Martin Scorsese's 'Mean Streets' has Scorsese, Robert De Niro and Harvey Keitel on the top of their game from early in their respective careers.
An often overlooked film, there is much to enjoy for anybody interested in the first collaboration between Scorsese and De Niro.
Make no mistake about it though - whilst De Niro is captivating in his role as Johnny, it is Harvey Keitel's Charlie that holds the film together. De Niro disappears for lengthy periods. His character - a loudmouth who owes money to everybody left right and centre with no intention of paying it back - is all the better for it. You an tell they had a lot of fun filming this. There are also strong performances from supporting cast such as Richard Romanus as Michael.
With most great film makers the evidence is there in their early films and Scorsese is no different. There is some fantastic camera action going on here. There are also some well choreographed set pieces where everybody knows where they are meant to be at the precise second they need to be, all in one fluid shot with very few camera cuts or edits. The soundtrack and the lighting also really adds to the style and feel of this film.
This probably won't be for everybody however. There is little story going on - just the everyday hustle of a few small time crooks. This is in many ways is the complete opposite of the style of 'Goodfellas' and 'The Soprano's' and certainly nothing like 'The Godfather'. The biggest concerns going on are small time loan sharking business and stolen goods. Ideas are picked up then discarded shortly after.
So, watch if you're interested in seeing a master film maker at work with strong lead roles who would all go on to be part of some of the most important films of all time. See them before they became stars, in no small part due to this collaboration.
7/10.
An often overlooked film, there is much to enjoy for anybody interested in the first collaboration between Scorsese and De Niro.
Make no mistake about it though - whilst De Niro is captivating in his role as Johnny, it is Harvey Keitel's Charlie that holds the film together. De Niro disappears for lengthy periods. His character - a loudmouth who owes money to everybody left right and centre with no intention of paying it back - is all the better for it. You an tell they had a lot of fun filming this. There are also strong performances from supporting cast such as Richard Romanus as Michael.
With most great film makers the evidence is there in their early films and Scorsese is no different. There is some fantastic camera action going on here. There are also some well choreographed set pieces where everybody knows where they are meant to be at the precise second they need to be, all in one fluid shot with very few camera cuts or edits. The soundtrack and the lighting also really adds to the style and feel of this film.
This probably won't be for everybody however. There is little story going on - just the everyday hustle of a few small time crooks. This is in many ways is the complete opposite of the style of 'Goodfellas' and 'The Soprano's' and certainly nothing like 'The Godfather'. The biggest concerns going on are small time loan sharking business and stolen goods. Ideas are picked up then discarded shortly after.
So, watch if you're interested in seeing a master film maker at work with strong lead roles who would all go on to be part of some of the most important films of all time. See them before they became stars, in no small part due to this collaboration.
7/10.