“Carlito’s Way” stars Al Pacino in the post “Scarface” role of Puerto Rican ruffian Carlito Brigante and offers many of De Palma’s trademark traits as a filmmaker.
Al Pacino has made a career staring in mafia type tough guy roles, and feels right at home in the role of Carlito Brigante – not a top leader in a crime syndicate as was the case in the classic “The Godfather,” but a scholastically uneducated brute who replaces his lack of book smarts by being a top tough on the mean streets of New York.
A period piece, “Carlito’s Way” opens in a New York City courtroom in 1975. Carlito Brigante has been released on a technicality 5 years into a 30 year sentence for murder and drug running. The bombastic Carlito berates the judge and prosecutor (James Rebhorn) while offering great praise and gratitude to his attorney and long time friend David Kleinfeld (Sean Penn). Carlito vows to the judge he will no longer be involved in the underhanded mischief he has been engulfed in his entire life – he will be going clean.
“Carlito’s Way” has some good moments. An early scene in a shady pool hall is a thing of genius as we see Carlito in action; struggling to maintain his promise of going straight amidst the paranoia and events around him that always lead him to nefarious activities. “I don’t invite this shit.” Carlito explains honestly. “It just comes to me.” The quick cut shots and character development are trademarks of De Palma, and executed flawlessly in this scene.
Ultimately, if you are looking for a traditional crime type thriller, “Carlito’s Way” fails to deliver. The dialogue heavy movie follows Carlito as he embarks on a life away from the streets, but lacks the punch and excitement outside of just a couple of scenes. Al Pacino certainly looks the part; dark beard, leather jacket, black shades – and offers enjoyable lines in an Al Pacino like way, but the action is too thin to fill the 144 minute run time.
I love the backdrop of 1970s New York City, looking like something fresh from a time machine. Pacino is joined at the helm by nearly unrecognizable Sean Penn as Carlito’s attorney and best friend David Kleinfeld. Fans of the video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City will immediately recognize the inspiration for the character Ken Rosenberg. Penelope Ann Miller (“Kindergarten Cop“) plays Carlito’s love interest, a stripper named Gail, but the character isn’t deeply developed or involved in much of the story.
“Carlito’s Way” is too long and slow. It doesn’t have the pizzazz to keep you intrigued. Al Pacino is good in a role he’s played often, but there are more better options for the serious mob movie fan.
by – Matt DeCristo
