Review of The Untouchables (1987) by Jack G — 19 May 2016

Brian De Palma's magnum opus is a sensational motion picture epic that is meticulously crafted. It concerns the legendary Federal Agent Elliot Ness, marvelously played by Kevin Costner in his breakout, star-making performance.

Taking place during the 30s Prohibition-era Chicago where he goes to war with police corruption and the mayhem caused by mob kingpin Al Capone, flamboyantly played by Robert De Niro, who perfectly captures the sinister charm and ruthlessness of Capone in a grand extended cameo.

Ness learns the hard way that it won't be easy, so he enlists the help from an honest veteran beat cop named Jimmy Malone, brilliantly played by Sir Sean Connery in his memorable Academy Award winning performance, it is the film's best performance.

Malone becomes a mentor to Ness, he teachers him his street smarts and how to get Capone, he tells Ness, "If he pulls a knife, you pull a gun, if he sends one of yours to the hospital, you send one of his to the morgue," that's the Chicago way and that's how you get Capone.

Andy Garcia delivers a superlative performance as George Stone, a police recruit and crack shot who is hired by Ness & Malone right out the Academy. Charles Martin Smith delivers a wonderfully amusing and endearing turn as nerdy FBI accountant, Oscar Wallace who after joining Ness' squad of Untouchables becomes a shotgun empowered badass, Smith is the delightful comic relief of the film.

Great action sequences, and the period recreation is flawless. Beautifully directed by De Palma, with gorgeous cinematography by Stephen H. Burum, a captivating screenplay by David Mamet, magnificent production design by William A.

Elliott, and a fabulous score by the great Enno Morricone. Without doubt De Palma's masterpiece. Highly Recommended.