Mean Streets [1973]

Martin Scorsese takes us on a honest and turbulent journey through Little Italy. This is done in the eyes of Charlie (Harvey Keitel). Charlie is always searching for something with a deeper meaning. Wether its the local mafia, church, or his friendships, he strives for a greater connection. Unfortunately, for Charlie, all seems to be against each other. Within the mafia he wants to move up. Within the church, he seeks true salvation. And within his friendships, he feels the need to protect and look out for those less fortunate than him.

Enter Johnny Boy (Robert De Niro). Johnny Boy is a character most of us in life have known. And if you don’t recognize him, you probably are like him. Johnny Boy is irresponsible, free-spirited, and self destructive. The kind of guy that you swore said he would give you gas money, and when you reach empty, he suddenly doesn’t know what you are talking about. But he can be fun to be around, and his life is in worse shape than yours, so you constantly forgive him, smile, and move on.

Charlie feels the need to help out, protect, and even clean up Johnny Boy’s messes. But even Charlie seems to know that by patronizing him, he will only prolong the inevitable. As magnetic as Johnny Boy is, and as minor as his misdeeds may be, every one knows the wild roller coaster will eventually have to come to an end.

This movie really spoke to me on many levels. The character of Charlie is one I can relate to. He seeks true salvation rather than the cliche religious lip service some churches give out. He is mentally trapped between his lover, his friend, his salvation, and his job. None of them want to cut him some slack for the other. Keitel plays the role effortlessly, proving he can be a power house, or a quiet storm. De Niro, however, steals the show. Its no wonder he won Best Supporting Actor from The National Society of Film Critics. He plays perfectly this irresponsible ADDish looser with a perfect balance between rowdy and just plain insane.

Scorsese is a master of putting together small, almost insignificant scenes to achieve an over all theme, mood, or style. This is observed when Charlie often tries to touch fire, or when Charlie decides to get with a black chick, then changes his mind. Things like these seem meaningless at the time, but little did you know, it was painting a grand picture for you to step back and really think about when looking at it. And when you do step back and look at it, the picture is amazing.

With great direction, classic Scorsese style soundtrack, powerful acting, subtle yet strong story, and engaging theme, this flick will stick with you long after you view it.

Mean Streets gets 4 stars. It is a very well deserved classic. Its not gonna totally rock your cinema world, but if you get the chance to see it, you will most defiantly want to take up the opportunity. You WILL NOT be sorry!