Set against the backdrop of Chicago in the 1930s, the film showcases the struggle between law enforcement and organized crime, emphasizing the challenges of combating corruption in a city where Capone’s influence has seeped into every level of society. The movie is known for its stylish direction, period detail, and its intense action sequences.
At its heart, The Untouchables is a story of good versus evil, with Eliot Ness as the upright, almost naive, federal agent who believes in justice and the law, contrasting sharply with De Niro’s portrayal of Capone as a ruthless, charismatic criminal mastermind who controls the city through violence and bribery. Costner plays Ness with a stoic resolve, portraying his growth from an idealistic agent to a man hardened by the realities of crime fighting.
Sean Connery, in an Oscar-winning performance, steals the show as Jim Malone, a streetwise, world-weary Irish-American cop who becomes Ness’s mentor. Connery’s portrayal of Malone gives the film its emotional core, especially in the way he guides Ness through the moral gray areas of law enforcement. Malone’s iconic line, “What are you prepared to do?” epitomizes the central theme of the film: to fight men like Capone, one must be willing to go beyond the rules of engagement.
The film’s direction by Brian De Palma is infused with stylistic flourishes, paying homage to classic gangster films while also incorporating suspenseful set pieces. One of the most famous sequences is the train station shootout, inspired by Sergei Eisenstein’s Battleship Potemkin. In this scene, Ness and Stone intercept Capone’s bookkeeper, and the slow-motion sequence of a baby carriage rolling down the steps amidst gunfire is an iconic moment in cinematic history, blending tension, action, and visual storytelling.
Robert De Niro’s portrayal of Al Capone is larger than life, with De Niro capturing both the charm and menace of the real-life gangster. While his screen time is limited, every scene with Capone is filled with intensity, particularly the infamous baseball bat scene, where Capone brutally murders one of his subordinates at a lavish dinner.
The film is also notable for its strong sense of period detail, from the costumes to the set design, which immerses the audience in the Prohibition-era United States. De Palma’s use of Chicago’s architecture, with its towering buildings and shadowy alleys, adds to the film’s noir atmosphere. The cinematography by Stephen H. Burum enhances the tension, with its use of dramatic lighting and framing.
Musically, Ennio Morricone’s score elevates the film with its sweeping, heroic themes. Morricone’s music underscores the emotional highs and lows of the story, with its haunting melodies capturing both the intensity of the action and the moral struggles faced by the characters.
The ensemble cast also features strong performances from Andy Garcia as George Stone, a young and talented marksman who joins Ness’s team, and Charles Martin Smith as Oscar Wallace, a bookish accountant whose expertise in tax law becomes crucial in finally bringing Capone to justice.
One of the central themes of The Untouchables is the idea of sacrifice and what it takes to uphold justice in the face of overwhelming corruption. Throughout the film, Ness and his team are forced to make difficult choices, with some paying the ultimate price. Jim Malone’s death, in particular, is a turning point for Ness, driving him to push past his moral reservations in order to defeat Capone.
In conclusion, The Untouchables is a stylish, intense crime drama that combines strong performances, particularly from Sean Connery and Robert De Niro, with masterful direction from Brian De Palma. Its mix of action, suspense, and character-driven storytelling make it one of the definitive gangster films of the 1980s. The film’s exploration of justice, sacrifice, and the moral ambiguities of law enforcement continues to resonate with audiences, ensuring its place as a classic in the genre.
