The Irishman is a Little Light in Comparison to Past Scorsese Triumphs

Studio : Netflix, Poster

My first go at The Irishman had me walking out after 90 minutes. The big screen presentation came across as just a bunch of people talking out from the screen. It was unwatchable, but after an relatively enjoyable viewing on Netflix, I have a theory. The film was made for the small screen and did not translate on the larger medium. Still, Martin Scorsese’s latest does not rise to the level of his other great works, and I have some theories about that too.

Nonetheless, a story about the man behind Jimmy Hoffa’s death has plenty of juice. This especially since I never knew that there was a specific tale.

So following along as the key players plot their destinies, I was engaged. Frank Sheeran, the assassin, paints house.

In other words, the blood splatter serves as a euphemism for his work as a hitman. But the unassuming manner in which this working class truck driver becomes entangled in a life of organized crime is striking.

De Niro's truck break down, Russell Bufalino (Joe Pesci) lends a hand and Sheeran's descent never lets up. A few twists and turns and Sheeran becomes liaison between Hoffa and the union president’s mafia overlords.

Thus, we learn that Hoffa is bold, boisterous, and most importantly, unyielding. So much so that when the bosses feel their interests threatened, Hoffa’s stubbornness seals his fate .“It’s my union,” the leader refuses to relinquish control.

And this is where I realized the problem I was having. Word has come down, and after much wrangling, Sheeran is instructed to deliver the ultimatum to Hoffa. “This is what it is,” Pesci spells it out, and the go between knows the directive will fall on Hoffa’s deaf ears.

As such, De Niro is clearly taken aback, and the reaction surprised me. The relationship between Hoffa and Sheeran never seemed to rise above a business relationship of professional coexistence. Based on what I perceived, a more straightforward response seemed in order. “When do you want me to paint Hoffa’s house.”

Instead, Sheeran is suddenly a wad of sentiment and tries to pull all the strings he can to save his “friend.” The abrupt about face seemed manufactured and did not evoke the deep connections we felt watching Goodfellas. For instance, when Jimmy pounds away on the phone booth after hearing of Tommy’s death, the distraught outburst feels entirely real and in step with the drama.

There is more depth and sheer respect between De Niro and Pesci, but it still short. Thus, I came to my conclusion. Three hours and thirty minutes of movie does move you along but never really grabs you.

The film does contain a relationship - or lack of one - that definitely suffices, though. Frank’s daughter Peggy (Lucy Gallina, Anna Paquin) quickly realizes what her father is. So her unyielding disappointment hangs over the drama and leaves a mark. Remarkably, the wound resounds with very little dialogue and could have served as a pretty good blueprint for Scorsese.

There’s a similar shallowness with the scenery. The props are all there. But you don’t really get the feeling, for instance, of actually being in the Copacabana.

Nonetheless, we make it to the end, and the profound loss and ultimate emptiness of Frank’s life is felt deeply. It doesn’t really matter that the accepted facts may fail to match up. De Niro was actually warned beforehand by author Dan Moldea, who wrote The Hoffa Wars in 1978. “Bob, you’re being conned,’ Moldea told Vince Wade of the Daily Beast.

On the other hand, the motives and the main players are all there, and who ever actually pulled the trigger, doesn’t really take away from the story.

Otherwise, Pesci is great, De Niro is a small notch below and we get to see Pacino for only the fifth time with his iconic Italian contemporary. In other words, I can’t really say. I’m not really sure Pacino was right for the part but not so badly that he takes anything away.

So do I recommend The Irishman. Well, my musings are speculative. I didn’t go to film school. I don’t understand all the ins and out. I’m just a guy who goes to the movies and writes about. That said, take the time and take a look. There’s enough here to see.

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