Mean Streets (1973)

"Mean Streets" was released in 1973 and was written and directed by my favorite director, Martin Scorsese (Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas). It's a simple tale of small time hoods who struggle to achieve significance in NYC's Little Italy. 

If you love Martin Scorsese, Robert DeNiro or gangster films in general, this is a film you have to see. The long and the short of it, it's a great early vehicle for DeNiro, who turns out an excellent performance. Although its a primitive film for Scorsese, his direction shines and his writing is honest and funny. 

The film just kind of goes. There's no solid narrative but more a character study of Charlie, played by Harvey Keitel. Charlie is liked by everyone and is trying to come out of the shadows with the help from his big time uncle, Giovanni. However, Charlie cares too much and his friendship with Johnny Boy(DeNiro's character) is causing a major rift in his business and his desire for legitimacy. A love affair is also complicating matters but you'll have to find out for yourself. 

"Mean Streets" paints an accurate picture of Italian-american life in the 1960's and 70's. It's a subtle masterpiece in my opinion. I can't recommend this film enough, especially if your a Scorsese fan. For some filmmakers it's the best film they'll ever make. For Martin Scorsese, it was just the beginning. 

Till next time. 

Here the IMDB page:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070379/

Here's the trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAQZzfwQGHQ

TOP TEN DIRECTORS

The director is the architect behind every film. Whether he or she be the writer or not, they are still responsible for the visualization of the film itself. Cinema has always been and will always be a collaboration of talents melded together to produce a product of art and entertainment. However, the director is the key component to truly giving the script life and transforming pages into moving image. Actors provide their own touches to films as well, but behind every great actor is a great director. 


Here's my list of the top ten directors of all time. This is up for speculation of course and it was very difficult to narrow it down. Remember, this is my personal opinion. 

TOP TEN DIRECTORS

10. Joel and Ethan Coen

Known for Raising Arizona, Fargo, The Big Lebowski and No Country for Old Men. 

9. Billy Wilder

Known for Double Indemnity, Sunset Blvd., Some Like It Hot and The Apartment.

8. Steven Spielberg

Known for Jaws, Indiana Jones films, Schindler's List, Jurassic Park and Saving Private Ryan. 

7. Woody Allen

Known for Annie Hall, Manhattan, Hannah and Her Sisters and Midnight in Paris. 

6. John Huston

Known for The Maltese Falcon, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre and The African Queen. 

5. Martin Scorsese

Known for Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, Casino, The Departed and Hugo. 

4. Stanley Kubrick

Known for Dr. Strangelove, 2001: A Space Odyssey, A Clockwork Orange, The Shining, Full Metal Jacket. 

3. John Ford

Known for Stagecoach, The Grapes of Wrath and The Searchers. 

2. Federico Fellini

Known for La Strada, La Dolce Vita and 8 1/2.

1. Alfred Hitchcock 

Known for Rear Window, Vertigo, North by Northwest and Psycho. 

Let me know what you think and I would love to hear some of your opinions. I chose these directors based on what their films have meant to me and to the history and survival of cinema. I am not saying these are my favorite directors, but I am saying that I believe these directors are some of the most important. But like all film, its all up for interpretation. 

Till next time. 

State of Grace (1990)

"State of Grace" was released in 1990 and was directed by Phil Joanou (Gridiron Gang). Terry Noonan, now a New York cop, returns to his childhood neighborhood of Hell's Kitchen and reunites with his old pals. However, his pals are now part of the Irish mob scene looking to take a dominant stand in NYC. Terry is attempting to pull off a sting operation but his friendship to them is hindering his job. He's falling in love with the sister of the men he's trying to put behind bars as well.

Sounds like a loaded plot, right? Don't let my description steer you away. This is a character driven film. It's super intense. Sean Penn, who portrays the undercover cop Terry Noonan, is excelent as always. Ed Harris is top-notch as well. The real standout here is the impecable and timeless performance given by Gary Oldman. One of my favorites, Oldman always gives a stellar performance even when it's not expected. He's constantly stealing the show. 

This is a gangster film, which due to the year it was released, didn't get much notice. "Goodfellas"(My all-time favorite film) and "The Godfather Part III" were also released that year, stealing some of "State of Grace's thunder. But this film belongs right up there with some of the best gangster pieces in cinema.  It's exceptionally shot, acted, directed and the story is told flawlessly. It's a must-see in my book. 

I've done enough talking, it's your job to go and check this one out. It won't disappoint. It's violatile, intense and erupting with emotion. "State of Grace" remains one of the best films of the 90's as well as one of the most overlooked. 

Till next time. 

Here's the IMDB page:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0100685/

Here's the trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrIEKS1PdfI

Bottle Rocket (1996)

"Bottle Rocket" was released in 1996 and was the first feature film from writer/director Wes Anderson (The Royal Tenenbaums, The Darjeeling Limited). Three friends commit a robbery and then go on the lam. While on the run, one falls in love, one struggles with his brothers power over him and the other is simply searching for a plan.

For a first feature, this is quite impressive. It was only the start of brillant things to come from Wes Anderson. I don't think it's his best film, however. I believe that to be "The Royal Tenenbaums", but "Bottle Rocket" may be his most honest film. It's bursting with exuberance and innocence that is displayed through the characters. It's a film about growing up and learning that not everything in life has a plan. 

As is true with Anderson's other films, "Bottle Rocket" is colorful and seems to be constantly moving. Although the plot isn't too extensive, the rich characters and humorous dialogue keep it entertaining throughout. Owen Wilson, in his first feature, portrays Dignan. Dignan, the man with the plan who is a born leader. Despite sharing much screen time with his co-star and brother, Luke Wilson, I do believe Dignan is the main character here. He seems, especially towards the end, to be the most conflicted character of the film. Owen also co-wrote this with Wes Anderson. 

Overall, "Bottle Rocket" is a fun film that not many have seen. It's rich in character and stays with you long after you watch it. Please go check it out. And try and figure out why it's called Bottle Rocket. 

Till next time. 

Here's the IMDB page:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0115734/

Here's the trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hspUSez-rYY