Martin Scorsese and the gang have teamed up once again to make, what is described as one of the best movies of 2019, The Irishman. It had its world premiere on September 27 at the 57th New York Film Festival. After that, on November 1 it started a limited theatrical release, meaning that it would be shown in few theaters across a country, like the USA or the UK. Others didn’t have to wait long to see it, because Netflix started streaming it on November 27, making it available worldwide. Being described as Martin Scorsese’s best movie, everyone was eager to see what the director had in store for them this time.

Twists and turns

The movie started its development in 2007, but due to some writing issues it was postponed. When it was time to try again, another problem showed up, this time with financing. The company that would finance the movie withdrew from its decision, because of its growing budget. When that was announced, Netflix bought the film rights and saved the movie. In August 2019, it was announced that the cost was $159 million, making it one of Scorsese’s most expensive works.

From memoir to film

Much like a lot of other movies directed by Scorsese, The Irishman was based on a book. It’s called I Heard You Paint Houses, written by Charles Brandt. The book is a memoir, containing information on the life of Frank Sheeran, a mafia hitman who confessed to the horrible crimes he executed while working for the Bufalino crime family. He is looking back on his life, family and friends, particularly Jimmy Hoffa, who mysteriously disappeared in 1975.

Legendary cast

Martin Scorsese brought together some of the most  prominent names in cinema for this movie, like Harvey Keitel, Joe Pesci, Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, whose portrayal of Frank Sheeran was his ninth collaboration with the director, and first since 1995 and Casino. They all gave amazing performances and some might even be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor.

De-aging technique

It was also really interesting to see the actors in younger versions of themselves. The major portion of the movie is set in the characters’ younger years, so the de-aging technique had to be used. It feels weird at first, but you get used to it. After a while you won’t be sure if it’s even being used.

Clocking in at 3 hours and 30 minutes, this is Scorsese’s longest movie to date, and although some might complain that it’s too long or tiring, it wouldn’t be the same if it was any less shorter. The entire runtime feels completely necessary, like every shot and every scene was put in it for a reason. This is what Martin Scorsese movies look like at their finest.

Martin Scorsese movie at its finest

Since the very beginning of the movie, when the camera starts moving around and the soundtrack starts playing. you know you’re in for a treat. It is reminiscent of some of Scorsese’s finest works, such as Casino and GoodFellas to the the point that it feels nostalgic. But, unlike its predecessors, The Irishman brings something new to the table. It’s more emotional and more personal, delving deep into the relationships between friends and family.

If you still haven’t watched it, sit back, grab a bowl of popcorn and clear the next three and a half hours off your schedule, because this movie is worth it.

Written by Marko Plantak