The Irishman (2019 film)

The Irishman (2019 film)
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
Released	November 1, 2019
Runtime	209 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$159 million

The Irishman (2019 film) is a crime drama 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, Joe Pesci, Harvey Keitel, Ray Romano, Bobby Cannavale, Anna Paquin, Stephen Graham, and Stephanie Kurtzuba, 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 delves into the world of organized crime, featuring characters such as Tony Provenzano, Russell Bufalino, and Angelo Bruno, who were all associated with the Bufalino crime family and the Philadelphia crime family. The story is also connected to significant events, including the Apalachin Meeting and the Bay of Pigs invasion.

Plot

The film tells the story of Frank Sheeran, a hitman who worked for the Bufalino crime family and claimed to have been involved in the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa. The story is presented as a series of flashbacks, with Frank Sheeran recounting his life story to a Catholic priest. The film explores Sheeran's early life, including his time in the United States Army during World War II, where he was stationed in Italy and Germany. After the war, Sheeran became involved in organized crime, working for Russell Bufalino and Angelo Bruno, and carrying out hits for the Philadelphia crime family and the Detroit Partnership. The film also depicts Sheeran's relationship with Jimmy Hoffa, who was a close friend and associate, and his involvement in the Teamsters union, including the McClellan Committee hearings. The story is also connected to other significant figures, including John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and J. Edgar Hoover, who were all involved in the Cuban Missile Crisis and the War on Organized Crime.

Production

The film was directed by Martin Scorsese and produced by Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, Gastón Pavlovich, Randall Emmett, and Irwin Winkler. The screenplay was written by Steven Zaillian, based on the book I Heard You Paint Houses by Charles Brandt. The film features a mix of veteran actors, including Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci, as well as younger actors, such as Stephen Graham and Anna Paquin. The film was shot on location in New York City, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, and features a blend of practical and digital effects to recreate the look and feel of the 1950s and 1960s. The production team also consulted with experts, including Dan Moldea and Lin DeVecchio, to ensure the accuracy of the film's portrayal of organized crime and the Teamsters union. The film's score was composed by Robbie Robertson, who has worked with Martin Scorsese on several previous films, including Gangs of New York and The Aviator.

Cast

The film features an ensemble cast, including Robert De Niro as Frank Sheeran, Al Pacino as Jimmy Hoffa, Joe Pesci as Russell Bufalino, Harvey Keitel as Angelo Bruno, Ray Romano as Bill Bufalino, Bobby Cannavale as Joe Gallo, Anna Paquin as Peggy Sheeran, Stephen Graham as Tony Provenzano, and Stephanie Kurtzuba as Irene Sheeran. The cast also includes Jesse Plemons as Chuckie O'Brien, Jack Huston as Robert F. Kennedy, and Domenick Lombardozzi as Anthony Salerno. The film's cast is notable for its use of de-aging technology, which was used to make the actors appear younger in certain scenes. The cast's performances were widely praised, with many critics noting the chemistry between Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, who have appeared together in several films, including Goodfellas and Casino.

Release

The film was released on Netflix on November 27, 2019, after a limited theatrical release on November 1, 2019. The film was also screened at several film festivals, including the New York Film Festival and the London Film Festival. The film's release was accompanied by a significant marketing campaign, which included trailers, TV spots, and print ads. The film's trailer, which featured music by The Rolling Stones, was widely praised and helped to generate buzz for the film. The film's release was also notable for its use of IMAX theaters, which provided a unique viewing experience for audiences. The film's distribution was handled by Netflix, which has become a major player in the film industry, producing and distributing a wide range of films, including Roma and The Two Popes.

Reception

The film received widespread critical acclaim, with many critics praising its performances, direction, and historical accuracy. The film holds a 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 422 reviews, with an average rating of 8.8/10. The film also received several awards and nominations, including ten Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor for Al Pacino and Joe Pesci. The film won several awards, including the National Board of Review award for Best Film and the New York Film Critics Circle award for Best Director. The film's success was also notable for its impact on the film industry, with many critics noting the film's use of streaming technology and its potential to change the way films are distributed and consumed. The film's reception was also influenced by its historical context, with many critics noting the film's portrayal of significant events, including the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Watergate scandal.

Historical_accuracy

The film's historical accuracy has been the subject of some debate, with some critics noting the film's use of creative liberties to enhance the story. However, the film's portrayal of organized crime and the Teamsters union has been widely praised for its accuracy, with many experts noting the film's attention to detail and its use of historical records to recreate the look and feel of the 1950s and 1960s. The film's depiction of Frank Sheeran's life has also been praised for its accuracy, with many critics noting the film's use of Sheeran's own memoirs and interviews to recreate his story. The film's historical accuracy is also notable for its portrayal of significant figures, including Jimmy Hoffa, Russell Bufalino, and Angelo Bruno, who were all major players in the world of organized crime. The film's attention to historical detail is also evident in its portrayal of significant events, including the Apalachin Meeting and the Bay of Pigs invasion, which were both major events in the history of organized crime.