Review of Mean Streets (1973) by Myles H — 13 Apr 2009
This is the film that catapulted Martin Scorsese to prominence. A gritty and down to earth film, semi-autobiographical in Scorsese's case, based on actual events he saw growing up, it is a powerful and gripping tale of life in the rough parts of New York, and it made stars out of it's lead performers.
Set in the Little Italy district of Manhattan, it follows the lives and fortunes of a group of young men, including Charlie (Harvey Keitel), who is trying to move up in the world in the circle of the local mafia, in particular his Uncle Giovanni (Cesare Danova), where Charlie goes around as a debt collector.
But, his chances of moving up in the world of the local organised crime are hampered by his destructive friend Johnny Boy (Robert De Niro), whose destructiveness and psychotic nature threatens to hamper their fortunes of a better life.
Scorsese had two two no-budget films before this, but he always considers this to be his first proper film. It's very dark and murky, and Taxi Driver aside, Scorsese hasn't done a film as gritty and grainy as this since, everything else seems polished and fine.
But, this is where it all began, with good lead roles from Keitel and De Niro, this put Scorsese on the road to better things.
This review of Mean Streets (1973) was written by Myles H on 13 Apr 2009.
Mean Streets has generally received very positive reviews.
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