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I think Roger Ebert picked this as his top film for 2002, so, as it was on for a couple cents short of $15, I went down to Best Buys to buy it this morning.
First of all, it is a good, at times spectacular, but not great overall film.
The positives include:
1. Obviously, an interesting idea to explore the violent ethnic and racial undercurrents that had taken possession of certain parts of New York at the time.
2. Fantastic production values: Great sets, very good cinematography, and a sterling DTS track (early in the film, it rocked my room when just a door was being kicked open)
3. Some extraordinary acting. I liked Liam Nieson as DiCaprio's father. But, Daniel Day-Lewis gives the performance of his career, one that I feel will be discussed by enthusiasts for years to come. I kept on wondering during the watching, how much this film would suffer if a lesser actor had been cast in this role. My attention was rivited each and every time he was on screen. He commanded my attention. Personally, I don't see how he lost out on the Oscar to Adrian Brody, but maybe that's just me.
4. Some scenes, such as the film's beginning and ending scenes, were outstanding and great spectacle cinema.
The bad:
1. Certain roles were, in my eyes, entirely empty, misdirected, or miscast. Leonardo DiCaprio didn't have the presense to be pitted against Daniel's character whatsoever. I never believed him to be a worthy oponent, as had been his father.
2. Poor editing and decision making. At times, this film seemed to be lacking cohesiveness and focus, as was the case with the almost obligatory love story within the major story between Cameron Diaz and DiCaprio. I think the story should have kept its direction on the dynamics and tensions that were the main examination of the film. Editing some of that out would have helped provide relief from the almost three hour running time.
Overall, not one of Scorsese's best films, but still very worthy of a rental, especially if one doesn't mind very graphic violence and wants to see an acting clinic by Day-Lewis.
Flawed, but worth seeing.
Keith
First of all, it is a good, at times spectacular, but not great overall film.
The positives include:
1. Obviously, an interesting idea to explore the violent ethnic and racial undercurrents that had taken possession of certain parts of New York at the time.
2. Fantastic production values: Great sets, very good cinematography, and a sterling DTS track (early in the film, it rocked my room when just a door was being kicked open)
3. Some extraordinary acting. I liked Liam Nieson as DiCaprio's father. But, Daniel Day-Lewis gives the performance of his career, one that I feel will be discussed by enthusiasts for years to come. I kept on wondering during the watching, how much this film would suffer if a lesser actor had been cast in this role. My attention was rivited each and every time he was on screen. He commanded my attention. Personally, I don't see how he lost out on the Oscar to Adrian Brody, but maybe that's just me.
4. Some scenes, such as the film's beginning and ending scenes, were outstanding and great spectacle cinema.
The bad:
1. Certain roles were, in my eyes, entirely empty, misdirected, or miscast. Leonardo DiCaprio didn't have the presense to be pitted against Daniel's character whatsoever. I never believed him to be a worthy oponent, as had been his father.
2. Poor editing and decision making. At times, this film seemed to be lacking cohesiveness and focus, as was the case with the almost obligatory love story within the major story between Cameron Diaz and DiCaprio. I think the story should have kept its direction on the dynamics and tensions that were the main examination of the film. Editing some of that out would have helped provide relief from the almost three hour running time.
Overall, not one of Scorsese's best films, but still very worthy of a rental, especially if one doesn't mind very graphic violence and wants to see an acting clinic by Day-Lewis.
Flawed, but worth seeing.
Keith
I'll have to give it a spin. Thanks.
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