Taking a stab at union boss Jimmy Hoffa’s dealings , the very good epic film The Irishman is an epic film about his demise and it comes up a winner. The film tells all the nitty-gritty spanning many years with excellent acting, cinematography, make-up, sets and props that put you in the early days of his power climb as seen through the eyes of true story hired gun Frank Sheeran who was there right to the very end. Director Martin Scorsese lays it all out in a slow paced three hours and a half building his story with convincing characters that make the film work. The film is one of my odds on favorites for an Oscar.
For those of you who slept during American History, Political Science or whatever they are calling the course these days Jimmy Hoffa was the head of the Teamsters International a labor union made up of blue-collar and professional workers. They included truck drivers, chauffeurs, warehouses and others in related fields. Whenever they went on strike (stopped working as a group) for higher wages for example, they shut down deliveries to places like large retail stores like Walmart and supermarkets as well. It caused havoc in the industry but as a group they were able to control their pocketbooks and even hours worked. The Teamsters brought in millions from the dues each union member had to pay. This is where the people at the top were able to buy big homes, and live a rich lifestyle. In this film you will see the power of those such as Hoffa and how he ran the union like a Mafia of sorts.
Well on with the storyline of The Irishman. Involved in the greater scheme of things, Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro) had worked his way up in the organization starting from an early age. He was now a significant part of Jimmy Hoffa’s (Al Pacino) dealings, especially those that dealt with rival unions. When a crime had to be committed in order to close a deal or make good on a bad debt, Sheeran was the go to guy. A telephone call asking if he painted houses would signal the job and he would be delivered an envelope.
His best friend Russell Bufalino (Joe Pesci) was Sheeran’s way into the underworld of the Bufalino family and he became much respected, calling him The Irishman. While the Bufalino Family controlled a portion of Manhattan, it was assumed they had other dealings that could be far reaching, even in the Unions. The story follows the two men showing flashbacks to their past, involvement in each other’s personal family and Sheeran’s dealings with Hoffa. From early life to the close reality of being a part of working with one of the richest men in America, the life of a mobster gets down and dirty, even with his best friends and higher targets if necessary.
Martin Scorsese makes his film gritty, political, and yet endearing taking his audience into each of the three main character’s lives and dealings. His choice of stars De Niro, Pesci and Pacino to bring the characters to life on the big screen was a natural, but in a way sort of a union for the three who never all appeared together in a movie. It was their time and they make it their own, even choosing some choice facial expressions to bring back memories of their past conquests in films like The Godfather, Goodfellows, A Bronx Tale, Heat and Casino.
The standout in the film is Al Pacino as Jimmy Hoffa. I didn’t even recognize Pacino at first when Scorsese introduced him early on as the union boss. He shows the dark side of Hoffa and his dealings for money even if it takes violence to get what he wants. Putting his brand on the film, his swagger, attitude and determination are shown on Pacino’s facial expressions and CGI enhanced features becoming the infamous Hoffa.
De Niro and Pesci both play characters you may have recognized from their long string of mafia, gangster and hit men films. De Niro tries to hide his Italian heritage playing a person of German heritage, but many of his mannerisms are definitely Italian. He’s at his level best in The Irishman and knocks his character out of the park.
As for Pesci, he does make a statement as the Mafia don that controls a good portion of NYC. His gruff posture and powerful authority does get overshadowed a bit by the other performances, but it’s good to see him back in his best element. Of the three stars, he’s the one that makes the film work best. I’m hoping it’s not his swansong as I have always liked his acting and the bigger than life characters he brings to the screen.
When you consider a Martin Scorsese film you think “Go Long” as evidenced by the 3 hours and a half The Irishman. Not many of his films are 1 hr. and 45 minutes or less and even his 3 hour Wolf of Wall Street seems a bit tiring. That said, the child oriented film Hugo did need 2 hours and 6 minutes to be concluded as well as his 2 and a half hour The Departed, one of Scorsese’s best films ever. It’s not every movie that pushes over 3 hours (tongue in cheek), take The Aviator it was only 2 hours and 50 minutes, and Gangs of New York coming in at 2 hours and 47 minutes. Casino ran 2 hours and 58 minutes, The Last Temptation of Christ 2 hours and 44 minutes and several of his others get pretty long winded as well. This is a rant, but not a complaint as I’ve enjoyed every film of the master of “its not over till the curtain drops” and for that I thank him. And thanks also for teaming up with Netflix so I could pause The Irishman and refill my soda and pop another microwave popcorn. For those who would like a quick 1 hour and 28 minute Martin Scorsese film check out Boxcar Bertha (1972) on YouTube, it’s a hoot.
The Irishman has been rated R for pervasive language and strong violence. The film is available in select theaters and on Netfilx. Be cautious when viewing the film as there are some very brutal scenes that may be inappropriate for immature children.
FINAL ANALYSIS: One of Scorsese’s best films even though it’s a bit lengthy. (4 out of 5 Stars)
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci, Anna Paquin, Harvey Keitel, Stephen Graham, Bobby Cannavale, Aleksa Palladino, Domenick Lombardozzi, Kathrine Narducci, Ray Romano, Sebastian Maniscalco, Jesse Plemons, Jake Hoffman, Jeremy Luke, Stephanie Kurtzuba, India Ennenga, J.C. MacKenzie, Gary Basaraba, Jack Huston, Larry Romano, Barry Primus.
Directed and written by:
Genre: Biography, Crime, Drama
MPAA Rating: R for pervasive language and strong violence
Running Time: 3 hrs. 29 min.
Opening Date: November 27, 2019
Distributed by: Netflix
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
