The Untouchables (2007, Blu-ray Disc)

As is so often the case with me, I was channel surfing the other night when I cam across a film that I hadn't seen in many years. A film that I loved when I was younger for it's violence and bloodshed, but loved now for it's emotion and depth. That film is The Untouchables. Released in 1987, it boasts an all-star cast and accurately depicts 1930's Chicago during prohibition. A brutal time when gangs ruled the streets, corruption was rampant, and Al Capone reigned supreme.

The film opens in 1930 and we are introduced to Elliot Ness (Kevin Costner). Ness is a U.S. Treasury Agent who is assigned to investigate and bring down Al Capone (Robert DeNiro). Full of high hopes and righteous ideals, Ness has no clue just how hard a task he has been given. When his first liquor raid is a failure and turns him into the laughing stock of Chicago, he begins to realize what it is that he's up against. Ness comes to understand that although he is a law enforcement officer, he has always done so from behind a desk. As such he has no idea how things actually work on the street.

Things look bleak for Ness until a chance encounter with Chicago beat cop Jimmy Malone (Sean Connery) changes things. Malone is a street wise veteran who is fully aware of the crime and corruption that runs throughout Chicago but he is content to sit back and let it all happen....as long as it doesn't happen on his beat. Ness realizes that he needs a cop like Malone so he enlists Malone's help and the two fast become friends.

With Malone's assistance, Ness recruits George Stone (Andy Garcia), a sharpshooter from the academy. They are soon joined by Treasury Department accountant Oscar Wallace (Charles Martin Smith) who soon discovers that he will live longer if he puts down his pen and picks up a gun. Together the four of them become known as "The Untouchables" as they soon begin making arrest after arrest and become serious impediments to Capone's operation. But, not being one to sit back and let things happen, Capone violently strikes back. What happens?? Well if you are one of the few people who haven't seen this film, I won't spoil it for you.

As far as I am concerned, The Untouchables is director Brian De Palma's best work. This film is 2 hours of pure excitement that grabs a hold and doesn't let go. This is a beautifully crafted gangster movie told on a grand scale. While many of the events leading to Capone's arrest are fictionalized, they in no way detract from the film as a whole. With the screenplay, acting, and production values all top notch, The Untouchables is one of the best films of the 1980's.

The Untouchables has everything that you would expect from an action/adventure film. A fast moving, well thought out plot, good guys you like, bad guys you hate, tons of great dialogue, bits of humor, and tear inducing tragedy. But for a story that ultimately comes down to the age old fight of good vs. evil, The Untouchables is surprisingly complex. Take Ness for example. As the movie opens, he is a man who believes in the letter of the law and will do whatever he can to uphold it...as long as its legal. But as we progress into the film and his character develops, he gradually learns that he is going to have to bend and sometimes break the law in order to see justice done. It is not a concept he embraces, but he comes to understand that if he is to survive, he has to work outside the law....just as Capone does. It is Connery's character of Malone who helps Ness to come to terms with this. For example when Malone agrees to join Ness the following dialogue takes place:
Malone: You said you wanted to get Capone. Do you really want to get him? You see....what I'm saying is....what are you prepared to do?
Ness: Anything and everything in my power.
Malone: And THEN what are you prepared to do? If you open the can on these worms you must be prepared to go all the way because they're not gonna give up the fight until one of you is dead.
Ness: How do you do it then?
Malone: You wanna know how you do it? Here's how...they pull a knife, you pull a gun. He sends one of yours to the hospital, you send one of his to the morgue! That's the Chicago way and that's how you get Capone. Now you want to do that? Are you ready to do that?
Ness: I have sworn to capture this man with all legal powers at my disposal and I will do so.
Malone: [Rolling his eyes] Well the Lord hates a coward. Do you know what a blood oath is Mr. Ness?
Ness: Yes.
Malone: Good, cause you just took one.

This is Ness' attitude at the beginning of the film. Toward the end, the following scene takes place between Ness and Frank Nitti (Billy Drago) who is one of Capone's hitmen who killed two of the Untouchables...
Ness: I'm gonna see you burn because you killed my friend.
Nitti: He died like a pig.
Ness: What did you say?
Nitti: I said your friend died like a stuck Irish pig. You think about that when I beat the rap.
[Ness, enraged, grabs Nitti and throws him off the buildings roof. Nitti wails as he falls]
Ness: Did it sound something like THAT?

Quite a difference huh? Ness' transformation takes place over the course of the film and is very interesting to watch. Costner does a great job as Ness. Yes his character is a bit wooden, but he needs to be in order to balance the other performances in the film...namely Connery's and Deniro's.

Sean Connery's portrayal of Jimmy Malone is absolutely flawless and it earned him the Best Supporting Actor Oscar that year. Street hardened and sad as to what has become of his fair city, Malone is one tough talking, hard hitting SOB. Connery infuses the character with a subtle menace and dry wit. While he believes in the law, Malone is not one to shy away from crossing the line if he feels it's justified. Connery steals the show and an Oscar was never more deserved.

Robert Deniro's performance was almost as good. While he doesn't get much screen time, he makes up for this by dominating every scene he is in. Deniro plays Capone as a ruthless, egotistical, vicious man. Capone is a bad guy so evil that it's impossible to like him. For example, after Ness makes a particularly bothersome arrest to Capone's organization he states...
Capone: I want this guy dead! I want his family dead! I want his house burned to the ground! I was want to go there in the middle of the night and p*ss on his ashes!

Nice guy huh. Not a chance. Capone is a scary individual who will kill you for nothing less than failing at one of your duties. As one of his men brutally finds out in one of the film's most gruesome scenes. Batter up anyone?? Bob Hoskins was originally slated to play Capone but was replaced with Deniro. I, for one, and glad because Deniro plays his character perfectly.

The other main characters, Garcia and Smith also turn in great performances. This is the role that launched Garcia to stardom but Smith just kind of faded into obscurity after this film. Weird how Hollywood works.

The musical score should not be overlooked. Ennio Morricone's work is just great. It really helps in establishing the film's mood and emotion.

I also should mention that this movie has more than it's fair share of brutality. Blood and gore are everywhere so if that kind of thing upsets you, I'd recommend watching the edited version of this one folks.

Put simply, The Untouchables is a fantastic film that is well worthy of the praise it has attained. I could go on to mention the great set design, costumes, and editing but I'm sure you know all about them as I don't know of anyone who hasn't seen this film. If you are one of the few who haven't seen it, do yourself a favor and go rent it. I can pretty much guarantee that you will find it an enjoyable film.

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This has been one of my entries into the Excellent & Excruciating Write-Off being hosted by captaind and slarter. Its a great idea so join in everyone. For more information see link http://www.epinions.com/content_3996557444#ow