Review of Mean Streets (1973) by Brian K — 21 May 2008
Early but still completely satisfying work from Scorsese. It wasn't quite what I expected; I suppose, knowing that it was a gangster film, I expected something more plot-driven. Instead, what I got was closer to a slice-of-life film that happened to play out in a gangster neighborhood.
Far from a disappointment, I loved the film; the warmth, sense of place, and strong sense of character that Scorsese brought to the film really make it come to life. It's a little clunky in parts, and it lacks the brilliance of Scorsese's later work, but that's a high standard to measure it up against.
What Mean Streets offers is a great portrait of a time and a place, and of characters defined by guilt, faith, and their actions. Naturally, De Niro is fascinating, but this is really Keitel's film all the way, and his complex and flawed hero's journey makes for a great watch.
This review of Mean Streets (1973) was written by Brian K on 21 May 2008.
Mean Streets has generally received very positive reviews.
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