Review of Mean Streets (1973) by Nemka J — 20 Jul 2008
What starts off as a promising and unique film from one of America's greatest auteurs, becomes a needlessly lengthy film with a bizarre and unfulfilling ending. Scorsese really delivers on the style aspect of "Mean Streets.
" I would also argue that it's one of his most personal films with the overtones of Catholicism vs. "The Streets." (Scorsese is well known for his religious interest wanting to become a priest before turning into a filmmaker.
) However, the interest in the plot and the style start to run pretty thin by the 1 hour mark when another hour is still to go. But, I think this is a love song to Scorsese's biggest interests; New York City, Religion, and avant-garde filmmaker Kenneth Anger.
And how all of these things come together create a very rewarding film. De Niro is outstanding as Johnny, the local misfit who never takes anything seriously. Basically, "Mean Streets" is the launching pad for many Hollywood legends, and while it's not the best gangster movie I've ever seen, it's still cool to see where some greats got their start.
This review of Mean Streets (1973) was written by Nemka J on 20 Jul 2008.
Mean Streets has generally received very positive reviews.
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