put did not pay attention, and notice how all the "criticism" people who don't like this film have is on how the effects were not convincing, almost like that's the only consideration they have, curious uh
@Marco Gianesello - why the insult? “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”, right? So are films we like or don’t like, even when we’re paying attention. The de-aging didn’t bother me, just Pacino as (not) Hoffa did. I enjoyed pretty much everything else, and had the Hoffa role been better cast, I would have likely seen this as a masterpiece like you do. But having one of the three main characters of a very long film portrayed so unconvincingly puts this movie overall somewhere in the middle. Yes, Pacino was portraying an interesting realistic character, unfortunately for me it just wasn’t Jimmy Hoffa, at all! And telling me I wasn’t paying attention can’t change that, or anybody else’s opinion.
Superhero comic book movies should have to be streamed on Netflix and films like The Irishman should be shown in theatres.
I really loved it
I'm weak, I clicked for your hair.
the irishman wove a path thru the 20th century italians the irish they seemed everywhere, powerful unions , political assinations all shown with a doo-wop background , the actors all did the best work they had done in years,this film was the america of the 20th century, it also a world when people knew the rules and if you broke them you reaped what you had sown. at the end with de niro sitting in thatchair and as the camera pulls back showing a lonely older man and the sadness that his life presented him- heartbreaking,
Still prefer Goodfellas.
Unpopular opinion. It was ok. From the high level nerd view about all the details and cinematography sure it was a film makers paradise. And the actors can do no wrong because they are awesome at what they do. However, it didn't add anything to my life. I can see this as something you'll have on in the background on a lazy Sunday when there is nothing else on TV. They'll cut out many parts of the movie because won't matter, and jam their commercials in. The hours spent could have been placed into watching 2 films that make you feel something. It was reaching for that Good Fellows, Godfather, feel, and to me fell short of being able to achieve it.
Godfather 2 is the best gangster film ever
Has anyone ever read easy riders raging bulls? Interesting stuff.
It was a great movie even if the story is fiction,,maybe its all true? anyways,, best gangster movie since the Departed (also Matry)..
This movie was way better than Once upon in Hollywood and I'm glad Al Pacino finally got to work with Scorsese.
I think all the things you’re glad it’s not, is what it is. Plenty suck ass, not so much kick ass
I thought the acting was pretty rough in this; incongruent.
Amazing film. Amazing performance especially from Pesci. Only problem of the film was that it wasn't long enough. I didn't want it to end.
I have a conflict, i liked your review's but i see nothing of those movies and i care about possible spoilers XD XD
For me: Goodfellas,.Casino, Irishman.
It's funny that you brought up Sopranos because The Irishman would have been a better story as a mini series in my opinion.
This movie is a disaster.That's why it's on Netflix.
The story isn't anything fresh,or compelling.
Scorcese couldn't find actors to play younger versions of the characters?
Deniro looked and acted like an old man through the whole movie,and the CGI was comical.
The grocer scene was hilarious.Deniro moved like a 75 year old man.LOL
What's wrong with a little ass kissing? I mean, no one wants to be a butt cheeker but it's always nice to keep a few around to fuel my self delusions.
Revered
It’s a bloated self indulgent mess defined by its terrible choice to not hire younger actors for the flashbacks. I am a huge fan of everyone involved, but found this unwatchable. History will not be kind to it, especially as compared to his actual masterpieces.
I disagree. The film has only gotten better since its release. I've seen it 3 times and love it more each time.
Lionel Nation says it's the worst film he's ever seen. He dissed everyone in it except Pesci, and he disssed the script, the direction, all of it. It made jokes about it because it's so bad.
Lionel is wrong
Lionel is wrong
To long movie and always the same... Like goddfellsa and Casino only a good movie no more
Irishman's cool and all...but it's no Gotti-level masterpiece
You got jokes eh? 😉
"The Irishman" needs to be retitled "So, I Heard You Watch Paint Dry". Starts off as a slooooow quasi mob movie and then morphs into The Jimmy Hoffa Story. Way over hyped and does not deliver - AT ALL! This is no Goodfellas or Sopranos! Go see this movie if you have trouble sleeping.
Bob Riedel you didn’t like the story at all?
A piece
If you want to see a far superior film about an aging criminal watch The Friends of Eddie Coyle (1973).
Don't know about superior but, still, The Friends Of Eddie Cole - simply superb!!
You are so pretty girl !
It's a paint-by-the-numbers gangster film. Unoriginal, episodic, boring. The leads are 30 years too old for their parts and it shows.
You need to eat more ASAP
You need to learn respect.
I agree with you ur hot by the way
being moral-less and pointless
This movie has no diversity what so ever. No blacks, asian or latino represented, woman are not even a footnote all they do here is smoke or be mad, young people dont even appear. Is like the movie was made by a old guy, to have fun memories with his old freinds for 3.5 hours.
Ugh
And that it doesn’t have diversity is automatically a problem?
@Holy shit, it's a talking muffin Sorry dude I didnt know that asians, latinos and blacks were created after 1980.
Are you serious, if you were in front of me now, I probably would back hand you because you do deserve a full fist.
@@dino8970 you racist
Longer hair prettier face and smoother skin you’re making it harder and harder to focus on what you’re talking about lol! Be easy on us men out here turn it down babes it’s tooo much lol!!!
You sound like a moron.
@Mike Knight Hey Mike, shut the fuck up.