Fingers

Fingers is an engaging drama film released in 1978 under the high caliber directorial command of James Toback. The movie delineates the internal struggle and complicated life of a tormented man trying to reconcile his artistic passion with a criminal underworld. Starring the charismatic Harvey Keitel in the lead, the movie effectively uses his riveting performance to capture the essence of complex characters living on the fringe of society. Supporting him are the talented Tisa Farrow and Jim Brown, whose performances further enrich the narrative.

Keitel plays the lead role of Jimmy "Fingers" Angelelli, the son of a mafia loan shark who has a profound passion for music. He is a young man in New York City pulled between the world of classical music—a career as a concert pianist that he deeply yearns for—and his father's demanding world of organized crime. His promising skill at the piano and his impending audition at Carnegie Hall present a stark contrast to his dark encounters and deeds while collecting his father's debts. The deeply detailed portrayal of his character adds a unique sense of realism to the movie, making viewers empathize with his conflicting aspirations.

Packed with psychological drama, Fingers is an exploration of dual personalities clashing within a single individual, where aspirations in the daylight are accompanied by dubious business in the darkness. Toby, Jimmy's father played brilliantly by Michael V. Gazzo, dreams of a better future for his son, hoping that Jimmy can escape from their brutal underworld life. And yet, troublingly, it is Toby himself who draws Jimmy deeper into this world. Toback manipulates this challenging father-son dynamic to run a continuous vein of tension throughout the film.

Alongside this narrative, Harvey Keitel’s character also navigates the realms of love and connection. His relationship with the enchanting, yet disturbed, Carol played by Tisa Farrow furthers illustrates Jimmy's internal struggles, pulling the audience deeper into his intricacies and dilemmas. Toback showcases two unlike worlds colliding within a single individual, where Jimmy's fascination for Beethoven and his bloody responsibilities as a mob enforcer intermingle in surprising and thought-provoking ways.

Former football star Jim Brown makes a significant mark in the role of Dreems, a peripheral figure in the story who commands a significant presence. His character acts as a dark mirror to Keitel's, demonstrating how an individual can journey down the wrong path, making it a cautionary subplot to Keitel's choice between gangsterism and the world of music.

Fingers is not your typical gangster flick. It takes the stereotypical notions of a mob film and adds a symphony of unexpected, often contrasting elements. The film positions itself in the intersection of different genres exploring the high contrast of criminal underworld and the sensory world of a piano maestro. Throughout the entire film, music plays a significant role, serving as Jimmy's safe haven, a refuge swelling within the walls of his complex existence.

The film is characterized by its intense, powerful storyline and brilliant performances—all set against the backdrop of urban New York in the 1970s. It brilliantly captures the era’s textures, sounds, and aesthetics. Coupled with emotional complexities and character struggle, Fingers takes a deep dive into cinematic psychological exploration.

From a cinematic standpoint, Fingers delivers on various technical aspects. The storytelling is complex and layered, woven into scenes that introduce various characters with depth and creativity. Harvey Keitel's performance is riveting, turning a potentially unlikable character into a deeply sympathetic and engaging figure.

In conclusion, Fingers is an amalgamation of crime, psychological exploration, and the unwavering pursuit of passion. This film caters to viewers who crave intense drama, complex character development, and subtle, insightful commentary on human nature. Fingers stands as a tribute to the Golden Age of American cinema, where genre norms were twisted and boundaries pushed to create thought-provoking and iconic cinematic experiences.