Having watched an avalanche of films, I took a couple of weeks break, mainly due to work and illness. However, I was back and with Scorsese’s big gangster film doing a limited theatrical run before it goes onto Netflix, I had to see it (Even if gangster films aren’t usually my cup of tea).

Sitting at a staggering 3 hours and 30 minutes (Forty six minutes longer than 2001: A Space Odyssey, and thirteen minutes longer than Schindler’s List), the Irishman certainly provides a lot of film. Most of this works and for such a lengthy flick, the pacing is done well, with no scene feeling like it particularly could be cut.

We start in a retirement home where we meet Frank (Robert Di Niro of course) who explains the story of a visit to a family wedding. In this part, we meet his dear friend Russel (Joe Pesci, who else). We then flashback to when Frank, as a meat transporter, started stealing steak for a gang family and gets introduced to Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino, I have bingo) who is emerging in the dodgy world of Union politics. The next couple of hours see Frank tip-toe his way around, trying to be loyal to everyone, keep his family happy and safe and generally avoid conflict. It’s classic genre stuff. The conveyor belt of gangsters all feel unique and add something to the plot. While we don’t reach Tarantino levels of quip, there is certainly some brilliant dialogue which may become great quotes in years to come.

Where the film really takes itself in a new direction is later on. We see Frank older and dealing with some of the emotional consequences of his actions. His honour is tested as we see some of the sadder realities of ageing and impermanence which haven’t been this clear to see since Pixar released Up. (Don’t worry, we meet Frank in a retirement home, so that wasn’t much of a spoiler).

This softer side and these intricacies are all shown so well. Scorcese has a brilliant script and all three leads do it justice. The themes of keeping your honour and having your own back no matter what ring brilliantly throughout. The script is wonderfully executed. Pacino and Pesci both provide empassioned performances, shadowing their confident fronts with a sadder depth and very few performances will contend with De Niro’s this year. This character is complemented well by Frank’s daughter Peggy acting amazingly without words (Lucy Gallina/Anna Paquin).

The de-ageing effects used by Scorsese to digitally make the cast look younger are also fantastic. This is helped by them acting the appropriate age, but rarely did I think the effects didn’t look believable.

The set pieces were wonderful and the 1950’s jazz track accompanied the mood perfectly to help create a vivid picture of a different time. Alongside De Niro’s narration, the action on set is great to follow and a pleasure to look at. (The real shame is that most people will watch this in their living rooms). We even get a Harvey Keitel appearance

Summary

The Irishman certainly is a long endeavour, but every minute feels like a minute well spent and carefully thought out. Within a brilliant tough gangster film is a subtle emotional crutch which leads to a great pay off in the end thanks to a brilliant star-studded cast. [Grade: A]

It’s early days yet, but I think this film may win best picture at the Oscars, but don’t quote me (unless I’m right).