The Irishman

The Irishman is a cinematic powerhouse and an ambitious exploration of time, mortality, and loyalty, directed by legendary filmmaker, Martin Scorsese. The film was released in 2019 by Netflix, and boasts of a star-studded cast. The ensemble is headlined by Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci, who turn out exceptional and provoking performances.

The Irishman is adapted from Charles Brandt’s 2004 book, 'I Heard You Paint Houses', that recounts the life of Frank Sheeran, a labor union leader and alleged hitman for the Bufalino crime family. Robert De Niro takes on the role of Frank "The Irishman" Sheeran with quiet intensity, using his seasoned acting prowess to portray a man grappling with the moral weight of his actions through the expanse of his life.

Al Pacino breathes life into the charismatic and controversial character of Jimmy Hoffa, the passionate and headstrong labor union leader who mysteriously disappeared in 1975. This subtle performance by Pacino stands out as he navigates the complexities of Hoffa as someone who is deeply empathetic and captivatingly erratic at the same time.

Joe Pesci stands out for his terrifyingly calm portrayal of Russell Bufalino. The long-time Scorsese collaborator makes a successful return to acting after being semi-retired, embodying a character whose soft-spoken demeanor hides a ruthless approach to crime.

The screenplay by Steven Zaillian, an Academy Award-winning writer, offers a complex narrative that spans over multiple decades. It seamlessly blends humor, drama and shocking moments of violence, presenting a rich tableau that seems fitting for the veteran director's retelling of post-war America.

Scorsese’s direction showcases his command over cinematic storytelling with this sprawling epic. The director's immaculate craftsmanship shines through every frame as he recreates different decades not just through costumes, set designs and music but also through visual cues. The film uses state-of-the-art digital de-aging technology that removes years from the veteran actors' faces to portray their younger selves convincingly. This audacious visual effect adds a unique touch to Scorsese’s film, allowing it to span through time without disruption.

One of the film’s striking features is its exploration of time and old age. The Irishman reflects upon the lives of these characters as they wade through the effects and costs of their violent careers, and settle into their twilight years. The passage of time is made palpably real as we navigate through their pasts, view the choices they've made and face the grave consequences which eventually shape their present as older, quieter men.

Given the lengthy runtime of three and a half hours, the pacing of the film is an achievement within itself. Scorsese and his longtime editor Thelma Schoonmaker maintain a rhythm that keeps audiences hooked from start to finish. Bruno Delbonnel’s sweeping cinematography and Robbie Robertson’s score play significant roles in lending the film its atmospheric richness.

The Irishman marries true crime drama with profound character study. It goes beyond the confines of traditional gangster flicks and addresses themes of power, loyalty, betrayal and regret, making it a deeply introspective film. While the movie offers an exciting delve into the underbelly of organized crime and power politics, it is cemented by a countdown to mortality and the fleetingness of power.

The Irishman, thus, works both as a captivating history lesson and a poignant reflection on aging and mortality. It presents a tranquil coda to Scorsese’s body of mob cinema and offers its seasoned actors some of their most attractive roles to date. It is a bravura saga that, while grounded in the grittiness of its reality, resonates on a universal level with its intricate depiction of the human condition and the inevitable passage of time.