Sunday, March 4, 2012

Carlito's Way (1993)

"Carlito's Way" was released in 1993 and was directed by Brian De Palma (Carrie, Scarface, The Untouchables). Puerto-rican ex-convict, Carlito Brigante, is released from prison with the help of his lawyer, David Kleinfeld, and he vows to stay away from all the crime that landed him behind bars. However, one thing leads to another and just as Carlito thinks his planned getaway to paradise seems simple, his past and so called "friend" Kleinfeld intervene.

This film is absolutely tremendous. Yes, it is a gangster film but aspires to be more than that. The film focuses on the deep and complex character of Carlito, played with uncanny brillance by the legendary Al Pacino. Carlito is filled with regret and a desire to start over but plagued with the flaw of loyalty towards those he feels he owes. The dynamic of Pacino's character Carlito is enough reason to see the film. 

This was actually one of the first films I ever owned on DVD. I watched it and immediately fell in love with it. Brian De Palma's directing has never been better. He created a story filled with characters that push the plot as opposed to a plot that pushes the characters.

A real surprise and shining gem in this film is the performance given by Sean Penn. You won't even recognize him. He completely transcends himself and becomes David Kleinfeld. This, in my opinion, was a major oscar nomination snub. 

"Carlito's Way" is an intense and highly enjoyable film. It's quite violent at points but what gangster film isn't. It's one of Al Pacino's best roles and Sean Penn's most forgotten performance. Go check it out and I hope you enjoy. 




Here's the IMDB page:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106519/
Here's the trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbXrkKmCTok

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