Martin Scorcese has always had success with mob films. Its something we have all grown to love about him. Matteo Garrone, like most foreign filmmakers, was virtually unknown to us American audiences. With little film making experience under his belt, he delivers.
Having not seen this in theaters, I rushed to the nearest Blockbuster to pick up a copy the day of its release. Never before have I felt like more of an idiot for not seeing a movie in theaters as I did with this film. It delivers a very strong plot, fantastic acting (which you can always count on in European films), and enough action to satisfy without bludgeoning itself to death.
Is this mob film better than the Godfather? I say yes, and here's why. Its not extremely drawn out with a second or two of thrill every few hours like the Godfather. It keeps things short and sweet while getting its point across. The characters feel more real and with that reality comes more of an attachment to the characters. In one scene a woman who is not given much background is shot and killed yet it has a terrifying and crushing gravity to it. Another thing that in my opinion makes this a better film as a whole is that you get a look at those who have no ties whatsoever to the mob but are still affected by it. The dialog is taut, suspicious, and overwhelming at times. Visually and verbally I believe that this is the single best, straight up mob film ever. At just under two and a half hours you can avoid a yawn fest while still getting an extremely moving motion picture.
Having not seen this in theaters, I rushed to the nearest Blockbuster to pick up a copy the day of its release. Never before have I felt like more of an idiot for not seeing a movie in theaters as I did with this film. It delivers a very strong plot, fantastic acting (which you can always count on in European films), and enough action to satisfy without bludgeoning itself to death.
Is this mob film better than the Godfather? I say yes, and here's why. Its not extremely drawn out with a second or two of thrill every few hours like the Godfather. It keeps things short and sweet while getting its point across. The characters feel more real and with that reality comes more of an attachment to the characters. In one scene a woman who is not given much background is shot and killed yet it has a terrifying and crushing gravity to it. Another thing that in my opinion makes this a better film as a whole is that you get a look at those who have no ties whatsoever to the mob but are still affected by it. The dialog is taut, suspicious, and overwhelming at times. Visually and verbally I believe that this is the single best, straight up mob film ever. At just under two and a half hours you can avoid a yawn fest while still getting an extremely moving motion picture.