Tag: Martin Scorsese

Geekscape Movie Review: The Irishman

by MCDave

Martin Scorsese, it’s a name that will long outlast any of us thanks to nearly five decades of directing must-watch movies. He’s reached a rare status where every new film is an absolute spectacle. And after a brief theatrical stint to, in essence, qualify for the Academy Awards, Netflix is the proud host of Scorsese’s latest tour de force, The Irishman. This three-and-a-half-hour-long epic represents a more mature examination of the gangster genre, a territory very familiar to the director, but one he’s usually drawn to for the wild and reckless aspects of the lifestyle. Yet, that’s not Scorsese’s intent with The Irishman, here he journeys into the loneliness and isolation of the few who are, dare I say, lucky enough to survive a lifetime of double-crossings. It’s a bold and ambitious endeavor for the filmmaker, but one he still manages to handle exceptionally well, even if The Irishman fails to stand up to Scorsese’s best.

Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro) is a hard-working World War II vet whose life is forever changed when he befriends the notorious mobster, Russell Bufalino (Joe Pesci). Frank’s comfort with killing, largely in part to his time in the war, makes him a natural fit as a hitman for the Bufalino crime family. Frank’s close ties with Russell eventually set him a collision course with the outspoken labor union leader, Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino), and the two men immediately become close allies. Their friendship lasts for many years, that is, until Hoffa gets in over his head with Russell Bufalino and other “made men” who demand the deadly services of Frank Sheeran one last time.

The Irishman attempts to bite off more than it can chew. Scorsese swings big, banking on an emotional conclusion that never really hits home the way it’s intended. With that being said, Scorsese still delivers a superbly crafted film that boasts phenomenal technical achievements and a pair of outstanding supporting turns. First, the widely discussed de-aging effect that’s used in the film is very impressive and executed at a never-before-seen level, making Scorsese’s firm dependence on the technique something that could very well change the way movies are made going forward. Now, onto the towering performances from Al Pacino and Joe Pesci. Both offer their finest work in decades and each do it in a completely different manner. Pacino’s turn is showier as he mimics the brash and animated demeanor of Jimmy Hoffa with immense precision. It’s a loud role that demands your attention, and for this reason it’s more likely to stand out when harkening back to the film. Conversely, Joe Pesci delivers a slick and subtle performance, magnificently detailed and remarkably nuanced. Both men are completely worthy of Oscar Nominations, although I wouldn’t necessarily say the same for lead actor Robert De Niro whose dry and soulless approach makes for a rather uninspiring central character. I, personally, felt no connection whatsoever with the character of Frank Sheeran and this is the driving force behind Scorsese’s whiff at an emotional conclusion to the film. And while I left the theater feeling unmoved and slightly disappointed in The Irishman as a whole, the film is still a strong feature that races along with a driving force that keeps you fully engaged up until the pivotal onscreen moment when we’re given Scorsese’s interpretation of Jimmy Hoffa’s disappearance. My suggestion would be to slightly temper your expectations before strapping in and enjoying another wild and worthwhile ride courtesy of a true cinematic genius.

GRADE: 4/5

Geekscape Movie Reviews: Silence

by MCDave

In many ways, the “passion project” is the backbone of all artistic expression. Surely, filmmakers and musical artists combat a “give and take” dynamic within their industries to advance their careers, but these special artistic endeavors are what fan the flames of creativity. In 2016, our cinematic year closes with a rare passion project from one of Hollywood’s most iconic figures, director Martin Scorsese. Silence stands as a religious tale that finally comes together after more than two decades in the making, and it’s as polarizing a film as ever.

Father Rodrigues and Father Garrpe (Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver) are a pair of 17th century Jesuit priests who learn of their mentor’s (Liam Neeson) repudiation of Catholicism in Japan. Therefore, they venture to the hostile island where they work to continue spreading the gospel while trying to avoid persecution from Buddhist inquisitors. Yet, as Father Rodrigues is captured and tortured by these unforgiving Japanese natives, trials and tribulations force him to question his own faith in the same god that he’s devoted his life to serving.

Silence tells a rather simplistic story in an excruciatingly drawn out demeanor, evident by the handful of viewers that walked out of the screening quite early in the process. Throughout the story, the complexity surrounding Father Rodrigues’ escalating doubt in his own faith lacks energy and intrigue, so much so that even an iconic filmmaker such as Martin Scorsese struggles to win the audience over with his glaring  technical achievements. Silence offers pristine cinematography and strong direction, yet its outstretched screenplay casts a shadow over the films few notable conquests. Scorsese’s decades-long passion project suffers from an obsessive attention to detail that ultimately creates a punishing experience for the viewer.

It becomes a chore to sit and wade through Silence‘s near 160 running time. The film’s valiant lead performance from Andrew Garfield serves as one redeeming quality and, certainly, Scorsese deserves admiration for his commitment to delivering a cerebral tale of spiritual turmoil. However, movies are meant to stir emotions and entertain their audiences, yet in both regards Silence misses the mark. Instead, Scorsese takes the viewer on a repetitive journey that fails to generate a mounting response, but rather feels like a tormenting episode of “Groundhog Day”. Consequently, the work’s intelligent and intended focus becomes watered down by such a grueling structure.

I will always look back on Silence with an appreciation for what the film sets out to achieve, yet it’s impossible to praise the manner in which Scorsese chooses to go about his storytelling. Unless you possess a deep-rooted affinity for religious tales or your fandom for Scorsese’s marvelous career proves too strong – much like my own respect for his work, which put me in my seat – then there’s very little joy in battling through the lethargic pacing of the filmmaker’s latest effort.

GRADE: 2.5/5

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Geekscape Movie Reviews: The Wolf of Wall Street

by MCDave

You can leave your doubts at the door. If you’re one of those contemporary Martin Scorsese skeptics who feel like his recent work has diminished greatly, then perhaps the famed director’s latest adventure, The Wolf of Wall Street, can set you straight. The undeniable bro-mance between Scorsese and his leading man, Leonardo DiCaprio (who stars in 5 of the filmmaker’s previous 6 features), carries on in grandiose fashion. This is both Martin and Leo like you’ve never seen them before. It’s wild, energetic and exactly what the doctor ordered.

Centering on the real-life story of stockbroker Jordan Belfort (DiCaprio), The Wolf of Wall Street follows the rise and fall of this ambitious and carefree go-getter. Determined to become a millionaire and left jobless after the 1980s stock market crash known as “Black Monday”, Belfort dabbles in penny stocks and discovers a way to build an empire. Starting his own company with friend and side-kick Donnie Azoff (Jonah Hill), the duo lie and cheat there way to the pinnacle of success, only to find themselves under the watchful eye of the FBI.

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For the most part, Scorsese’s elongated three-hour affair moves swiftly through the life of Belfort thanks in large part to a surprising amount of comedy infused into the screenplay. The humor is consistent and never-ending, from the moment the film opens, all the way to its final scene. It’s misleading to label The Wolf of Wall Street as a drama. Scorsese and company understand that the film’s tiresome length and overall success hinge on the effectiveness of its comedic tone. One that is delivered with such excellence and precision. The dialogue is off the charts and the flow is rhythmic, enough so to keep any audience comfortably tuned in to the movie. Furthermore, The Wolf of Wall Street isn’t only an enticing and hilarious spectacle for its viewers, the entire cast obviously had a blast while filming all of Scorsese’s designed debauchery. It isn’t difficult to spot laughs and smiling faces from the “extras” on screen, a sure sign of a fun-filled affair. And although the director’s long-time friend and film companion, Leonoardo DiCaprio, is given the keys to the ride, it’s actually co-star Jonah Hill who stands out most among the plethora of fine performances. Hill, who has been mostly ignored throughout the early going of this awards season race, offers his finest performance to date, one that will be remembered for its expansive range. Hysterical, dramatic and everything in between, Jonah Hill is certainly deserving of a Best Supporting Actor Nomination. All in all, The Wolf of Wall Street just may be the most engaging three hours you’ll ever spend in a movie theatre.

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Despite completely captivating its audience, Scorsese’s newest feature has a few select shortcomings. For starters, Leo is more than fine in his leading role, however, the gifted actor never creates a sympathetic character. And as a result,The Wolf of Wall Street suffers in the drama-department and relies solely on humor. This is all well and good, yet there’s another deeper element that’s missing, perhaps one that could have catapulted The Wolf of Wall Street to insurmountable heights. But instead, the credits roll with an unfulfilled conclusion and a gaping disconnect between Belfort and the viewer, which may surely hurt the film during a long journey to the Academy Awards.

Martin Scorsese is a genius and an artist. He envisioned an epic tale of ambition and greed during a period when our nation’s economy finds itself struggling to sustain. The timing is perfect for his feature. When the cinematic year has been flooded with mainly cerebral and emotional options, we’re handed a seductive treat. With a surplus of nudity and enough cocaine on screen to put the entire country of Columbia to shame, I’m amazed that The Wolf of Wall Street only received an R-rating. But no matter what the MPAA says, be sure to buckle up and prepare for a wild ride, as Marting Scorsese returns to form and delivers the goods.

GRADE:4/5

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