Review of Carlito's Way (1993) by Lindsey B — 25 Feb 2010

I think that I should have liked this film a lot better than I actually did. It is an excellent film - although after watching I wished that I had seen it a lot earlier than I did.

The story is somewhat cliched. Al Pacino plays a gangster gone clean but still somehow manages to get swept up in violence despite his best attempts. In a textbook kind of irony, by being a better person, he actually undermines his own dreams of a happy, simple future.

Despite this old-school gangster movie plot, there is much to like about Carlitos Way. Al Pacino delivers an outstanding performance, well supported by excellent character development. You really feel for his character - and root for him all the way, even though deep down you know that the ending will not be a happy one. Sean Penn plays a truly abhorrent, scheming, faithless, crackhead lawyer (as if there were any other sort in these kind of movies?) - a true Yin to Pacino's Yang.

One of the most memorable scenes for me involves Carlito and his dancer ex-girlfriend - he stands behind a chained door, whilst Penelope Ann Miller stands on the other side, teasing him. The chemistry that builds in those few moments are a true testament to the direction from Brian De Palma, as well as Al Pacino's ability to convey strong feelings and emotion without saying a single word.

I would rank this film below The Godfather trilogy but well above Goodfellas. If only I had gotten round to watching it before.