I’ve always found myself captivated by the lives of gangsters, not because I condone their actions, but because they embody a raw, unapologetic energy that’s hard to ignore. And when it comes to “Capone”, directed by Guy N. Smith, I was hooked from the very first scene.
Less frequently do exceptional gangster TV series grace our screens than fans of the genre would prefer. Regrettably, the 2020s have seen a dearth of wise guys and ordinary criminals. Fortunately, we now have Tulsa King, a standout gem from Taylor Sheridan’s collection following the success of Yellowstone. The series features Sylvester Stallone as Dwight “The General” Manfredi, a New York City crime boss who has recently been paroled and is sent to Tulsa, Oklahoma due to lack of space in the Big Apple. Once there, he establishes one of America’s most profitable underworld operations.
Under Terrence Winter’s leadership (known for “The Sopranos” and “Boardwalk Empire”), this show is an absolute delight to watch. The impressive viewership numbers on Paramount+ have even led to a renewal for Seasons 3 and 4, with a spinoff already being approved. Furthermore, the gangster series has demonstrated that Sylvester Stallone possesses the talent for delivering compelling drama performances, proving that he’s not just about fighting.
But prior to his success with Rocky in the 1970s, he had already ventured into the crime genre. One of the standout gangster movies of that era featuring him was titled Capone.
Sylvester Stallone Plays Al Capone’s Chief Enforcer in ‘Capone’
In 1975, Sylvester Stallone hadn’t yet solidified his role as a leading man. His previous roles were in movies that weren’t particularly memorable, such as “The Sidelong Glances of a Pigeon Kicker” and “The Lord of Flatbush.” Fortunately, the latter movie, where Stallone portrayed a rebellious teenager from Brooklyn, attracted the attention of Roger Corman. Consequently, Corman offered him a part in “Capone,” an experience that Stallone thoroughly enjoyed.
He recalled:
As a film critic, I found the process of delving into ‘Capone’ to be remarkably intriguing. It seemed almost as if this production was the quirky, intellectually limited relative – a distant cousin, you might say – of the legendary ‘The Godfather’.
Since he hadn’t yet achieved significant success as an actor, Sylvester Stallone was chosen to portray Frank Nitti, Al Capone’s notorious enforcer. Yet, this wasn’t a run-of-the-mill henchman part. During his most productive years, Nitti made considerable strides, and the film aimed to depict him as intimidating as possible.
Initially a barber, Nitti transitioned into dealing with stolen goods, eventually catching the attention of Capone who brought him into his criminal gang. In an era marked by heightened suspicion and informers lurking on every corner, Capone found comfort in Nitti’s ability to stay incognito and remain faithful. Swiftly ascending through the ranks, Nitti took up the position of trusted associate where he managed Capone’s liquor smuggling operations during the Prohibition Era. He was responsible for importing whiskey from Canada and distributing it via a network of speakeasies scattered throughout Chicago.
He was eventually arrested and charged at around the same time as Capone, though he was only sent to prison for 18 months (unlike 11 years for Capone). Once outside, he became the outfit’s unofficial boss.
It’s worth noting that Hollywood played a role in Nitti’s demise. In 1943, he and eight other gangsters found themselves facing charges for attempting to extort $1 million from four large film studios (Paramount, Loew’s, 20th Century–Fox, and Warner Brothers) under the threat of labor-related issues. Just a few hours before the New York federal grand jury issued this pivotal indictment, Nitti took his own life while walking along a railroad track in a Chicago suburb.
‘Capone’ Beats ‘Tulsa King’ in Violence and Melancholy
I find Tulsa King quite enjoyable, largely due to its authentic everyday scenes. However, it could potentially be extraordinary if it delved deeper into darkness. The show is filled with humor, and Dwight Manifredi exhibits an unexpected amount of compassion for a mob boss. Thankfully, Capone doesn’t share this issue. This film meticulously recreates the atmosphere and aesthetic of 1920s Chicago, using this grim tale to scrutinize the deeply rooted class conflicts that ultimately fostered organized crime.
Above all else, it’s crucial to note that Capone is notorious for his violence. Remarkably, authentic footage from the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre is incorporated into the storyline (a gruesome event where seven members and affiliates of Chicago’s North Side Gang were murdered by Capone’s henchmen on February 14, 1929). Furthermore, a chilling sequence reveals how Al Capone obtained the scar on his left cheek – during a scuffle, he was hurled through a glass window. Moreover, the brutal assassination of Chicago mob boss, Big Jim Colosimo (who was eliminated due to his reluctance to participate in the liquor trade), is graphically portrayed.
For the remainder of the movie, viewers can see a vivid depiction of Capone’s reckless behavior and feeling of invincibility. He openly expresses his wish for all underworld figures to “straighten up,” and continues his ruthless actions until he has completely defeated his adversaries without regard for the consequences. Eventually, even Nitti begins to question whether his boss has crossed a line.
The film also delves into Capone’s challenging years following his prison release, when he suffered from senility due to syphilitic paresis. Some historians suggest that this illness may not have been purely physical but rather a psychological response to the grief and depression caused by the decline of his empire.
At the bootlegger’s mansion on Palm Island, Florida, some intense moments unfold amidst the rustling leaves, animal calls, roaring car engines, and general hubbub of arriving visitors, causing Al Capone to be plunged into a protracted bout of restless sleeplessness. Predictably, Mr. Scarface becomes rather testy, even snapping at Nitti. Watching him erroneously target his trusted lieutenant, who turns out to be an FBI agent, is heart-wrenching. As time passes, everyone tries to lift him out of his melancholy, but he gradually deteriorates instead.
The Capone movie starring Tom Hardy primarily aimed at exploring this specific aspect, but it seemed to fall short in its execution.
‘Capone’ Is for Genre Fans, Not Historians
As a film aficionado, I must admit that the movie “Capone” takes creative liberties, a common practice in many great gangster films. However, this doesn’t sit well with historians or those who appreciate the raw excesses of Hollywood. For instance, the film portrays Frank Nitti delivering a eulogy at Capone’s funeral, which is factually incorrect as Nitti passed away four years prior to Capone. Moreover, the real-life wife of Al Capone, Mae Josephine Coughlin, is not featured in the movie. Instead, a fictional love interest, Susan Blakely’s Iris Crawford, is introduced.
Is it making a difference? Absolutely, particularly in terms of the romantic subplots. Mae was a respectable mob wife, but Iris is a vivacious gangster’s girlfriend who adds a thrilling element to Capone’s life. In an unforgettable scene, they share a picnic, only for his bodyguards to disappear, leading them into a passionate public display of affection. Tragically, Iris meets her end at the hands of Capone’s adversaries, creating a tense atmosphere reminiscent of the “Look how they butchered my boy!” scene from The Godfather.
Although the movie was good, it could have been even more impactful if both Mae and Iris were included. These characters, often portrayed as wife and confidante in many successful gangster films such as Goodfellas and The Sopranos, add depth to the storyline. Nitti’s prolonged presence might not have been necessary from a plot standpoint, but it significantly boosted Stallone’s career. His performance in this role is commendable, and the extra screen time allowed him to display his talents more effectively. I would recommend watching Capone; it’s a wild ride through the underworld that you shouldn’t skip.
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Capone
is available to rent in the US on Apple TV+, Amazon, and Fandango at Home.
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2024-11-25 02:03