I've recently been watching a lot of Mafia based movies and so I decided to countdown the tragic tales in some of history's greatest films. This genre celebrates everything bad about modern society, but that doesn't stop it from creating some absolutely classic films.
#10 Miller's Crossing (1990) (7/10)
This isn't your typical gangster film; this one actually tells the story of a mob boss who wants to keep the peace between rival families, if you can imagine anything so preposterous. Not surprisingly that doesn't work, and the result is a film that never glorifies violence, but instead provides a moral examination on the criminal mind. Despite the attention of the film straying away from cliched violence, there is a brutal outlook to the whole thing, and it's actually very depressing to watch. The depressing tone is what I like about this non-conventional gangster flick, and the supporting cast do a great job of executing this theme to accompany a well written plot. Even generic thugs are written into the narrative really well, and because of that become excellent supporting characters in their own right. 'Miller's Crossing' was one of the Coen Brothers' earlier films, and already we were seeing their skill in filming and writing. They prove that with some smart storytelling and screenplay a film can be elevated to that next level with relatively little effort. Sadly that wasn't the opinion of many others, as this film made just five million dollars at the box office. Pathetic in all honesty; and that's a shame from a powerful film that's a very gritty and mature drama.
#9 Scarface (1983) (8/10)
Whoa. The legendary 'Scarface' is indeed only at number nine, but I can assure you that this film honestly isn't that great. Certainly it's a very good film, but in terms of the genre it's quickly surpassed by many others. Even if this isn't a great work of art it's still a significant moral tale that perfectly details the high life and consequences of living The American Dream. For this theme to be portrayed in such a brutal manner was shocking in 1983, and many were disgusted by the excessive violence. The violence is something I won't necessarily fault this film with, even if it does go overboard, but I think the violent nature of the film suits that powerful message that comes with the not so subtle script and dialogue. 'Scarface' was written by Oliver Stone in a period when he was struggling with a drug addiction, and the misery from this event is taken out on this film. There's vulgar language and hatred in every corner, leading to a huge adrenaline pumped film with mature themes plastered throughout.
An interesting fact about 'Scarface' is that it broke the record for the most expletives ever used in a single film; 226 to be exact. And that's hardly very surprising. Still, thanks to this film sticking clear of Hollywood cliches and celebrity bollocks there is a strong message to be found inbetween the gory violence and the grim reality of life. A lot of testosterone and cocaine went into making this classic, and the shock value it creates can still be felt in today's higher standards. A brief review of this film would not be complete without mentioning how great Al Pacino is as the protagonist; a role that was made for him. Pacino's charisma carries this film every inch of the way, and this would go on to define this man's great career. Yes it was a performance that was larger than life and had many rough edges, but that's the whole point of his character. Complaining about the poor technical aspects of the film would be missing its purpose. Just one look at the overproduced conclusion is enough to convince you that this is as over the top as possible for a good reason.
#8 The Departed (2006) (8/10)
A film about infiltrating Irish gangs doesn't sound too exciting, but when Martin Scorsese gets his hands on it you can't go wrong. Then you have the cast, which is in a league of its fucking own. You have Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Martin Sheen and Ray Winstone, who not surprisingly make this possibly the ultimate popcorn flick. Scorsese's directing is there to add some realism to the tour de force of a cast, and they don't hold back in creating a gritty thriller that never once feels like a commercial sellout. The scenes are suspenseful and excellently shot like in everything Scorsese has accomplished before, and you can tell that he knows how to make the perfect gangster movie. All the parts are laid out in front of us to marvel at one at a time. I don't usually give too much credit for remakes, but this is very different from the 2002 film 'Internal Affairs' that this film is based on. 'The Departed' is a fucking excellent standalone film, and considering the original came out four year earlier this does a bloody god job at showing us something else. Don't think this is Martin Scorsese being lazy. From just a standard film he's created an all out war.
What I loved most about this movie was the great performance of the entire cast. Even Mark Wahlberg managed to deliver a decent performance, and only a few people have ever got that out of him before. It's strange as he's the actor you would most consider for a violent action film in the cast available, yet we see unsuitable characters like Leonardo DiCaprio coming through to take on their roles very well. Jack Nicholson could probably achieve anything as he's the greatest actor of all time, and I just love watching Martin Sheen at work, but I just didn't expect them to turn up for this. Maybe I should be giving the credit to the intellectual yet engaging plot that allows the film to become unpredictable and suspenseful, and that makes the whole thing a spectacle for the viewers. 'The Departed' contains some of the best storytelling you're ever likely to come across, and it's full of Scorsese's sadistic love of violence and action, all coming together to produce an explosive film that quite rightly won the Oscar for best director and script. It's nice to see a modern interpretation of a classic film genre getting the recognition it deserves.
#7 Casino (1995) (8/10)
Time for some more Martin Scorsese, with yet another monstrous film from a master at the gangster genre. This time we have the theme of violence centered around gambling, which usually go together quite nicely. You though 'Scarface' had a negative plot, well you obviously haven't seen this classic. Scorsese just knows how to present this negative interpretation of The American Dream in a completely different way to any other standard director, and as per usual he has a stellar cast to back him up. This time we have the powerhouse of Robert De Niro as Joe Pesci, who would have previously worked on another film higher up on this list, but here they're in fine form too. When you have big names in the genre like you do here it can't possibly go wrong. De Niro is at his usual sparkling best, and shows the form that he can only achieve when couple with Scorsese. He owns this 'Boardwalk Empire' type role, and that's all you need to know to give this a watch. Shout out to Sharon Stone as well. I always thought she was a shit actor, but I don't know what came over her in this. As a skanky hustler she's in a league of one, and somehow becomes just as powerful as the other A-listers present.
I will admit there are a few flaws. It goes on for a bit longer than necessary, and that does tend to feel like a long time when you have a plot that's quite difficult to follow on first inspection. Some would call it dull. I prefer slow burner, and although that's not necessarily a bad thing, it does overstay its welcome in some places. If this gangster film just had some better pacing then we could be in for a flawless classic, but as it happens we have a mundane plot littered with brutal action sequences that Scorsese fans have become accustomed to. The hammer scene instantly draws to mind; I'd definitely recommend giving that a watch. As for the rest, well the soundtrack is sublime, and might just be one of the greatest of all time. The directing fits the tone brilliantly, and that keeps in check the big name cast. And the presentation is just epic. I genuinely think this film's a diamond in the rough, as it won't go down as one of the all time greats, but it's still a great example of a thoroughbred gangster flick made to a very high standard.
#6 Reservoir Dogs (1992) (8/10)
Well this was a pretty impressive way to make your debut as a director. With this cleverly produced piece of cinema Quentin Tarantino shot onto the Hollywood scene, and over twenty blood soaked years later his directing style hasn't changed much. 'Reservoir Dogs' is quite simply violent, ambitious, and suspenseful. The jumbled Chinese box style narrative pays off big time in creating a unique gangster film that's become a classic in recent years. At the box office this film actually struggled, although you wouldn't think that when you listen to people rambling on about how brilliant it is. I do think it's overrated, but a very good film none the less. It's full of standout moments such as the opening, which is just signature Tarantino. A badass soundtrack accompanied by some impressive visuals is enough to give any action film fan a raging erection, and that trend continues throughout the whole film.
This impressive piece was proof that independent cinema really could work as an art form, and as a result that genre exploded into life. Now all you needed was a good idea and some know how to produce a classic, rather than a large wallet and influential friends. 'Reservoir Dogs' has no star talent, it's production isn't that flashy, and it's designed to cut corners; but that's the whole charm of the film. It's actually quite ironic that the pseudonyms of the main characters have become more famous than the actors themselves, and that's sort of the main trend that this film aims for. Tarantino substitutes this Hollywood attitude for some good old casual sadism and gory violence. 'Reservoir Dogs' doesn't need to be intelligent or grandeur to work, just to be realistic and relatable; and Tarantino absolutely nailed that.
#5 The Untouchables (1987) (8/10)
Oh it's yet another entry for a film featuring Robert De Niro. Starting to see a trend here. Even as a supporting role he's still brilliant. Aside from De Niro's portrayal of legendary gangster Al Capone there's an uplifting tale of an unlikely team trying to take down the criminal underworld of the USA. All the criminals wanted was a nice pint of beer, but thanks to prohibition this epic cop drama gets made, so I suppose banning alcohol wasn't all that bad. In the starring role is Kevin Costner as Ness, and he's backed up by Sean Connery playing the generic retired cop role. They're both very, very good, and Connery even won an Oscar for his performance. I wouldn't say it was a particularly realistic performance though; just one watch of his demise and you can see perfectly how overproduced that scene was. However the rest isn't like the brutal depictions of 20th century life that we see in other films on this list, and this time we actually have a heartfelt storyline that focuses on redemption and relationships instead of an incessant lust for violence.
That's not to say that this film is devoid of violence, in fact there's still a frequent violent nature to many scenes, but I like how it leaves those cliches to one side and focuses on other areas to tarnish with artificial sloppiness. Sometimes adhering to Hollywood stereotypes is good for a film, and this is one of those examples. I like how this celebrates the better things in life and condemns criminal activity. Yes it may well be linear in theory, but occasionally I want a film to substitute doom and gloom for some heartfelt emotion. Unfortunately that can't be said for the score, as that doesn't seem to fit in anywhere. Neither does the humour for that matter; but these are small issues when compared to how great the rest of the film will make you feel. Okay, director Brian De Palma may have wanted to show off a bit in places, and for that it's not particularly sophisticated. This artificial swagger in every scene might not be required, but for a fictional view of history from a man with cash strapped eyes there really isn't anything better than this.
#4 Pulp Fiction (1994) (8/10)
It's an interesting one this. Many people call it a masterpiece, and although I'm not sure it's deserving of that title myself, there's no doubting that it's an excellent film. Director Quentin Tarantino has done a splendid job of creating a film where I'm forced to give a shit about two ordinary men living criminal lifestyles. Tarantino achieves this by his signature multiple storylines that are integrated in a very ingenious manner, with the focus being on monologues from various characters. This not only helps to piece together a very elaborate story, but also makes the narrative an intriguing and exhilarating one. I also love the script; it's instantly quotable and always eccentric in order to fit the erratic style of humour and violence that Tarantino loves to bring to his films. Here it works brilliantly, and although the focus is sometimes unclear, it's still a welcome addition to an action packed production.
Tarantino has the knack of using mature themes to pull big audiences, and that's the same here. They may well feel like they've been forced into the narrative for that very reason, but there's no denying that 'Pulp' Fiction' contains some very memorable scenes thanks to these shocking plot devices. Whether there's any artistic merit to them being there is another question, as they don't seem to be driven by any external motives, but as a cinematic feature they work as raw elements that remind the viewer that ordinary life can make an extraordinary experience. Does that make 'Pulp Fiction' a true gangster film? Probably not, but it's good enough to be given a mention on this list. After all, thanks to iconic performances from John Travolta and Samuel L Jackson, this film is now considered a cultural icon. It's unlike anything else you'll ever watch, even if it doesn't deserve all the praise it gets. Still, I think this was worthy of an Oscar. An Oscar that was won by the always underwhelming 'Forrest Gump'.
#3 Goodfellas (1990) (9/10)
And now we have the return of Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese; a legendary pairing. This time they tell the story of a family ruled by the mob throughout various decades. De Niro is brilliant as usual, but it's the supporting performance of Joe Pesci that blows me away. The success of this film came from the diverse arrangement of eccentric characters, and Pesci's performance fits straight in with his character Tommy DeVito. It's not just Pesci's iconic performance though, in fact the chemistry between the main characters is just stunning. The film just naturally flows through multiple fast paced sequences with some extraordinary character development and some excellent pacing. Director Martin Scorsese proves again what a genius he really is. Two and a half hours are eaten away in quick succession by one of the richest experiences you can possibly divulge your mind in. It feels epic, it feels pleasurable, and most of all it feels satisfying. Watching this is more arousing than hardcore pornography. It's an orgasm in cinema that's fucking brilliant at every level.
This triumph seems scarcely believable when you consider that the script was dictated by improvised situations. I just don't understand how a plot can be this good when it wasn't thoroughly planned beforehand. This method added to the realistic feel of all the characters, but how Scorsese managed to get such a good script out of something made up is unreal. Not a single moment of screen time is wasted, and that's a feat that blows my mind. The realistic feel is what I love most about the film, as it never feels pretentious or that it's showing off. What we get is a genuine ordeal that details the fascinating lives of the criminal underworld. 'Goodfellas' was the only film that was even close to the top two on this list, and so it seems amazing that it didn't win the Oscar for best picture. It's just a legendary film from legendary names.
#2 The Godfather (1972) (9/10)
'The Godfather' kickstarted what many people believe to be the greatest trilogy in the history of cinema. You have to admit that Francis Ford Coppola's epic is almost cinematic perfection, so it's no surprise that it takes the number two spot on a well contested list. There's no doubting 'The Godfather's' impact in popular culture; it's influenced all the films on this list and insulting its artistic merit would be blasphemy. The film is the culmination of Coppola's amazing talent and a gifted cast to produce a product that's simply exquisite. Coppola knew what message he wanted to get out of this blockbuster's success, but he crafts a work of art that nobody expected to surpass everything ever created. With his skills, a dramatic tale comes to life in front of our eyes, as the realistic mob based tale is executed with skill and precision. Only then is it combined with an operatic and styalised theme for maximum impact.
You can only compare a film of this epic proportion to the all time greats. 'The Godfather' has a slow and methodical pace that gives viewers a chance to absorb the rich experience this film will leave you with. It's a utopian world created with dystopian values, and nothing even comes close to the artistic themes that this epic work manages to carry effortlessly from scene to scene. Only surpassing this creative directing are some of the performances from well known actors. Marlon Brando's performance as The Don is one that instantly springs to mind. He was simply made for that role, and his talent and charisma dominate every sequence with some sharp lines and iconic acting. Al Pacino and Robert Duvall are also around for some top notch performances, as do the large cast of immense talent, but nothing comes close to Brando's sensational role. Not only did this deep and inspiring experience pave the way for the other gangster films of this list, but it also rekindled America's love of cinema. Is it the greatest of all time? Maybe not, but there's no denying that this is one of the most iconic and important pieces of cinema in history.
#1 The Godfather: Part II (1974) (10/10)
Surely there was never going to be a film that surpassed Coppola's magnum opus of the original 'Godfather' film. That's the same attitude moviegoers had until they saw the second installment of the greatest trilogy of films in history. Coppola once again stunned audiences with another piece of cinematic brilliance, except this one actually surpassed the quality of the first one. Okay, this one didn't have Marlon Brando in it, and Al Pacino just doesn't quite have the same effect as the protagonist, even though he practically owns this film from start to finish. However as many directors know, when you need a role filling in a film about gangsters then you give Robert De Niro a quick call, and surprise, surprise, he comes up with yet another performance of the ages. To truly indulge yourself in a film where the cast has been flipped on its head and the themes presented have been presented so wildly different from the first, you have to separate this film from the original and treat them as two different classics. The original was undoubtedly great, but this new film acts as both a prequel and a sequel, and runs entirely off its own merits despite being set in the same fictional world. To achieve that from a sequel just shows the incredible talent that Coppola possesses.
Everything the original did well, this new version equals or surpasses those achievements. It may not have had that sock value on society that the original had, but surpassing that achievement is a truly mesmerising achievement for any film. To actually have a story where you physically feel you have integrated into the family life of the mob is somehow such a better experience than the one you got in the original. The pacing is also miles better, and the two storylines intertwine in a way that only Coppola could concoct. It's shot better, and the themes introduced are done in a way that makes them seem far more powerful. And most of all it's written better. Some of the best storytelling you will ever witnessed is crammed into this film, and that's the thing that brings this trilogy to life. It's an astonishing achievement that's about as flawless as a film can possibly get.
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