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Movie review

26 March 2017

Film Analysis of Martin Scorseses film Mean Streets

Introduction

Mean Streets is the first most significant feature film by Scorsese. The films storyline is

about some friends growing up in a New York City section (Little Italy) during the 1970s. What

weaves together most scenes in Mean Streets is how Charlie (Harvey Keitel) feels responsible

for Johnny Boy (Robert DeNiro), his friend. Johnny Boy owes Michael (Richard Romanus), a

loan shark in the neighborhood, a lot of money. As the film goes on, Michael becomes so

impatient with Danny Boy for dodging him over payment. However, the involvement of Charlie

does not only go beyond his being helpful, but it also puts the relationship he has with Giovanni

(Cesare Danova - Charlies uncle) at risk. Giovanni doubles up as Charlies boss, and he doesnt

approve of Johnny Boy.

Mean Streets isnt plot-directed. However, it has the format of loosely woven episodes

that concentrate on the main characters, capturing by way of slice-of-life type fashion numerous

moments of privilege with authenticity, warmth and humor. The films main characters are

Johnny Boy, Charlie, Michael, Tony (David Proval), and Theresa (Amy Robinson). When the

film starts, each of the characters is brought forth while acting some characteristic, except
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Theresa. As it unfolds, the film takes a look at these characters lives, hence acquainting the

audience with them.

A junkie is seen firing up shots in a bars bathroom during the films opening segment.

An annoyed Tony springs into action by grabbing and then throwing the junkie outside his bar.

Afterwards, Tony reprimands his bouncer for his inaction. Tony doesnt fight over ambiguity in

morals; he isnt that type. Although Charlie is in agony over what he was told by the priests,

Tony is more practical and philosophical in his approach. Tony comes across as responsible,

content, sensible and generous, and Charlies good friend.

Next is Johnny Boy. As he rounds a corner, he puts an explosive in a mailbox then flees.

Excited, he looks back and marvels at the explosion that resulted. Here, Johnnys character as

one without sense and who plays with danger is brought forth; Johnny Boy is seen as one who

doesnt think through his behaviors repercussions. Johnny will later get involved in risky deeds

like shooting atop a roof and, with defiance, insulting Michael, pushing luck beyond safety. The

introduction of Charlie is intercut in the whole opening segment throughout. Mean Streets is thus

introduced as primarily the story of Charlie and his conscience conflict as a preoccupation thats

significant.

In the whole movie, Charlie is at a conflict with his conscience over being responsible to

others and him. He unfortunately oversteps his boundaries in repeated attempts to help Johnny,

something that Scorsese disapproves of. Mean Streets concludes violently, with Michael

revenging in cold blood on Johnny for ridiculing and dodging him one time too many. (Michael

is brought forth as a shady businessman, dealing in merchandise and later duped.)

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Works Cited

Ciment, Michel and Michael Henry. Entretien avec Martin Scorsese. Positif 170 (June) 1975:

8-23. Web. 11 February 2013.

Connelly, Marie K. The films of Martin Scorsese: A critical study. Michigan: University

Microfilms International, 1991. PDF file.