Mean Streets | Julie Andleman, Victor Argo | Don't Believe the Naysayers

Mean Streets | Julie Andleman, Victor Argo | Mean Streets

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Mean Streets

	Mean Streets Julie Andleman, Victor Argo Warner Home Video, 1997 average customer review:based on 101 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Don't Believe the Naysayers - A True Classic

Contrary to what many reviewers may say, this is one of Scorsese's greatest films. Along with Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, and Raging Bull, it best showcases his unique and original style of directing that has made him one of the most skillful in the business. It's an indie film classic, and creates an atmosphere and aesthetic that filmmakers have been trying to emulate ever since its release. That being said, it's just the sort of production that mainstream moviewatchers probably won't get. Those looking only for a predictable, clear-cut plot with a conventional style of storytelling and acting will be lost and frustrated with the improvisational nature of this movie. Taxi Driver and Goodfellas (equally as good as Mean Streets) were both hits at the box office, because they appeal more to the masses with their general entertainment value. Mean Streets, on the other hand, tells a somewhat dark, meandering story that at times may seem like it's going nowhere.

Martin Scorsese was able to create an intimate, realistic setting for his movie by encouraging actors to improvise certain scenes, and shooting long takes that make for flowing, realistically punctuated dialogue. Newer filmmakers such as Quentin Tarantino have been heavily influenced by Scorsese's off-the-cuff manner of directing. Not every scene in Mean Streets makes immediate sense, because he often captures tidbits of the characters' lives that don't seem like they logically pertain to the plot. However, the plot itself in this movie is a nebulous entity, taking a back seat to the realistic dialogue and more pronounced themes of religion, friendship, and crime. There is a fair dose of black humor in this film, but it is ultimately more of a drama, due to the movie's dark ending, and emphasis on internal conflict with the characters, especially Harvey Keitel's excellently portrayed Charlie.

Another feat that Scorsese is accredited for in the direction of this movie is bringing two little-known actors to the forefront of Hollywood fame. The two main stars of the movie, Harvey Keitel and Robert DeNiro, now obvious household names, were nigh-unheard of talents prior to the release of this movie. Ever since Mean Streets, they slowly grew more and more famous, due in large part to their repeated roles in Martin Scorsese's future film classics (The Last Temptation of Christ, Goodfellas, Raging Bull, Taxi Driver). Scorsese can be given partial credit for bringing the actors' talents out for his films, but it should be noted that Keitel and DeNiro both deliver amazing performances in Mean Streets, not to mention their other Scorsese movies. Keitel's portrayel of Charlie's conflicted, devout Catholic gangster is spot-on, and DeNiro's Johnny Boy is amusing, fascinating and appropriately demands the viewer's empathy. Both stars help to raise this movie to its classic status.

Though not as easy or accessible as Scorsese's later work, Mean Steets established him as a creative, noir-influenced filmmaker with a deft eye for realism and intimacy. His movies are habitually more difficult than most mainstream fare, and may require repeat viewings to be truly appreciated. Mean Streets has a good chance of going straight over many viewer's heads, especially if they have had little experience with the art of independent film. Nevertheless, everyone who appreciates cinema should at least give Mean Streets a try, but it is a blatant fact that not everyone will enjoy it.

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Mean Streets

Mean Streets was Martin Scorseses' breakthrough. Shot on the streets of New Yorks Little Italy, character and flavor of the neighborhood are made pungent through the directors keen eye and sense of place. He extracts memorable performances from Keitel (whom he had used before) and De Niro (whom he'd use again).

"Right where you breathe"

This is as real and as gritty as movies get. You've got to appreciate the feel of the film, especially if you're from New York or a similar area, where characters like those in the movie are common. You've also got to appreciate the interplay between Keitel and De Niro throughout the film. Some of the supporting acting was a bit shotty, yet I believe this story was told to bring the realism of the streets to the silver screen rather than to impress people with Hollywood glitz.

Martin Scorsese draws upon his experiences growing up in Little Italy for the film's material and characters. There is a bonus featurette called "Back on the Block" in which Scorsese and friends speak about the inspiration and basis for the movie.

This movie began the very successful Scorsese/De Niro pairing that would continue long into the future. De Niro and Keitel are great in their roles - but De Niro stands out in this movie. You will be anticipating his appearances on screen throughout.

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An Influential and Highly Respected Movie.....that you may not enjoy

This movie has received tremendous praise and respect from many well-known critics and, as a measure of its ground-breaking originality, it is credited with influencing many of the most famous movies of all time, including The Godfather, Good Fellas, Casino, etc. However, if you view this expecting a linear plot and polished entertainment of the caliber of The Godfather, etc. I fear that you may be disappointed.

Imagine that you had a hand-held camera and simply followed a group of your friends around as they drank, cursed, fought, chased women, and caroused for several days and nights. You had no script or plot for the majority of your "movie", but merely relied upon your friends to talk and act naturally....even if they had nothing important to say. Throw in some guilt, atonement, nudity, gunfire, and religious symbolism....and BINGO! you have a classic....IF you are Martin Scorcese AND have friends like Robert De Niro and Harvey Keitel. As for the rest of us, we would probably end up with a really lousy "home movie" that made no sense to anyone. To be honest, I feel that some of THIS movie makes no sense to most people, but it is generally riveting and has moments of grit, humor, human frailty, and soul-piercing reality that you just don't often see in ANY movie, let alone one made 32 years ago.

It benefits from being viewed more than once. Some things which make no sense or escape your notice may become clearer and more evident with subsequent viewing. If you prefer more basic entertainment and feel that a movie should not require this kind of study and focus, then Mean Streets is probably not for you. However, if you enjoy being challenged by more complex, innovative cinema then perhaps this is just the movie for you.

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