Kevin Costner’s ‘The Untouchables’: A Classic Gangster Adventure Worth a Watch 40 Years Later

by

Quick Links

Brian De Palma is a filmmaker with an extraordinary flamboyant style, often characterized by excessively dramatic gangster scenes that give Al Pacino ample opportunities to act dramatically. However, The Untouchables, featuring Kevin Costner, stands apart as a unique De Palma production. Despite his reputation for loud gangster films, De Palma demonstrated versatility in this movie, which leans more towards an action-packed adventure than a gritty gangster story. Notably, it provides opportunities for Robert De Niro to deliver dramatic performances and allows Sean Connery to showcase his authoritative persona.

In De Palma’s film “The Untouchables,” there’s the usual toughness you’d expect, but it seems more intensified compared to his other projects. What sets this apart is its distinct and inspiring optimism – the idea that the underdogs can defeat the villain, bringing about salvation through gunfights and charisma. Kevin Costner takes the helm in this crime-fighting group, delivering a solid performance. However, it’s his embrace of the film’s over-the-top excitement that truly stands out. Without Costner, the movie might lack a central figure to channel its fun elements. He serves as a versatile canvas for this purpose.

In a surprising twist for a De Palma film, The Untouchables carries a more playful tone than anticipated, yet the director cleverly employs his setting to evoke a unique atmosphere distinct from typical gangster films. Boasting one of the most effective uses of Grand Central Station on screen, The Untouchables is an under-the-radar Costner masterpiece that’s definitely worth watching.

‘The Untouchables‘ Is More Fun Than You’d Expect

As a cinephile, I’ve always admired De Palma’s knack for infusing gritty action with a touch of playful flair, even when portraying the ruthless world of drug-fuelled gangsters. The Untouchables, in its exhilarating gunfights reminiscent of a Wild West showdown, maintains an undeniable resemblance to the genre, despite the brutal outbursts of violence from De Niro’s portrayal of Al Capone. In this film, we follow Kevin Costner’s Eliot Ness as he navigates the tumultuous Prohibition era, determined to bring down the notorious gangster. Along his journey, he assembles a formidable team, comprising Sean Connery and a young Andy Garcia.

Kevin Costner delivers an impressive performance in the blend of courtroom drama and high-octane action movie directed by De Palma. He manages to uphold the seriousness we often associate with him, yet infuses it with a subtle charm that makes us want to support his character. Playing the ‘everyman’ role isn’t as simple as it seems, but Costner seamlessly transitions between dramatic and action scenes without sacrificing his essential human qualities. The supporting cast is strong, with Connery playing a trustworthy authority figure who adds depth to the action sequences. While the dynamic between Costner and Connery may be predictable, it’s Costner’s genuine cowboy demeanor that captivates us.

‘The Untouchables‘ Features a Great De Niro Performance

It’s equally enjoyable to witness Robert De Niro in a secondary role in The Untouchables. Instead of being the main character, he steals the show effortlessly without having to develop his character from one scene to another. His portrayal is mysterious and annoyingly loud, which perfectly complements the movie’s over-the-top atmosphere. Similar to Connery, De Niro possesses a natural charisma that makes him intimidating. In The Untouchables, this intensity is harnessed but toned down by a setting heavily influenced by the glamour of the era. As Al Capone, De Niro transforms into another character entirely and discards his usual serious demeanor in favor of entertainingly unstable outcomes.

In a different light, while De Niro is commonly associated with Scorsese and De Palma, it’s their collaboration in “The Untouchables” that truly shines. De Palma skillfully accommodates De Niro’s powerful portrayal, elevating him to an imposing villain opposite Costner. Though they don’t spend much time together on screen, Costner’s character embodies the relentless pursuit of justice, making “The Untouchables” a more impactful narrative than just an action-packed spectacle. Without Costner’s emotional depth, the film wouldn’t be as successful in telling its compelling story.

De Palma Packs Plenty of Suspense into ‘The Untouchables‘

The Grand Central Station scene in “The Untouchables” showcases the film’s overall playful tone. In this scene, Costner is on the hunt for truth but is hindered by an annoying baby, creating tension and suspense. Director De Palma skillfully avoids excessive seriousness, letting the setting and high stakes speak for themselves instead. Essentially, this scene represents the entertaining atmosphere that pervades the entire movie.

The Untouchables is an exceptional film for everyone involved. For Costner, it provided him with the opportunity to headline a movie that may not be as somber as its promotional material implies, yet still delivers powerful, violent moments. De Palma skillfully balances the line between comedic excess and dramatic intensity, creating a compelling atmosphere within a convincing Prohibition era backdrop, which fosters larger-than-life characters.

Kevin Costner excels as the main character, seamlessly moving between seriousness and compassion while never losing sight of the gravity of the situation, even amidst the chaos surrounding him. Brian De Palma may be recognized for “Scarface,” but “The Untouchables” is a fantastic mix of gangster motifs and adventurous storytelling that thrives on its humor. Currently streaming on Paramount+.

Read More

2025-01-26 23:32