Capone
Where to Watch Capone
Capone is a captivating biographical crime drama film from 1975 helmed by Steve Carver and starring Ben Gazzara, newcomer Susan Blakely, and Harry Guardino among others. The movie is a broad sweeping capture of Al Capone's life, which was notable for his rise and inevitable downfall under the arms of the law. The intriguing narrative covers the momentous period when Capone ruled the roost as the notorious crime boss during the Prohibition era, etching a lasting imprint in Chicago's criminal underworld.
Ben Gazzara plays out the character and life of Al Capone with a convincing performance that circles the nuances of Capone's multifaceted personality. He manages to embody the ruthlessness, audacity and charisma associated with the notorious gangster, yet also infuses softer undertones of frailty and insecurity, making Capone much more of a human figure than most would expect. His portrayal generates a detailed image of Capone's vast empire of crime adorned by illicit alcohol trade, gambling, and prostitution which were prevalent during the 1920s and 1930s.
Newcomer Susan Blakely excels in the role of Iris Crawford, Capone's lover. Her character holds an important place in the narrative, somewhat shadowing the man underneath the monster. Her portrayal elevates the nuances of the story, adding depth and complexity to the relationship their characters share.
Harry Guardino, an accomplished actor of his time, perfectly fits into the shoes of Johnny Torrio. His character plays a key role in the initial part of Capone's journey. The transition of power from Torrio to Capone is beautifully mapped, and Guardino's portrayal of a man passing on the reigns of his criminal empire is simply compelling.
The film does not just focus on Capone's life but also closely mirrors the socio-political climate of the period in question, painting a vivid picture of a time when crime ruled the streets of Chicago. The stark contrast between the prosperity of the Roaring Twenties, littered with extravagant lifestyles, jazz, and speakeasies, and the grim realities of poverty, crime and political corruption, presents a critical background to the narrative.
The director, Steve Carver, took the risk of not just portraying Capone as a villainous figure but also focusing on his human side, his relationships, his ambition, and his eventual downfall. The complex narrative takes a deep-dive into the psyche of the character, a risky yet fruitful move for such a heavy subject matter.
Carver's direction is well complemented by the film's production design, which diligently created the necessary visual aesthetics true to the period's atmosphere. The streets, the costumes, the props all contribute to producing a believable and immersive atmosphere of the infamous prohibition era. Also, the film's expert cinematography and editing offered relentless pacing that keeps the audience engrossed from the beginning to the end.
Capone's music by David Grisman creates an epic backdrop to the dramatic unfolding of the story. It allows viewers to feel engaged in the narrative and contributes adequately to maintaining the tension throughout the film. The background score resonates well with the darker and grim consists of the subject matter.
In essence, Capone is a captivating blend of power struggles, colorful characters, and daunting dilemmas. It revolves around Al Capone's rule in the crime-infested Chicago during the Prohibition era, his extreme actions, his relationships, and his eventual downfall. This narration of Capone's life captured through beautiful performances, especially by Ben Gazzara, contributes to the film's impact, making it memorable and thought-provoking. Capone infuses the right blend of crime, drama, and history, making it well worth a viewing for those interested in the genre or history enthusiasts interested in exploring the darker side of the Roaring Twenties.
Capone is a Crime, Drama movie released in 1975. It has a runtime of 101 Minutes Critics and viewers have rated it moderate reviews, with an IMDb score of 5.7..
How to Watch Capone
Where can I stream Capone movie online? Capone is available to watch and stream, buy on demand, download at Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, YouTube VOD, Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Capone for a limited time or purchase the movie for downloading.