Review of Mean Streets (1973) by Jake B — 23 Jul 2009
Before this second viewing, the praise for Mean Streets had always alluded me. I viewed it as a good work by a great director (Scorsese) who still had his best films ahead of him. Indeed, Scorsese would go on to make great films later, such as GoodFellas and Raging Bull, but now I see Mean Streets as a film that belongs in that esteemed company.
The film is a thinly plotted view into the lives of small time hoodlums in early-1970's New York City. A fairly tiresome presence, but the films roots are in Martin Scorsese's own past and it is that personal insight that makes Mean Streets something truly special.
Also of note, this film is the first pairing of legendary actor director combination Robert DeNiro and Scorsese. DeNiro plays the violate and headstrong Johny-Boy. It is a performance of such malevolent and volcanic charisma that I think it ranks among Jake LaMotta as one of DeNiro's most sharply observed and well played characters.
This review of Mean Streets (1973) was written by Jake B on 23 Jul 2009.
Mean Streets has generally received very positive reviews.
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