Review of Carlito's Way (1993) by Kenneth B — 18 Jul 2009
De Palma and Pacino's second masterpiece can probably be seen as something of a companion piece to Scarface. Pacino plays Carlito with great humanity and emotion and Penn, who is almost unrecognisable, is excellent opposite him as a no-good lawyer. Pacino and Penn display a great chemistry in one of the many great on-screen partnerships Pacino has had over the years.
Whereas in Scarface Pacino's gangster was relentless almost machine like in his rise to the top, Carlito is on the other side of the hill. He has just got off 5 years into a 30 year stretch and wants to put the life of crime behind him. Only there are certain elements, mainly Penn's Dave Kleinfeld, who shall I say 'keep pulling (him) back in' - sorry wrong film but it is apt.
The film slowly unfolds towards a tense final act which is darkly poetic and an achingly poignant finale.
This review of Carlito's Way (1993) was written by Kenneth B on 18 Jul 2009.
Carlito's Way has generally received very positive reviews.
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