Rushdi I
In 1987, Brian De Palma's The Untouchables hit the big screen, offering an exhilarating and stylish retelling of the war between law enforcement and the criminal empire of Al Capone during Prohibition. Adapted from Eliot Ness's memoir, the film became a critical and commercial success, blending historical facts with dramatic flair, and solidifying its place as one of the most iconic crime dramas ever made. With standout performances, taut direction, and a memorable score, The Untouchables continues to resonate as a quintessential piece of American cinema.
At its core, The Untouchables is a classic tale of good versus evil, but what makes it so compelling is its complex portrayal of the moral and ethical compromises that the characters must navigate. Set in 1930s Chicago, the film follows Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner), a determined Treasury agent, as he assembles a team to take down the notorious gangster Al Capone (Robert De Niro). In a city rife with corruption, Ness faces not only the challenge of dealing with Capone's criminal empire but also the ingrained dishonesty within his own government and law enforcement.
What sets the story apart from typical gangster fare is its exploration of justice within a system that often seems stacked against the good guys. The personal stakes for Ness and his team are high, and their struggle is both a quest for redemption and an attempt to bring order to an otherwise chaotic world. As the story unfolds, the tension between legal methods and brute force escalates, leading to a series of thrilling confrontations that keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
While the film takes creative liberties, it remains grounded in its depiction of the period, using the historical backdrop of Prohibition to highlight the corruption that permeates all levels of society. It’s a morally ambiguous landscape where even the lawmen are tested, and the lines between right and wrong are often blurred. The final result is a poignant, intense, and action-packed narrative that never loses sight of its central theme: justice at any cost.
The Untouchables is a star-studded affair, featuring a talented ensemble cast that elevates the film beyond its action-driven premise. Kevin Costner, in one of his defining roles, portrays Eliot Ness with a quiet but steadfast determination. Costner brings a sense of integrity and inner conflict to the role, playing a man who is trying to navigate the moral quagmire of the criminal justice system. Ness is a character that demands both resilience and vulnerability, and Costner strikes a delicate balance between these qualities.
The film's standout performance, however, comes from Sean Connery, who plays Jim Malone, an aging Irish-American cop and the emotional heart of the team. Connery’s portrayal of Malone is both tough and tender, providing the wisdom and mentorship that the younger, less experienced Ness desperately needs. Connery won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for this role, and rightly so—he brings gravitas, humor, and warmth to what could have been a one-dimensional character. His memorable line, “Here’s how I deal with this,” followed by a shocking act of violence, is just one of many moments where Connery’s commanding presence steals the show. His chemistry with Costner is palpable, and their dynamic is one of the film’s key emotional anchors.
On the opposite side, Robert De Niro’s portrayal of Al Capone, while relatively brief, is no less memorable. De Niro does not need to portray Capone as a cartoonish villain; instead, he brings a chilling sense of intelligence, ambition, and ruthless charm to the role. His Capone is calculating, always in control, and possesses a deep understanding of how to manipulate those around him. De Niro’s subtle performance makes Capone feel omnipresent, even when he’s not physically on screen, and it elevates the stakes of the film. His interactions with Ness and the rest of the lawmen are tense and electrifying, and De Niro’s presence looms over every scene.
The supporting cast, including Andy Garcia as the rookie cop George Stone and Charles Martin Smith as the nerdy accountant Oscar Wallace, also shines. Garcia’s Stone, while not as fully developed as the main trio, adds another layer of grit and determination, serving as both a rookie with a chip on his shoulder and a loyal member of the team. Smith, on the other hand, brings humor and vulnerability to his role, adding some levity to what is otherwise a dark and tense story.
Brian De Palma, known for his mastery of suspense and visual style, directs The Untouchables with a sense of purpose and intensity that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. De Palma’s use of tension and violence is expertly balanced, never feeling gratuitous, and his pacing ensures that the film doesn’t drag, even during the quieter moments.
The film’s cinematography, by Stephen H. Burum, is nothing short of spectacular. De Palma and Burum create a visual language that speaks volumes, using light, shadows, and composition to reflect the themes of the film. The use of contrasting colors—particularly in the depiction of Capone’s opulent world versus the grimy, gritty reality of Ness’s team—adds to the visual storytelling. One of the most famous sequences, the iconic elevator shootout, is a masterclass in tension-building. The slow-motion shots, combined with Ennio Morricone’s rousing score, create a sequence that has become one of the most memorable action scenes in cinematic history.
Ennio Morricone’s score for The Untouchables is one of the film’s most iconic elements. The legendary composer’s music, with its sweeping orchestral arrangements and haunting melodies, perfectly complements the film’s tone. The main theme, both triumphant and mournful, embodies the emotional weight of the film’s story while capturing the larger-than-life battle between law and crime. Morricone’s score, like the film itself, is both epic and intimate, and it plays a crucial role in amplifying the emotional resonance of the film’s most pivotal moments.
Conclusion: A Timeless Classic
The Untouchables remains a cinematic gem more than three decades after its release. It is a thrilling, suspenseful, and richly layered film that combines historical drama with modern filmmaking techniques. The stellar performances, particularly from Connery and De Niro, elevate the material, and Brian De Palma’s direction ensures that the film remains gripping from beginning to end. With its unforgettable score, memorable lines, and expertly crafted action sequences, The Untouchables stands as one of the finest films of the 1980s and a defining moment in the gangster genre. Whether you're a fan of crime dramas or just appreciate great filmmaking, The Untouchables is a film that will continue to captivate and entertain for generations to come.👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
12/22/24
Full Review
Rami A
Much like "Scarface," "The Untouchables" resonates emotionally with its audience. The performances are all excellent; Kevin Costner delivers a solid performance, Sean Connery gives one of his best performances, and Robert De Niro seems to be enjoying himself, despite his limited screen time. I would've liked to have seen more of him, but alas, what we got is better than nothing.
The film masterfully captures the tension of the Prohibition era and the relentless pursuit of justice. The cinematography adds to the allure, showcasing elaborate set pieces and intense action sequences that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The chemistry among the cast members strengthens the narrative, particularly the dynamic between Costner's character and Connery's seasoned veteran. Additionally, the film’s score enhances the dramatic moments, making them even more memorable. Overall, "The Untouchables" is not just a crime drama; it’s a gripping tale of morality, loyalty, and the complexities of good versus evil.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
11/18/24
Full Review
Jerod S
As a period piece, The Untouchables is spot on. But for some reason, it didn't make me care about prohibition or the problems or gangsters it created.
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
10/26/24
Full Review
Alec P
It's a good movie, the plot is well constructed, the characters are well developed, the story is good, the script is well written.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
10/21/24
Full Review
Fabrícia F
Experiência arrebatadora neste clássico do gênero gângster policial. Recomendo a todos.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
09/22/24
Full Review
Jays #
Great film. Great acting. And some nice comedic moments to break up the tension. This one is definitely a remote drop whenever it comes on the TV.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
09/08/24
Full Review
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