What's the movie about?
Carlito Brigante (Al Pacino) has just rewinded the top ten and is filled with a noble determination to forever tie to his criminal past. But all his surroundings and all the circumstances drag him back into the cycle of violence and crime.
Why watch?
Ten years after "Scarface" De Palma and Pacino once again teamed up in this gangster epic with a Latin American flavor. Violent outbursts of violence and selective swearing are attached. And although De Palma never skimped on the 18+ scenes, Carlito is significantly different from Tony Scarface Montana's scumbag - so no one will be halved with a chainsaw here. In this film adaptation of the novel by Edwin Torres “After Work” (not to be confused with the epic of the same name from Scorsese), the plot of gangster films shot after the introduction of the Hayes censorship code, when the former bandit is desperately trying to re-educate (Carlito tries to save money to invest them in a legitimate business - a car rental company in the Bahamas), which allows the hero to be still the same masculine and tough as he was before, but at the same time already fall into the category of “good guys” and cause the sympathy of the viewer.
Pacino’s Carlito, this emaciated, desperate man who barely restrains anger, is the linchpin of the film. He himself realizes that his attempt to break the cycle of violence in which he has lived all his life is almost certainly doomed to failure. But that makes it no less interesting to watch. His romance with Gayle (Penelope Ann Miller) is pretty template, but everything else in the film is perfect. And the climactic chase in the New York subway makes you nervous and fidget for almost 15 minutes before the bullets begin to hit the target.
It is believed to be De Palma’s last great film. And as sad as it is to admit it, but the opinion is more correct.
Since the release of ' Scarface' ten years have passed, and Brian De Palma releases in 1993 'The Way of Carlito', which has become a very revealing, iconic phenomenon that just can not be called positive. The director between the two films went through a completely slurred period, his thrillers and comedies didn't shoot like he lived on Antonio Montana's limit. 'Scarface' himself was a rather late criminal action movie, when the fashion for criminals on the movie screen went into the sunset, but attracted a chic visualization of the era of the purple 80s with Laura Branigan in tape recorders. Therefore, returning to the roots after another decade is a very dubious step. However, in a creative crisis, De Palma went to him, and Universal generously gave him $ 30 million. The result made it clear that this kind of film, straightforward and not having scripted delights, telling about simple and not carrying excessive morality things, is the right path of the director, where he can comfortably be one of the prominent representatives even without practical changes in the structure of the tape.
In general, at the beginning of viewing, you may feel that the crime novel 'The Way of Carlito' is not quite correctly named, because as such, the path seems not to have been shown. The film begins with the aging wolf of the criminal world Carlito 'Charlie' Brigante is released early from prison, having served only five years out of thirty - life has crossed the equator, and the first crimes and time in the prison remain behind the scenes. In fact, De Palma very subtly titled his film: Carlito received instead of a gloomy pastime behind bars a real gift of fate, a second chance to go the same way with society and the law. He is trying to break with crime, bargain a dream in the form of a car rental business, and the world around him only accompanies Charlie with indifference as a former authority and the revival of old love with the dancer Gail. But when his curly lawyer, Dave Kleinfield, gets into trouble with the Mafia, Carlito’s peaceful lifestyle collapses. He can't just leave a human rights defender rotting in cocaine-club madness, the only friend in the middle of a suffocating New York. To send this Jew far away and to live in peace is dishonorable for a man who has long been without concepts. The contradictory choice makes you understand Carlito and in a fit of quarrel with your beloved to say as if unconsciously, implicitly ' I have not changed'.
In general, the gangster path of Carlito continues not only because of a rotten lawyer and a handsome nephew, who was killed in order to take both cash and drugs. And the meticulous detective shepherd who comes up with another downed brother with a microphone has nothing to do with it. Plunging into the swamp of small criminal business, Carlito will get acquainted with the openly surrogate character Benny Blanco, whose purpose will be indistinctly revealed later; Pachanga, a fat buddy, is always ready to cut the baby at Charlie's behest. So no matter how squirming the gentile of the past years... tell me who your friend is, as they say. Having recruited friends at the bottom, Carlito Brigante really unwittingly returns to the dirty backstage of the United States. The notorious $75,000 is the same blank excuse when you're on the verge of a criminal code. And after all, there is no choice: five years of life behind bars took away the best years and did not teach a person to live within his means, why in freedom he involuntarily seeks complications, confused who is a friend and who is an enemy, completely trusting everyone, even knowing that he sold out. To maintain hopelessness, Carlito also finds himself in melancholy New York with cold rains and heroin-smelling alleys, where it is dark and dangerous during the day. The hand itself will reach for weapons in such a place, which makes the motive of yesterday’s gangster to escape to sunny islands is not easy fantasy. This is a real opportunity to become a human being.
There are no real people left in New York City. The city as if on template redrawn from another metropolis of De Palma - Miami from 'Scarface', only with the replacement of glowing in pink signs for cramped quarters of hucksters. One camera work, stylization shows that the director was late again, his film looks outdated, trying to resemble the fashion of Hollywood for post-noir. He lost Giorgio Moroder, and his Brian Eno did not find, so the movie sounds unassuming. Even the action of the picture takes place in 1975. It turns out that De Palma, who did not learn to shoot in step with the time, created 'The Way of Carlito' an encouraging thriller, with a bet on simple, but not empty principles in the plot. And he was helped by his characters performed by Al Pacino, allegedly born to play gangsters of different calibers, and Sean Penn, with whom the director established a creative relationship in previous years. Paradoxically, the whole concept of the film rests on Penn's character, Kleinfield's lawyer, who eclipses the old wolf Brigante. It is only because of his wobbles and guta-perchae character that history moves forward according to Murphy's law. However, not one criminal drama stands out events. Having Kleinfield is a direct rebuke to society from the director. It dies from cancerous tumors, like the one who promised to protect and the one who steps over. With a mount in one hand and a whore in the other, a lawyer inhales drugs down his nostrils as his life hangs by a hair due to the fury of the mafia, Kleinfield is mad and breeds madness around him, involves Carlito, perfectly understanding his honor.
What about here? Dreams of a bungalow on an island and a happy family become like Snow White’s dreams of a Prince Charming – they are fabulous, but the country of Oz is not around. Let the curly Jew continue to decompose all conceivable notions of order, the seer of all Carlito would rather disobey Gale under threat of parting than betray the boy's concepts and turn out to be a rat, and merge with the darkness of the city-traps, to get out of where is akin to the escape of Daedalus from the labyrinth of Minos - where it is easier to break than to get out. But, apparently, De Palma, who after this film will prepare for the decline of his figure in the cinema, thus embodies the path of Carlito, the path of a person in whom two worldviews contradict. And for any choice Carlito, a man with a wrinkled cracked face who knows the injustice of life better than any arbitrator and prosecutor would be hard to condemn. Yes, he did not want to become an honest small worker, but could he change in the environment of traitors and savages? Of course, having paid a debt to society, Carlito Brigante did not bleach completely, but it seems that if you do not give him a second chance, then it is impossible to build a promising society as a whole.
7 out of 10.
Watch the film 'The Way of Carlito' Surprisingly, this is the second film that was inspired by the creators of GTA Vice city & #39 and from the same director Brian de Palma. The first, and about which only lazy people do not know, I recall 'Scarface'. And there and there, Al Pacino plays the main role, in his best form. Year of issue 1993 A time when an actor just shone! Unfortunately, the film did not cause such a storm of emotions as 'Scarface'. But it is still a very strong criminal story. What is the plot component, what is the visual component. Just chic and sweet. I also wanted to emphasize the impressive camera work. It's a nice 75s. Neon, cocaine (condemned). Surprisingly, the character of the lawyer from Vice City Ken Rosenberg completely licked with the character Dave Kleinfield, which is very cool played by actor Sean Penn. What do we see here is his fall. Which is very interesting. From a powerful lawyer able to skip from 30 to 5 years to the main character Carlito. Not a lawyer, but a gangster and a murderer. Just as simply an airy and very attractive main woman in Brigante's life played by actress Penelope Ann Miller. Very, very nice. It surprised the King of All People Viggo Mortinsen in a cameo role. Not a typical role for him. I do not want to retell the story at all. Just look. If you miss a good criminal act in the style 'Scarface' or say 'Good Guys' Scorsese. You won't regret it! Well, yeah. What a bitch you are from the Bronx.
Conclusion?
Good crime, not saga, but history. In some places it is banal, but life as it is. No Paradise Islands in the final, unfortunately. . .
What could be better than a good movie about gangsters?
Carlito's Way is a film that strikes, impresses and destroys.
I cannot say anything about the script, which is made in the best traditions of the genre. A real, cool hero (gangster), who has just been released from prison, is heading down the old path, only because he is asked to do so.
I was pleased with the high psychologicalism, because based on the fact that the movie about gangsters - there are not so many shootings here, but if they fall out - it is necessarily the place, and also incredibly spectacular and cruel. You can draw a parallel with "Scarface", which through the abundance of violence, but the scenes are very effective. The viewer seems to expect that there will be a catastrophe and receives it. Not only does he get it, but he also gets it.
Even on this basis, it is possible to highlight the clear style of De Palma, which emerges from the first frames. They never oversaturated the footage with color, but that's his performance. It creates a picture that maximizes its time. This is an artist who has his own visual techniques in his arsenal.
And yes, can you argue with the fact that Al Pacino always got the best gangsters (or some of the best).
Incredibly dark, cruel and charismatic.
I don't remember seeing Al Pacino as a gangster and not being impressed. In fact, he is a great actor (legendary).
Most importantly, the film leaves behind a pleasant residue.
I didn’t have a sense of how long or boring the movie was (seeing very easily).
I can't say I'm very familiar with Brian De Palma's filmography, but I've seen his most important work. And now, finally, hands reached another famous story about a gangster, as always perfectly played by Al Pacino, which will forever remain in the gold list of the best films about gangsters.
This film can be safely put in one line with “Once Upon a Time in America”, “Scarface” of the same Palma, “Good Guys”. I believe that this picture is no worse than the above films.
The film tells us the story of a recently released from prison bandit and drug dealer who decided to quit and, as he himself says, “retire.” However, as you understand it is not so simple and the laws of the streets and fraternity push him to the last steps “in business” to pay debts to those who saved him.
By the way, Palma made a very interesting step, showing at the very beginning of the tape the events that will complete this story. But don't let that scare the viewer away. The ending will still be unexpected, which can not but please.
The movie is insanely atmospheric. It is imbued with the gangster feeling of the time - the people, the scenery, the costumes, their actions and even the manner of speech - all this immerses the viewer at that time and seems as if in all the scenes you see on the screen you are present.
And, of course, not to mention the actors. All the actors and actresses involved in this film are wonderful, but the duet of Al Pacino and Sean Penn, of course, stands out from all the others. The characters they created are so colorful that I think it’s worth watching the movie only once and these characters will be remembered for a lifetime.
A very good film, shot according to all canons of wonderful, interesting, with intrigue and betrayal, with truth and lies, gangster history.
Some people are careful not to lose. Playing carefully, you will definitely lose.
It is not necessary to talk about skill and genius, Brian De Palma. "The Heir of Hitchcock" smoothly migrated to the gangster world, where he gained universal popularity and love. "Carlito's Way" is the second joint film Bryan and Al Pacino, but completely different and unlike "Scarface".
I don’t understand why people start retelling the story in their reviews. Have you not been told in school that an essay does not need a retelling of the text, but your individual vision and understanding of this story or novel are needed?
Too gifted people like the saying: “A man can leave a village, but a village can never leave a man.” That's the movie. “Carlito may be criminal, but Carlito's crime is not. A person who has made money on drugs and been in prison cannot go to work as a salesman in a store, or calmly, swaying on a chair, read books. Everyone understands that. But for a second, in this picture, it seems that the gangster Carlito Brigante has finally found peace, but this is just a mirage. Half-measures emerge. The past pulls a heavy load down, and at one point tightens the noose around the neck. The words of the beloved woman are true, he realizes this perfectly, which is why he spills rage on the innocent mirror.
The film has excellent direction and style. Styling has always been a feature De Palma. Much of this stylization relates to camera work. It, literally and figuratively, turns us into a whirlpool of events. Stephen H. Burum masterfully juggles "The Dutch Corner" and finds a whole bunch of unusually creative and fascinating angles. Because of this, some scenes I want to review several times.
It seems to me that in Alfredo's career this role, a point of no return. There is Al Pacino before Carlito and there is Al Pacino after Carlito. The middle ground. And indeed, in this film he is perfect in everything. Sean Penn shone in all colors. The attitude towards his character changes throughout the film. Penelope Ann Miller also does not lag behind the "star party", and gives a high level.
The final scene of the chase is great. Brian De Palma achieved incredible intensity. "Taste the suspense." It seemed to us that the finale was already destined, and we know how it will end, but even here De Palme managed to pull off a trick.
I recommend watching!
I was very excited to see Carlito’s Way, because the name of director Brian de Palma and the genius Al Pacino promised a very high level film. These expectations were even higher after watching the classic Scarface. Well, I thought, from the story of the mafioso who had served time, who wanted a quiet and peaceful life of de Palma and was at the zenith of his acting form, Al Pacino probably squeezed the maximum.
Actually, the whole film describes the period of life of former drug dealer Carlito Brigante since his release from prison (the scene in court, where Al Pacino seizes the ears of listeners not from the position of a lawyer, at first looked unusual) and the actions he committed in the hope of fulfilling a simple everyday dream - to go to the Bahamas and start his own business, work for himself. De Palma shows the viewer how Carlito earns (precisely earns) money to implement the plan, how he behaves in a changed world over 5 years of imprisonment, how he relates to the new growth of the mafioso, and how he tries to restore relations with his ex-girlfriend Gale.
History is like history.
The film is superbly delivered: I don’t pay attention to directorial and camera findings, but Carlito’s Way is just physically pleasing to watch. The whole narrative is promoted dynamically, and although there is no special action in the film, it is not easy to distract from viewing; rather well-chosen music (a successful repetition of the melody in the scene at Gale’s house and at the end of the film); and, of course, acting work.
I watched The Smell of a Woman, Dog Noon, Justice for All, Donnie Brasco in a few days, and it was clear to me that here, shortly before the role of Vincent Hannah in The Combat and after Colonel Slade in Martin Brest Al Pacino’s film, the level of play was as good as it was. In general, I sat down to watch Carlito's Way largely because of the color Pacino found for the battered role of a gangster, especially with the experience of The Godfathers and Scarface (and there will be Donnie Brasco). And, yes, Carlito does not look like the pragmatic strategist-leader Michael Corleone, nor the psychopath Tony Montana, and for Lefty from “Donnie Brasco” Pacino managed to find a different type. Charlie decided not to return to the bosom of the unholy mafia, but he did not lose his former skills. He cares very tactfully for his beloved woman, considers himself indebted to his lawyer friend Kleinfield (since he is probably a Jew, not Kleinfield, though, who knows), and with great diligence tries to avoid problems that are very fond of sticking to people with a past like Carlito’s. The great Al Pacino played his character with brilliance, and even though the necessary attributes like an extremely expressive manner of speaking (especially in peak moments), expressive playing with the eyes, are present, but in each of the films I mentioned they, these attributes, are different. Here, everything works to create the image of Carlito: behavior, voice, gestures, and playing with the eyes. And all this is different from the previous iconic roles of Pacino, which once again emphasizes his outstanding skill.
I really liked Sean Penn as Kleinfield’s lawyer, and that whip towards the middle of the film was so annoying that I have to give Penn credit for it: very few people can do it. I especially liked the scene when the lawyer, arrogant and confident, goes to the prison barge, and how he gets out. His eyes are something.
Penelope Anne Miller has a character-function script, but she did a great job, especially in the scene mentioned at her house (the voice is just great), and the dance scenes are good. And how she reminds me here Naomi Watts: if not for the release date, I would have thought that the main female role was given to an Australian actress.
After watching the movie “Smell of a Woman” it was nice to know the charismatic James Rabhorn in the prosecutor, who only has a couple of scenes that do not differ in variety, but this actor is always nice to look at.
The advantages of “Carlito Way” is enough, but the minus, in my opinion, one is the script. It was probably influenced by the fact that I watched it the same day as Scarface, but the difference in approach (and my perception) was just screaming. The story of the soulless psychopathic animal Montana, replete with both bloody details and a complete lack of humanity in the characters, and - in contrast - the image of Carlito, who seems to be doing the same thing as Montana, but the trumpet in our case is much lower, and the smoke is thinner. Deprived of the slightest romance, Elvira and Montana’s relationship – and the downright unearthly love of Charlie and Gale. Frozen Latinos from Scarface and glamorous Italians (as well as the extremely cool Laline performed by Viggo Mortensen). In general, if at first I was interested in watching not only the production and play of Pacino, but also the plot, then closer to the middle I did not start spitting, but the degree of involvement, as in Scarface, was not even close. If the brutal, violent "Scarface" can be called a gangster film for boys, "Carlito's Way" is a gangster film for girls with a charming and sympathetic Charlie, a love story and a variation on the theme only taking root in American cinema stamp "1 day before retirement."
Great production, superb performance by Al Pacino and Sean Penn against the middle script (especially against Scarface). I didn’t regret watching Carlito’s Way, it’s certainly a masterfully crafted film, the plot of which is not very close to me personally, and only from here 6 out of 10.
“Man does not change, he is just trying to escape from fate.” ?
This film is not the first meeting between director Brian De Palma and actor Al Pacino. Exactly ten years before the premiere of “Carlito Way”, they worked together on the film “Scarface”, which was almost instantly recognized as a classic of crime drama and to this day does not lose its relevance, and every new generation of viewers can call “Scarface” one of the most beloved paintings. The image of the Cuban Tony Montana, a recidivist killer, drug dealer, scumbag, scumbag and lawless became a cult, he was even taken as a prototype for computer games, and some famous actors claimed that they drew inspiration for their roles from the work done by the great Al Pacino.
But in Carlito’s Way, it’s not Tony Montana. The name of the hero Pacino - Carlito Brigante, he is Puerto Rican, once really was a criminal authority, but thundered behind bars. Thanks to the actions of his lawyer, a Jew, Dave Kleinfield, he served only five years instead of thirty years. Many of Carlito's former acquaintances expect him to return to the past, but Carlito himself does not think so: he has a dream - to save up the necessary amount and go to a fertile place with his friend, preferably instead of with his ex-girlfriend dancer Gail, who, it turns out, continued to love the mob for five years. And it seems that for Carlito come quiet days, he became a co-owner of the club and collects money for the county, but it is “freaked out” Dave Kleinfield will send all Carlito’s plans to waste and their lives will hang in the balance.
If in “Scarface” more time was devoted to criminal arbitrariness, committed by hands completely lost touch with reality Tony Montana, in “Carlito Way” more drama. The main character is a man who has decided to end the past, who no longer wants to be in prison and he is not happy to see old and new friends or those who stuff with him as friends. But he has his own principles and because of them, Carlito will have to pay, the past of the bandit does not want to leave him. This image once again directly proves how versatile and practically do not devastate the talent of actor Al Pacino. Carlito Brigante is truly sorry, omitting the fact that he was once a street gangster. He realized that fate gives him a second chance and they need to use the right way, not to draw a gun and not to kill people, but as if for the sins of the past evil fate he slipped drug addict and alcoholic Dave Kleinfield.
Just for the role of a crazy Jewish lawyer of the mafia actor Sean Penn deservedly received nominations for Best Supporting Actor. To be honest, I was laughing at first from the outstanding hair of Sean Penn, with whom he appeared in the “Carlito Way”, but a little later I already felt that I ardently hated every curly on his stupid head, to which you definitely need to put a cold gun muzzle – otherwise such types are not corrected. Of course, such emotions are caused only by the character of the film and for its creation, for such stormy feelings Sean Penn was rightly nominated. But Penelope Ann Miller, who played the dancer Gail, I didn't really like it. All the time I remembered the deep and vivid play that Michelle Pfeiffer showed in Scarface, where emotions beat over the edge, where every gesture or line left a memory of itself. Only closer to the finale in relation to the heroine of Penelope Ann Miller slipped sympathy, but still more it was related and took strength for Al Pacino. And by the way, the hatred was caused by Luis Guzman and John Leguizamo. He also played characters who did not deserve mercy.
Brian De Palma showed that at one time he could stage a film in the genre of crime drama, not inferior in intensity of passion, dynamics and personalization to the films of Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese. Honestly, I like Scarface better, but Carlito’s Way is a great film and everyone should watch it to enjoy the beautiful performance of Al Pacino and Sean Penn, and their other colleagues in the acting workshop did not let De Palma down. But you have to understand that here the film is more dramatic, philosophical, rather than harsh and even cruel like Scarface. I’ve watched Carlito’s Way several times and I think it will happen once I miss the crime dramas of the 90s.
9 out of 10
Despite the fact that I love movies with a criminal plot, “The Way of Crlito” I have only seen relatively recently. And I regretted, I regretted very much ... that I didn't watch it sooner. After all, this is one of the best crime dramas I have seen in my life.
First of all, the film is good because it perfectly shows how much the main character and the criminal world presented here do not fit each other. This world is not romanticized in this film, just the opposite. It's a nasty, mean and cruel world populated by people like that. Everyone is willing to stab their best friend in the back. And they're willing to do that, no matter what they get. Will they save their lives with such a dishonest act, or will they be able to earn an extra penny? Friendship, honor and trust no longer matter. The main thing is profit.
This is the world that Carlito Brigante found himself in. He's been a criminal all his life, but now he wants peace. And Carlito even managed to come up with a plan that would help him ensure a quiet and peaceful life. His connection with the criminal world will be minimal. All you had to do was wait and not look for trouble. But when the man who rescued our hero asked for help, how could he refuse? He's a man of honor. She won't let her friend leave her in trouble. And from that moment it becomes clear how inappropriate he is in this lying world. The concepts that Carlito lived by all his life are outdated. And everyone knows that. It is a pity that Carlito found out about this too late.
The cast is also great in this film. If that's why I love Al Pacino's gangster roles, it's because of their diversity. Cold-blooded don Michael Carleone, aggressive Tony Montana and old grumpy left-hander from "Donnie Brasco." In this film, he added to the piggy bank of his acting work a magnificent character who deserves to stand in one place with the aforementioned faces. Sean Penn is also great. For the man who agreed to do this movie for the money, he was just too great. By the way, it was his character that was taken as a prototype for Ken Rosenberg by the developers of the computer game GTA: Vice City. If anyone didn't know. The rest of the actors were in their seats and each of them contributed to this film.
And of course, I wouldn’t have forgiven myself if I hadn’t noted the chic chase that turned into a great shootout. Brian De Palma knows how to complete a cool crime drama starring Al Pacino.
As a result, if you for some reason did not watch this masterpiece, it is not too late to catch up. After all, not many films are able to show such an unattractive underworld, with criminals as the central characters.
"Carlito, Carlito, listen to me, we have a misunderstanding" - repeated several times Benny Blanco from the Bronx (John Leguizamo).
This, as it turns out at the end, is the key point of the film. But Carlito, why? Where does this dislike for a young promising “dealer” come from? Because Carlito, who was released, has changed -- less aggression, more calm. He decided to break with his criminal past. He disgusts himself, who he was before prison. And suddenly - ignites a dangerous conflict from scratch.
I will not go into the plot of the film, but the answer to these questions, as you can see, I found. This film is special - not just massacres, drugs, dirty things and people. A film where Carlito, a former gangster, embarked on a new hard path. His progress on this path evokes first respect, and then sympathy and empathy. By the way, this role reminds me very much of Serpico (1973). I remember Serpico I really liked, and here is a gift like deja vu, thank you! Actually, the cast of this film is on the lookout!! And yes, Viggo I learned faster than Sean Penn :)
Gangster films are a kind of separate genre of cinema, which gained momentum at the end of the XX century. What do I mean? And the fact that “Carlito’s Way” made the most impression on me of the whole category of films. And by the way, this is the moment when a very successful trailer is followed by a movie that has exceeded expectations. And now, for the most part, the opposite has been taught.
It's been a long time since I wrote reviews. I probably didn’t want to waste time on regular movies. No, I’m not saying that there are no good movies anymore, they come up periodically, but there’s always something missing. And with my taste, very rarely do I come across films that are really catchy, can interest, keep in suspense, make empathy and empathy. And it doesn’t matter his Oscar-winning, director, actors, there’s just my subjective opinion and something inside that some movies can reach. I watch about 100 movies a year. And now, in fact, to the point.
I would like to discuss Pacino and De Palma together. Right here on the site, in similar movies, there's Scarface. This is their joint project. And for all his affection for critics and audiences, I didn't like him, terribly drawn out and bored. And then there was some opinion about the director, and not very good. Personally, I wouldn’t call these movies similar. As for Pacino, I didn’t like him at all when I was young, I overplayed him terribly. I began to like it somewhere in the 90s. But I moved away from the topic.
I'm talking about this. Many people write reviews without saying a word about themselves. And I think that's very important. Ultimately, that’s what determines whether you like the movie or not. So now, if you know me, I can write about the movie itself.
So De Palma isn't really bad. Of course, the script was also very important. He is very good, almost all the actions of the hero are justified, natural. Events that occur in the plot actually look random, not specially inserted to complicate the life of the hero. And they don't seem like a kick to advance the plot. The film looks interesting, lively, does not seem long at all, and this is with almost two with half-hour timekeeping. What a suspense closer to the finale! How long have I not watched the hero with such tension, clinging to the handles of the chair and afraid to take my eyes away from the monitor for even a second.
Pacino is not bad either, I liked his game. With age, he stopped overdoing things. From the very beginning I had sympathy for his character. I really wanted him to get his way. I repeat that almost all of his actions seemed to me very plausible and natural. Putting myself in his place would have done the same. Such similarity with the behavior of a character is very rare.
What a Penn! First of all, I would not even like to talk about his game, but about the appearance. You just don't recognize him. These curls, and I don't know what else the makeup guys did to him, but I didn't even think for a second that it was him. It was only after the credits that I saw him on the list that I wondered who he was playing. Even after reviewing his moments, I didn’t recognize him! It's something. He played well, it was interesting to watch him. And during one of the scenes in his office, I remembered an episode from GTA: Vice City. I thought it was an accident, it turned out not. It turns out that the character David Kleinfield served as a prototype for Ken Rosenberg from the game.
In general, the film is very good. Not a dozen, because there is something quite brilliant in it, and it does not make you think about anything. It reminds me of the movie Casino with De Niro. Nevertheless, I am very glad that I watched it, I advise everyone, for a very long time I did not come across such good films, the last time even a year ago, it inspires hope and is glad that there are still good films, and that you can occasionally stumble upon them, because the TOP 250 has long been viewed and not always there is all good.
I’ve seen the movie Carlito’s Way many times. And only today I decided to write a review on it, because I want to share the joy that I have from watching. The film is not fun, it can not be called light, it is rather sad and pessimistic, but it does not lose.
A little bit about the plot. Carlito Brigante (Al Pacino) is released after 5 years in prison thanks to his successful lawyer David Kleinfield (Sean Penn) with the firm intention to quit. Throughout the film, we see quite sincere attempts by a hardened gangster, a tough guy and a former drug dealer to forget his past and lead an honest life. Find Love (Penelope Ann Miller) and Start Honest Business in Hawaii. But the tragedy of these people is that they don’t change. If they have changed their lives, they will return to the place from which they have fled. This movie is about that.
Revisiting Carlito's Way for the fifth or sixth time, I'm still so excited - so captivating. I love and hate Al Pacino with him again. What can I do, the gangster knights of American cinema I know how to win over even those who with all their heart hate everything associated with deviating from the law. I confess, and I was fascinated by this subject.
Separately, I want to celebrate the game of Sean Penn. The image of a cowardly, but penetrating and not too burdened with honor lawyer succeeded him by five plus. Al Pacino, of course, is beautiful, a good role for James Leguizamo. And when I see him in newer paintings, the association with Benny Blanco of the Bronx, the stumbling block of Carlito Brigante, haunts me.
The music in the film is beautiful, both the original soundtrack of Joe Cocker's "You Are So Beautiful" and the musical accompaniment of composer Patrick Doyle.
One of the best films in the collection of the 90s. No doubt about it.
“Last order. The bar is closing. Where do we go for breakfast? I'm tired, baby. tired...”
Faces of crime or the cursed way of a gangster. Carlito Brigante.
Brian de Palma, after suddenly falling like snow on his head, the success (reanimated by television) “Scarface”, decides to leave unsuccessful for his career comedy and again turns to his crown genre of gangster drama. The public at this time already showed considerable interest in criminal subjects. Such films as "Good Guys", "Casino", "The Godfather". Part III. (it is interesting that all the most famous paintings were shot by Coppola and Scorsese - old friends of de Palma from the student bench) are willingly accepted by the audience, praised by criticism and nominated for various awards. De Palma, taking this opportunity, releases two paintings that later became cult and exemplary: “The Untouchables” and “Carlito’s Way”. If the first retrospective tells about the emergence of organized crime in the 30s and tends to describe the epochal social changes in society (which really happened with the FBI organization and its leader J. E. Hoover), the latter resembles an existential play about the fate of one gangster and is purely chamber in nature (to enhance the de Palma effect even introduces voice-over, especially emphasizing the monologues of the character), being to some extent descendants of the famous story about Tony Montana.
Al Pacino creates a very deep and unusual image of the already elderly, who has seen something in the life of gangster Carlito Brigante. After a five-year sentence, he returns to freedom and, of course, immediately meets new difficulties and is again drawn into the world of crime, although this is the last thing he would like. In many ways, everything develops tragically due to Carlito’s commitment to a certain value system, because the main danger comes, oddly enough, from his friend Clynfield (the brilliant Sean Penn with a mind-blowing hairdo), a nasty, cowardly and stupid cocaine lawyer, but Carlito considers himself indebted to Clynfield (and not unreasonably, given the important fact that he bewildered Brignata for almost twenty-fi years) and decides to help him, thus getting involved in a major scam with the Italian mafia.
The film strives to be as different as its predecessor “Scarface” of the same de Palma with the same Al Pacino in the title role. Carlito Brigante is closer to Michael Carleone than Tony Montana. He is adamantly committed to his own code of honor, far more calculating, cautious, and less assertive than a furious Cuban with a burning eye. But the main difference, it seems to me, is that Brigante is able to sincerely love another person. The romantic line with the dancer Gale (played by Penelope Ann Miller) is emphasized and takes a considerable share of the timekeeping. And instead of the power of luxury and wealth, the hero dreams only of a modest family life in the south, raising his son (who is already growing in the stomach of Gale) and running a small business.
But fate decides otherwise and now, bleeding Carlito is taken by gurney to the intensive care unit, although he himself clearly understands that he will not survive. In the last moments of his life, he thinks about Gail, about how hard it will be for her when little Carlito, an “improved copy” of himself, appears. With the edge of his eye, he notices a poster advertising a holiday in the Bahamas, a huge red sun consecrates hot sand with its pre-sunset rays, a beautiful girl, strikingly similar to Gale, plastically and gracefully performs a dance for him. The last time Cartilo indulges in dreams and dies.
In the story of the life of a gangster de Palma and the famous screenwriter and director David Cappe (later wrote for the director several scripts, in particular “Mission Impossible” and “Eyes of the Serpent”) put a lot of meaning, and eventually the picture turns into an existential parable of duty, betrayal, courage and fate. Unlike the same gangster Tony Montana, Carlito Brigante, on the contrary, seeks to throw off his gangster guise and enter the realm of the universal. But "evil rock" is one for everyone, even if you are a gangster, even a dishwasher. It is inevitable and predestined. This is especially emphasized in the film by the introductory “final scene”, as if retrospectively introducing, thus, the all-knowing viewer into the narrative.
In shape, the tape is also something quite different from "Faces..."". Bright, bright, expressive colors and dynamic scenes were replaced by the game of light shades, halftones, aesthetics in something related to neonoir and orientation to characters, and the militant gave way to suspense. If you look at it, then almost nothing happens in the film, the action as such is absent, and the tension rests solely on acting and directorial professionalism. If in general the film is just very good, then the individual scenes (the shootout in the pool room or the final pursuit for 15 minutes) can be described as truly brilliant and filigree. Hitchcock’s practice of engaging the camera in action as an independent and active character found a final and complete realization in de Palma. The first and most important rule of suspense is that to create a colossal tension, you must first of all be able to work professionally with the camera, viewing angles, travelling, focusing, etc. And de Palma, a former cinematographer and student of Hitchcock, knows this rule firsthand. In my opinion, in terms of the beauty and aesthetics of camera decisions, some episodes are elementary unmatched in cinema (except for the films of the Jallo genre, which also largely influenced de Palma, who paid tribute to the genre in the film “Clothed for Murder”).
As a result, it should be stated that, perhaps, not everyone will like the picture due to the intimacy of the action, the slow rhythm of the narrative and the almost total emphasis on the personality of the main character (Al Pacino will again brilliantly work on the close-up). Some may even say that the film is outdated, and de Palma is once again simply engaged in typical self-copying, driving away techniques that no longer work. My opinion is exactly the opposite, stylistic developments still look as cheerful and original, and the discourse of the film, revealing the eternal themes of death and fate, a priori cannot be subjected to moral obsolescence. "Carlito's Way" is a real classic. What could be more modern than her?
Criminal Carlito Brigante got out of prison thanks to his lawyer and decided to leave the past, and become an honest entrepreneur. But old friends were not ready to let him go so quickly.
A gangster classic. In the best traditions, not at the best execution. It seems that everything was in this film: crime, and the love line, and the constant troubles of the main character, who did not cease to avoid difficulties, but nevertheless was boring. Most of the film went to rocking, already towards the end, events began to occur that aroused real interest in me, suspense in the end was also powerful, but the ending did not like. Somehow it came out lubricated and crumpled after a rapid action.
Al Pacino did not surprise, but, thank God, did not disappoint, as happened with his more recent films. I think it's about his hero, who's already bored. And here is Shawn Penn. He was unrecognizable and played great. I really liked it. And Viggo Mortensen, who appeared in the frame literally for 5 minutes, played amazingly. There is nothing else to say.
A one-time movie to pass the evening. It's an interesting story, but I think it's long.
Shot, two. Bryan de Palma begins his thriller unsophisticatedly - in fact, he starts wrong, killing the main character and turning the world around him upside down - a sobbing lady with golden curls, a frowning doctor and curious passers-by. We already know the ending. So why do we keep watching? Perhaps because of the falcon beauty of Al Pacino's face, because of his hoarse, velvet-pregnant voice, rubbing his life truth - the truth of a freed murderer and a drug supplier - to the ostensibly mister judge and to us, jurors. Or maybe because of Sean Penn, who in a coiled wig namesake-lamb greedy wolf gnaws in the multicolored gangster dump New York Avenue for his released authoritative friend, of course, not forgetting about their interests. Probably because of John Leguizamo's irrepressible yellowmouth, too, as for Viggo Mortensen in a wheelchair and diapers, which only seem weak for the responsible weight of the antagonist's cross. The world of Carlito Brigante is rich not only in entertaining personalities - it shines with gold chains and frames, it is reflected on the smooth, slightly powdered with cocaine women's thighs, wags in the rhythm of rumba to dizziness, hides in the smelly cigarette smoke and appears already with a gun and blood splashes. But this is all on the sidelines, which Carlo squeamishly ignores, in direct pursuit of his good intentions to abandon crime and engage in a quiet trade in cars; leads him to happiness bright angel Gale, a ballerina with old-fashioned earrings and hairstyles of the 20s, a vision from another world - cleaner and brighter, not tarnished even the greasy work of a stripper in a local club. But what you would expect, not to heaven in a hut will lead them this road, this path of Carlito - the way of a man, tough and cynical, but tired of shaking off the dirt and remnants of former greatness, which certainly will not allow you to ascend to heaven, even those who have neon signs and artificial palm trees in tubs.
A painfully familiar story about the cruelty of the rules of survival in the human kingdom, where the strongest (read the meanest) beats the honest, where animal instincts of power and their footfeed of money greens become higher than humanity. But the skill with which it is staged and played makes Carlito's Way one of de Palma's best films, a silver twin echo of Scarface. Of course, during the entire period of his creative activity, the director managed to ride almost all the attractions of film production, but to this day his personality, like Pacino, firmly clinged to the gangster genre, where he succeeded, qualitatively enriching monotonous shooting and predictable drama with interesting finds and ideas. The dynamism and agility of the camera do not allow you to get bored: it seems that the operator recited everyone and everything, showing events from the ceiling, then from the helicopter, then anxiously jumping on an angry face in the style of Indian cinema, then gently circling around the embracing heroes. And for all the recognition and even banality of the techniques, “Carlito’s Way” can not be called a film of high-quality trial, with all the accompanying luggage from cult songs, famous quotes, sullen gang humor and brilliantly staged scenes of shootings and persecution. And even if not by intrigue, but by implementation, he wins audience respect, coming to life in the impeccable play of actors who, like good old friends, are always pleasant to see. Although not tested by prestigious awards, moderately peppered with dirty words and a naked body, stylish for its era of the 90s, but not old-fashioned, very reminiscent of "Taxi Driver" Scorcese, cinema is imbued with the spirit of loneliness, reflection and the sweetness of a large but cramped city. Cinema, where men decide, and women inspire, and the most important steps are given with great difficulty, because from the past, as from hardening cement, to pull the legs is very, very difficult.
8 out of 10
Brian De Palma is a master at staging gangster action films. But its main difference is to fit into the history of deep drama. In the Way of Carlito, an aging mafia appears before our eyes, who, after liberation from places not so remote, decides to start a new life. But after 2 days, he does not voluntarily have to stand on the previous path. There are no former criminals.
As always, Al Pacino plays his role brilliantly. He always gets into the depths of his characters, begins to live with them. His screen images are truly brilliant. Looking at him, one thought turns in my head - what a tough guy he is! His on-screen fearlessness and willingness to be the first to climb the barricades is sincerely admired. In this film, he is still strong-willed and unyielding. Around him are drug lords, murderers, street bandits. Everyone wants to be with him, feeling the power. Carlito has one only friend, Kleinfield’s lawyer: an envious, cowardly, mercantile and a real sadist at heart. His recent addiction to drugs reveals everything that once sat inside him. All treachery, all greed, all rotten. Sean Penn did as much as Al Pacino himself. Their duet seems both contradictory and close.
In gangster movies, as a rule, we are shown the beautiful carefree life of criminal bosses. All the dirty work for them is done by sixes, and they only have to sit in a soft chair and calculate profits. But in the world of Al Pacino, gangsters, it turns out, are also a little bit killed. Their lives are far from being so frivolous. In a world beyond the law, you can expect a stab in the back at any second. Carlito's path is extremely winding. There was a very busy criminal life behind him. He was a drug dealer, he killed people, he's ready to head to head for his goal. But! Carlito never betrayed anyone. He is ready to take care of his companion, but will not give him offense. This noble quality was fatal in his fate. In a dirty and vicious world, there is no place for higher human feelings. Carlito was the only one who always believed in a sense of justice and nobility. Unfortunately, all his surroundings betrayed him. Some for money, some to save their own skin. You can't trust crime. Bandits can be friendly, supportive, but only as long as it benefits them. In this vicious world, Carlito loved only his chosen one with all her heart. The stripper dancer saw a bright heart in the soul of an aging bandit. She subconsciously understood what he had done before and what he planned to do in the future. But her soul was important, that bright ray of love that bound their bonds together. This love could not last long and the woman’s heart tore with pain and anguish.
This movie clearly reflects the life of criminal elements. There is no world in pink glasses and vanilla lightness. The world of Brian De Palma and Al Pacino is brutal, real, barbaric. Only the strongest survive here, no matter how they achieve it. The path of Carlito showed us the true essence of the life that lives in criminal circles. And I doubt that anyone will want to dive into it. Very strong and lively cinema. Al Pacino, and what to hide, the entire cast lived inside their heroes, showing us a whole life on the screen.
9 out of 10
I was going to watch this movie for a long time. I remember a long time ago, my parents bought a pirated DVD of mob movies, which mostly featured The Godfather, Once Upon a Time in America and several Martin Scorsese films. Of course, there was this movie, but I could not see it. As a child, I did not like the criminal genre, but was more a fan of comedies and action movies. It's clear. And now I finally got to this movie and can say a few words about it.
The film looks interesting, but does not reach the bar of “Casino” or the same “Godfather”. Carlito's story doesn't seem fully revealed and slightly unsaid. If you analyze the film in parts, you can identify several points. First, Al Pacino himself as Carlito looks powerful and graceful. He has always succeeded in the role of criminal bosses who spare no one for their own benefit. But this is a slightly different situation. Carlito has retired and is trying to run a quiet business, but we all know that this will not be in the film. The main character is shown Pacino well, but he is not fully disclosed. I have a few questions about the hero’s life. The story, as I wrote above, is interesting, but not everyone will like it. The beginning has a few explosive moments, but after that comes a simple narrative that most current viewers will feel like a great torture. For those who are looking forward to huge shootings and criminal showdowns, I can tell you that you may not like the movie. It’s not a very mafia movie where everything is solved through murder and threats. This is a story about a man who deals drugs trying to get out of the past. Also, there is another strong character in the film and that is Sean Penn’s character. Oddly enough, but many in it will see the lawyer Rosenberg from the games of the GTA series. I was not mistaken when I read on the Internet that just from here and took the character for the game. Sean Penn is good, really good, but here's a shaved baldness and a wig on my head I noticed right away. Shooting in the film is not enough, which in my opinion is perfect. You need to shoot different movies, not stupid shootouts for the terrain, which is stuffed with many films of this genre. Maybe it’s just for me, but I like that aspect. I missed the female character. Yes, there is a woman of Carlito’s dreams, there is his favorite lady of heart, but still she does not sit in her head after watching the film and therefore, I did not notice her.
In the end, we have a good movie that will remain in memory after watching. The film completely satisfied my desires from the viewing, but the scene originally shown at the beginning of the film was in my opinion unnecessary. Too early we were shown what usually happens to people like Carlito. Watch a good movie!
Personally, I love director Brian De Palma and actor Al Pacino. Unfortunately, there are only two films in which they work, but each of them is a real masterpiece. And the pictures turned out completely different, despite the fact that in both the main characters are gangsters. If “Scarface” (1983) tells the story of a charismatic, bold, even brazen mafia, literally born a bandit, “Carlito’s Way” is dedicated to a man who is disillusioned with crime. He decides once and for all to give up with the mafia and everything connected with it, but to do it so easy he will not be given.
All parts of the film are performed at an almost perfect level. A detailed plot, which includes gangster everyday life, a love line, betrayal and revenge; a well-represented atmosphere of that time; magnificently staged shootouts ... And, of course, the finale is shocking, unexpected. And at the same time, you understand that the movie should have ended this way and in no other way.
Then why only 9? The reason is simple – “Scarface” 1983 was still better.
9 out of 10
Just watched this beautiful, expensive and oh very instructive film. However, the high level of cinema in this case is not a reason for surprise: after all, Al Pacino himself is an actor who holds the brand!
It is difficult, and probably pointless to list all the positive aspects of the film – there, by and large, everything is fine! The only thing I doubt is, is Penelope Miller appropriate as Gail? In my opinion, she does not cause the viewer excitement like the one she caused in the plot of the film the main character, and this is not good. However, these are my personal faults, which I certainly do not intend to elevate to the extent of the shortcomings of the film. I didn’t see any specific flaws there. On the contrary - the selection of most actors, the plot, the dynamics - everything is admirable.
I especially want to pay attention to the fact that even in those moments when the development of the plot - as if slows down and nothing "scary interesting" happens on the screen - the course of the film is not boring! Apparently, the fantastic charm of Al Pacino, combined with the high level of skill of Brian De Palma – do their job. A low bow to them for that! De Palm, among other things, has a sense of proportion: having made a circular composition of the film, he, thus, left the tragic outcome behind the scenes. It exists only in the viewer’s supposition, but not on the screen! Thus, in the viewer’s perception, the path of Carlito, returning “to its own circle”, remains endless.
In addition, the film has many edifying aspects. Carlito was not a fool and yet:
1. When dealing with a Jew, be on your guard!
2. I decided to tie up with the criminal past - do not have any dealings with criminals, not even related at first glance to crime!
3. He who does not kill the enemy, digs a hole for himself.
4. Never trust anyone in the criminal world!
And I want to say one last thing. I’m not going to watch Carlito’s Way 2. Ascension to power is not of interest to me, because I do not believe that its creators were able to put something worthy. First, the selection of the actor for the role of Carlito causes, to put it mildly, bewilderment. Was Al Pacino like that when he was young? Not at all! And secondly, it is not interesting to know how the journey began, if you know how it ended. This is most likely the chewing of unnecessary details, while Carlito - should remain a legend, the key to unlocking the mystery of which - each viewer has his own!
Brian De Palma, thanks to his work in the thriller genre in the 70s and early 80s, became a recognized master of the “suspense”, earning the loud nickname “Hitchcock’s heir”. But not one intimidation of the viewer to a shock state is strong De Palma, and in a radically different gangster theme, the director had something to present to the viewer. Three paintings over a ten-year period - "Scarface", "Untouchables" and "Carlito's Way" are not lost in the criminal genre. And “Carlito’s Way”, in my opinion, was the best work of the director.
Gangster Carlito Brigante, released after five years in prison. Now he does not care about the murder of competitors, the distribution of drugs and other criminal cases. Carlito dreams of a sunny Bahamas where you can drink cocktails for your pleasure, work in a completely safe car rental industry and raise children with his longtime love, blond beauty Gail. But the underworld won't let Mr. Brigante out of his tight embrace. The usual deal with his guys, making a sly smile watching “Scarface”, expectedly leads to the fact that Carlito shows not only billiard tricks, but also irreplaceable pistol shooting skills. The most memorable image of John Leguizamo is the daring Latino Benny Blanco, and asks for trouble, and the cunning Jewish lawyer David Kleinfeld, draws into an extremely dubious case. Every next step can be fatal for Carlito.
The story about the life of a gangster is not new to De Palma, but the similarity of Tony Montana from Scarface and Carlito, only in the performer of these roles. If the first is just beginning his way to the American dream, and his ambition, coupled with a cool disposition, help not only to achieve the criminal Olympus, but also bring closer to receiving a deserved bullet, then Carlito has already passed an hour of gang fame, and despite the fact that he tries in every possible way to avoid trouble, death follows the hero literally on his heels. The old days of Carlito probably hide a lot of sins and unpleasant deeds, but the entire past of the main character is presented without specifics, only general phrases that he was once a big shot in his business, in terms of attitude to the character, his former sins by the creators are clearly pushed to the background and the past is interested in Brian De Palma only in the context of the “viscous abyss”, all the forces preventing him from breaking out of the usual environment. The romanticization of the gangster may have reached its climax in this film, the natural charm of Al Pacino, as if created for gangster films, as well as the presentation of the character in such a way as to first of all present a person desperately trying to realize his dream, deserved a second chance, and only then a criminal and a bad guy, make him feel deep sympathy for the main character.
The final scene of the chase from the nightclub to the station is worthy of separate consideration. Filigree set, with a non-draining heat of adrenaline, it shows how honed De Palma’s ability to keep the viewer in suspense. The logical finale, thanks to the move of the creators, shown already in the prologue, still leaves a strong aftertaste. The path is complete and even though it seems predetermined from above, one should not forget that a person is the master of his fate. No one forced Carlito to follow the criminal path, just as no one persuaded him to abandon the past, he chose his own path and walked it from beginning to end. He believed, like all of us, that you can always change your life, find a way to a bright future, but sometimes it is too late to change something, even trying your best.
10 out of 10
What is the value of honor and friendship in our world? Maybe they were a little overrated? Is it worth following the path of principles when you are ready to be sold at every turn? How do you make sure that the people you love and value are mutual and honest with you to the end? - It's hard. You can't ask that directly. Checking out your friends is the last thing. There are two ways: either to remain true to your notions of honor and blindly believe that the people around you are the same; or to forget about principles and conscience, to be safe and ready to “betray first.” “It is a small price to pay to those friends who at any moment can turn into enemies.”
In 93, De Palma made his second film with Pacino. It has been 10 years since the release of their previous and first work. Unlike the scandalous “Scarface”, this tape did not reach the unofficial status of “cult cinema”. But that didn’t stop her from taking her place in the ranks of various ratings of “best gangster films of all time.” Is a film about a former drug dealer and an authority who has served time in prison and wants to start a new life worthy of all the praise and high marks that he was given and appropriated? Apparently, yes.
The company Pacino this time was a young Sean Penn, as well as an actress with an interesting and peculiar appearance and a beautiful figure, Penelope Ann Miller. Their characters are well worked out, De Palma’s skillful hand feels. Penn got a memorable contrast image, thanks to which his acting in this film became the most appreciated. Penelope Ann Miller also looked good in the image of Carlito’s beloved. As for Pacino's game, is it worth talking about? Easily and effortlessly, he gets into Brigante’s shoes and, as always, creates a character unlike his previous roles. Another gangster, but nothing like Michael Corleone or Tony Montana. And it’s not just the beard and age of the actor. Pacino can create completely different people, remaining one person. The highest quality for the artist.
So, in my lyrical introduction, I mentioned two ways. So Carlito (Charlie) Brigante chose the first path. Not that he blindly believed in the sincerity of the people around him, but rather, on the contrary, clearly saw their true false nature. But to get out of his way, the path of “street” principles, Charlie could not. That's what killed him.
In fact, the death of the main character we learn from the very beginning. But this peculiar “spoiler” is interesting because until the last minutes of the film we still do not know – but we can only guess – at whose hands Carlito will die. The intrigue is not only preserved, but also well-stuffed. And for a moment in the movie, it seems that Charlie is already safe. Now, he's gone, and he's in no danger of anything else. But the viewer saw in the prologue what was to happen. Being sick and subconsciously believing that Carlito will be saved, we nevertheless know that he is about to die. The director's plan becomes clear. Great reception by Brian De Palma.
The strength of the film is also the love line. The thrilling relationship between Charlie and Gale, rebuilt after a five-year breakup, fits beautifully into the story of a man who wants to start an honest life. Here we see Charlie's motives. Gail loves him, but doesn't want to take him like a gangster. Carlito loves Gayle too, so much so that he doesn't even look at other women. He wants to change it, not just for himself. The scene where he breaks into her house, knocking out the door bolt, where they start kissing and where it all happens to the composition of Joe Cocker is the most beautiful in the film.
It is difficult to change yourself, especially in adulthood. Apparently, once you step on the path of evil and vice, it is almost impossible to get off it later. But the movie isn't just about that. It is also about friendship and betrayal, love and hatred. It tells how people of low nature use people of honor and sense of duty, and then betray and trample in the dirt their good name. Should all friends be valued and accepted as they are? - Bullshit. You need to carefully monitor your surroundings. It is very rarely filled with good sincere people. Standing in the way of honor is a great thing. Just do not allow principles to play the role of an Achilles heel.
The only thing I didn’t like about the movie was drug abuse. In some scenes, there is too much “sniffing.” Particular disgust was caused by a moment at a party at the lawyer's house, where in broad daylight under the open air guests were massively engaged in this.
8 out of 10
“Carlito’s Way” is one of my favorite movies. I saw it because in the famous GTA Vice City game, the lawyer was very similar to the character of Sean Penn. And the office is an exact copy of the office of the character Penn.
Brian de Palma made a great movie about a drug dealer. And it is good that he invited Al Pacino to star in the lead role. I respect Al Pacino. He is one of my favorite actors. He played the main character perfectly. Sean Penn played the main character's lawyer very well. The other actors also played well in this film.
I also liked some things in the movie. They look great in the movie.
As a result, “Carlito’s Way” is the best film by Brian De Palma, which stands alongside such a masterpiece of the director as “Scarface”.
10 out of 10
Usually, gangster movies are difficult to watch in a relaxed state. There are questions - who is who, why killed him, and he fled. Criminal clans and “cool guys” – like charging for the brain, albeit not very difficult, but charging.
Here we encounter an easy movie from this genre: “Carlito’s Way” is interesting, although it absorbs ordinary intrigues of this kind. Out of prison, “tired” with the past, succumbed to the request of a friend. At the very beginning, the end is already clear, because you can immediately see at the first minutes how someone shoots at the main character. Category: What happened before. In fact, the script is familiar, but in its own way strong.
Fortunately, Brian de Palma saturated the plot with high-quality moves, inflaming the situation with an intriguing thriller and to justify it, stuffing a love line. It was a beautiful story with a logical end. The pure trajectory of the event is accompanied by music suitable for the moment, which makes the tension noticeably increased. In short, we have a good directorial work with a set of actors who in their game certainly will not fail.
As usual, Al Pacino is again a gangster, now deserving of reassurance, and another dark affair finally knocks all prosperity off track. This is due to his friend, part-time lawyer, Sean Penn. And I have to say, Penn is unrecognizable. A completely different person. Other actors, including the famous Penelope Ann Miller and John Leguizamo, also professionally coped with their roles. Because it is impossible to fail at Palma.
So fans of such a movie will not be disappointed, and those who first get acquainted with gangster thrillers, perhaps even sit on the "Alpachinov" paintings. No doubt that's why.
8 out of 10
When often asked ' what is the film about?', this question is given a brief description, the plot of the whole picture. Regarding 'Carlito's Way' you can give an answer in just a few words. A dream movie. A dream that is profound and impossible.
How beautiful and exciting it was possible to tell a story about the pursuit of the hero’s goal, so one hundred percent it managed to show the cast of the picture. For me personally, Al Pacino exists in two characters, Carlito and all the other roles. The diversity of this actor is very noticeable. Similar heroes-bandits plays absolutely different and unique, but in this tape, in my opinion, played his best role. Sean Penn also looks great. It is safe to say that his game is on par with Pacino.
The plot is not stretched, not boring. Analyzing the whole film after it seems that the plot is simple and simple, but in the process of watching everything looks in one breath, interest does not disappear for a second. I think that regardless of whether you are a fan of this genre or not, the film is to watch everyone. There will be no bad emotions.
The famous drug dealer Carlito Brigante (Al Pacino) thanks to the help of his lawyer David Kleinfeld (Sean Penn) goes free and returns to his hometown, sincerely hoping to quit his criminal trade. But his dreams will not come true and Carlito is at the very edge of the abyss, from where there is no way out.
Brian De Palma’s crime drama “Carlito’s Way” is shot in the best traditions of gangster cinema. Unlike most of De Palma’s paintings, Carlito’s Path is less stylistically refined. The director strives for greater realism of the story he tells, so the film focuses on an unpredictable plot that keeps the viewer in suspense, and acting work, each of which is a masterpiece. The role of Carlito is one of the best in the career of Al Pacino, who played his hero with zeal and passion. Also worthy of attention is the magnificent heroine of Penelope Anne Miller, who played a significant role in the fate of Carlito, and even small episodes with the participation of the heroes of Viggo Mortensen, Luis Guzman, John Leguizamo are remembered.
“Carlito’s Way” is one of the most notable gangster films of the 90s, slightly appreciated by viewers and critics, but if you like tapes on such topics, tapes with a beautiful atmosphere of the 90s, this film should not be ignored.
10 out of 10
I wanted to see this movie for so long that when I first turned it on and turned it off after 30 minutes, there was no limit to my frustration. Al again, again in the form of a gangster. A little more than a year passed, and one day, switching channels on TV at night (which is extremely rare), I came across an episode from this picture, which last time I did not get to see, but which made me reconsider it and take a fresh look at this story and the main character – Carlito comes to his beloved in the hope of returning their relationship. He looks at her with eyes full of love and admiration, through a gap in the door, because it is closed on a chain, but, in the end, unable to cope with his feelings, he breaks into her apartment.
Have you ever killed Charlie?
- You know, it's not a simple question. You can't just say that. As a boy, I grew up in East Harlem. The Italians said, "Latins, you can't cross Park Avenue," and the Negroes said, "Puerto Ricans can't go west of Fifth Avenue." It turned out that there is nowhere to go, and if you want to go to Central Park to feed the ducks, then you are not lucky. But I didn't listen to anyone. I climb one hundred and six to Central Park next to the lake, and I'm surrounded by an army. What do I do? The adrenaline jumps up, pulls out the knives and says, "Come on, I'll fuck either of you," and they go, "No, we'll kill you sooner," and pull out the guns. I've never run like this in my life and then I always carry a gun and use it. It’s not like I’ve decided to do that once and for all. No, I just did my best to survive, and I ended up where I am now.
Carlito, whose name is known to every gangster in New York, is a romantic trying to catch up with his dream. He has his own idea of honor, love, friendship, and life, and he strictly follows his principles, which essentially lead him to the inevitable end. At times, he seems to know and realize that his dream of saving $75,000 and flying to the Bahamas, a paradise on earth to rent a car, is impossible. This desire is so simple that hearing it from a person like Carlito, involuntarily begins to smile, while in the soul comes the bitter realization that a long time ago and perhaps not involuntarily set foot on this path, he will never be able to leave it.
I'm not looking for trouble - they find me themselves.
Although I knew at the beginning of the film how it would end, for the last 15 minutes my heart was squeezing with fear and excitement. Stupid, but until the last there was some hope, and in the end there was a piercing feeling of sadness. Probably because Carlito is the hero to whom it is impossible not to feel sympathy, compassion, and, looking at whom, you want to believe that he will be able to escape from the inevitability of fate.