Review of Mean Streets (1973) by Oliver J — 09 Jun 2011

'Mean Streets' is a Martin Scorsese drama/gangster classic starring Harvey Keitel and Robert De Niro. In my opinion it's sheer brilliance all the way through to it's powerful and action packed finale. 'Mean Streets' represents classic Scorsese, released in 1973 it involves a rich plot full of gangsters, money, guns, twists and blood whilst still remaining intelligent and not shallow.

Charlie (Keitel) is attempting to 'climb the ranks' of the New York mafia but still remains responsible for his crazy, reckless friend Johnny Boy (De Niro), Johnny Boy has a gambling problem, gets into fights with minimal cause and owes loan sharks a lot of money. Charlie has a secret affair with Johnny Boy's cousin Teresa (Amy Robinson), the affair remains a secret because Teresa has epilepsy, Charlie's Uncle and the local high ranking mafia member Giovanni (Cesare Danova) sees epilepsy as a mental condition which makes a woman unsuitable! Charlie has another problem, he's torn between his religion and mafia work. Meanwhile Johnny Boy keeps failing to show at meetings to pay loan shark Michael (Richard Romanus) and he cannot wait forever.

This gangster classic mixes a suitable amount of dialogue, action, violence and humour and the result is brilliant. Robert De Niro, Harvey Keitel and Amy Robinson deliver knock-out performances, especially De Niro as Johnny Boy the unstable, angry comic. The soundtrack to 'Mean Streets' is also fantastic, the music rarely stops throughout. I am yet to see Casino and Taxi Driver but if they are as good as 'Mean Streets' like I have heard I'm looking forward to them!