Mean Streets
MEAN STREETS (18)
D: Martin Scorsese
Universal (Jonathan Taplin)
US 1973
110 mins
Crime/Drama
W: Martin Scorsese & Mardik
Martin
DP: Kent Wakeford
Ed: Sid Levin
Harvey Keitel (Charlie), Robert DeNiro (Johnny Boy), David
Proval (Tony), Richard Romanus (Michael)
Martin Scorsese's original gangster piece, long before his
later crime dramas Goodfellas & Casino, stars Harvey Keitel & Robert DeNiro in early roles as a pair of hoodlums in 1960's New York and their petty crime sprees as they attempt to
make a name for themselves.
Keitel's performance carries the picture, sticking up for
his friend's continual screw-ups and wrestling with his own conscience.
There are some similarities to Goodfellas (qv), but those
expecting a "Goodfellas Jr" may feel short-changed, but it's notable as the film for which the director found his identity as a filmmaker.
The soundtrack of popular hit songs around the time is
exemplary.
8/10
