Today I watched one of the first movies by the legendary director Martin Scorsese we have already talked about a few of his movies in these last two months and I believe he has one more movie on the list after today's. The movie is called Mean Streets and oh what a movie it is. The story is semi autobiographical much like I think 8 1/2 was. The movie follows Charlie (Harvey Keitel) and his buddy Johnny Boy (Robert De Niro) and their life as criminals in New York City. The movie is about Charlie seeking redemption for his sins but he doesn't know if he trusts the church. This is much like how Martin was in seminary.
The movie is shot in a very dark and gritty way much like the masterpiece that is Taxi Driver however this movie isn't as good. The camera and the film is gritty probably super sixteen mm but it works for this film as it reflects the minds and morally grey choices that the cast makes. The acting is top notch as this was still the time when if De Niro was in a movie you knew it was going to be good. However, all the actors look very similar so it is sometimes hard to tell them apart. The story is also hard to follow and jumps a lot this is annoying in a small degree but this film isn't about the story but about how the characters feel. This felt similar to Saturday Night Fever in that way.
This is a good movie and a little hardcore but ok for anyone who has seen any other Scorsese movie. I don't think this should be your first as it isn't one of my favorites of his but I think it should be watched if you are a fan or trying to be. This film was a challenge for me to watch but that may be just because I let my mind wander of maybe it really was the movie. If your looking for a crime movie then check this one out.
Ebert's score 4 stars
Tyler's score 3 stars
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