Review of The Untouchables (1987) by Matthew D — 26 May 2018

One of the greatest gangster films ever!

Notably, Brian De Palma directed his masterpiece with his 1987 movie The Untouchables. Crime films reached their peak with movies like The Godfather, Gangs of New York, Heat, and The Untouchables. L.A. Confidential (1997) certainly was influenced by The Untouchables. The deep dive into the mindset of good law enforcement is commented on in this movie. It's style is reminiscent of the aforementioned movies, while creating an atmosphere all its own. The Untouchables goes full noir style police work. You get to watch what Eliot Ness had to do to catch notorious mobster Al Capone.

Visually, The Untouchables contains some of the most memorable and skillful cinematography ever captured on film. The opening alleyway raid is so tense right off the start. The scene in Sean Connery's apartment is so suspense and nerve racking as we get long pans up and down his hallway. The finale at the train station's stair is as violent and exciting as any shootout. The camera is always showing emotional close ups or characters in the foreground speaking while we get the reaction of someone in the background. Endless clever and creative camera work is on full display throughout The Untouchables.

Musically, Ennio Morricone composed the most thrilling score for The Untouchables. There is grand classical music to build up an air of class, while some sultry jazz might be playing elsewhere. The suspense is multiplied by the anxiety inducing score underneath the most tense scenes. Morricone proves he is still a genius with this score.

Furthermore, the attention to detail that De Palma went to recreate 1930 in Chicago is astounding. You get to see many Chicago landmarks and familiar spots that build a sense of verisimilitude. Giorgio Armani did all the gorgeous costumes and suits that create a sleek style and continue the realism of The Untouchables. You actually believe you are there.

Indeed, The Untouchables boasts a brilliant script with many lines that will stay with you. You feel the audacity of Al Capone and the bravery of Eliot Ness. There are moral and legal lessons to be learned within, but you always feel like these characters would speak like how The Untouchables is written.

Lastly, The Untouchables has one of the most well cast ensembles in film. Kevin Costner delivers his most humane performance as the stalwart Eliot Ness. Charles Martin Smith plays the most lovable accountant officer on film. Sean Connery astonishes and delights as the experienced beat cop Malone. Andy Garcia is a compelling rookie cop that is hellbent on catching Capone. Billy Drago is perfectly cast as the creepy murderous henchmen to Capone. Finally, Robert De Niro is monstrous and threatening as the ever boastful Al Capone. The Untouchables stars some of the greatest actors ever as their best. It is a pleasure to watch them work.

Overall, Brian De Palma did a fantastic job directing The Untouchables. This movie holds up with its imaginative direction, suspenseful sequences, thrilling shootouts, clever investigation, deep characterization, lovely music, stylish suits, painstaking recreation, historical accuracy, apt casting, and genius acting.