The Irishman

The Irishman
source
Name	The Irishman
Director	Martin Scorsese
Producer	Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, Gastón Pavlovich, Randall Emmett, Irwin Winkler
Writer	Steven Zaillian
Based on	I Heard You Paint Houses by Charles Brandt
Starring	Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci, Harvey Keitel, Ray Romano, Bobby Cannavale, Anna Paquin, Stephen Graham, Stephanie Kurtzuba
Music	Robbie Robertson
Cinematography	Rodrigo Prieto
Editing	Thelma Schoonmaker
Production company	TriBeCa Productions, Sikelia Productions, Winkler Films
Distributed	Netflix
Country	United States
Language	English

The Irishman is a 2019 American epic crime film directed by Martin Scorsese and written by Steven Zaillian, based on the 2004 book I Heard You Paint Houses by Charles Brandt. The film features an ensemble cast, including Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci, and explores the life of Frank Sheeran, a hitman who claimed to have been involved in the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa, the leader of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. The film also stars Harvey Keitel, Ray Romano, and Bobby Cannavale, and features Anna Paquin and Stephen Graham in supporting roles. The film's production involved collaboration with Netflix, TriBeCa Productions, and Sikelia Productions.

Plot

The film's narrative is presented through a non-linear structure, with Frank Sheeran recounting his life story to a Catholic priest. The story begins with Sheeran's early life, including his experiences during World War II and his introduction to the world of organized crime through Russell Bufalino, a powerful Mafia boss. The film then follows Sheeran's rise through the ranks of the Mafia, including his involvement in the Teamsters union and his relationship with Jimmy Hoffa. The film also explores Sheeran's role in the Bay of Pigs invasion and his connections to Fidel Castro and the Cuban Revolution. Throughout the film, Sheeran's narrative is intercut with scenes of his later life, including his time in a nursing home and his reflections on his past actions.

Cast

The film features a talented ensemble cast, including Robert De Niro as Frank Sheeran, Al Pacino as Jimmy Hoffa, and Joe Pesci as Russell Bufalino. The cast also includes Harvey Keitel as Angelo Bruno, Ray Romano as Bill Bufalino, and Bobby Cannavale as Joe Gallo. Anna Paquin and Stephen Graham appear in supporting roles as Peggy Sheeran and Anthony Provenzano, respectively. The film's cast also includes Jesse Plemons as Chuckie O'Brien, Domenick Lombardozzi as Anthony Salerno, and Jack Huston as Robert Kennedy.

Production

The film's production was a collaborative effort between Martin Scorsese and his long-time partners, including Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal. The film was shot on location in New York City, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, and featured a mix of practical and digital effects to recreate the film's period setting. The film's cinematography was handled by Rodrigo Prieto, who worked closely with Scorsese to develop the film's visual style. The film's editing was handled by Thelma Schoonmaker, who has collaborated with Scorsese on numerous films, including Raging Bull and Goodfellas.

Release

The film was released on Netflix in November 2019, following a limited theatrical release in New York City and Los Angeles. The film's release was accompanied by a significant marketing campaign, including trailers and promotional materials featuring the film's cast and crew. The film's release was also marked by a series of screenings and Q&A sessions, including a premiere at the New York Film Festival and a screening at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film's release on Netflix allowed it to reach a wide audience, including viewers in the United States, Canada, and Europe.

Reception

The film received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising its performances, direction, and historical significance. The film holds a Metacritic score of 92, indicating "universal acclaim," and has been named one of the best films of 2019 by numerous publications, including The New York Times, The Guardian, and Rolling Stone. The film has also been recognized with numerous awards and nominations, including several Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor for Al Pacino and Joe Pesci. The film's success has also been recognized by the National Board of Review, the Critics' Choice Movie Awards, and the Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Historical accuracy

The film's historical accuracy has been the subject of some debate, with some critics arguing that the film takes creative liberties with the life of Frank Sheeran and the events surrounding the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa. However, the film's director, Martin Scorsese, has stated that the film is based on Sheeran's own account of his life, as told to Charles Brandt in his book I Heard You Paint Houses. The film's portrayal of Hoffa's disappearance has also been supported by some historians, including Dan Moldea, who has written extensively on the subject. The film's attention to historical detail has also been praised, including its depiction of the Mafia's involvement in the Teamsters union and the Cuban Revolution. The film's historical significance has also been recognized by the American Historical Association, which has praised the film's portrayal of the Cold War era and the Red Scare.