Review of The Untouchables (1987) by Cliff B — 20 Jul 2010

The Untouchables represents my first dive into Brian DePalma's acclaimed career. After seeing this movie, I am impressed for The Untouchables was a very good gangster pick. Unlike the other gangster movies I've seen from the likes of Scorsese, DePalma's look at Prohibition era Chicago was very hollywood and a lot less gritty, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. It's much cleaner and slick, without the incessant f-bombs (there are some thouch) and brutal violence of other films. It is much more linear, and faster-paced and keeps you thrilled to no end.

Now as for the cast, it's hit or miss if you ask me. I have never been a fan of Kevin Costner (outside of Bull Durham) but his performance as Elliott Ness is decent and passable. I was actually a little suprised of his violent turn in the end, and I was semi-impressed with him to the end. The other actor I was not particularly fond of was Garcia, whose wannabe Santino in The Godfather III makes me prejudice toward him every time he is on screen. On the other hand, two other actors in this film give great performances. Sean Connery got an Oscar for his role as the tough as nails cop Jim Malone and he deserved it 100%. Whatever role Sean Connery plays, its bad-assery is upped by 150%. The other actor that stood out was Robert DeNiro who if you ask me, is the PERFECT Capone. He looks like Capone, he acts like Capone, HE IS CAPONE. I just wish there was more of him in the movie...but life goes on and I still enjoyed myself.

As for a story, the film shows the fall of Al Capone in Prohibition era Chicago at the hands of Treasury Agent Elliott Ness. Ness disrupts Capone's stranglehold on the city with his squad of "Untouchables", a group of cops off the record. He learns the ropes from Jim Malone, a tough street cop who is a master in less than orthodox tactics. They chip away at his throne until they realize they can bag him, for tax evasion. I know that that is how it happened in real life, but for the sake for entertainment, a more action-packed ending would've put this movie on the map instead, it ends with a courtroom... not exciting but satisfying nonetheless. The cinematography is great, with a train station gunfight (that pays homage to Battleship Potemkin) that left me awestruck.

Did I enjoy the Untouchables? certainly. Did I love the Untouchables? ehhh sure, but compared to my other favorite gangster movies this one just lacks a certain Scorsese-ness.