Brian De Palma
Carlito's Way

Wandering through the pages of debaser, I noticed the absence of "Carlito's Way". I mean, a movie like this isn't reviewed? So I decided to get to work to talk about one of the most dramatic works in the gangster genre. Inevitably, in this regard, the comparison with Brian De Palma's other great gangster, the much-praised "Scarface", comes to mind. As I already stated in my review of Platoon, Tony Montana's film, although enjoyable, did not excite me.

"Carlito's Way" tells the story of Carlito Brigante who, thanks to the help of his faithful lawyer and friend, Kleinfield (Sean Penn), has his sentence reduced from 30 to 5 years. His return to "normal life" is calm because he has now decided to remove himself from the "scene". However, when one has been a drug dealer of great importance, it's difficult to become "anonymous", and so old friends resurface, old problems return to haunt Carlito's soul...

Brian de Palma distances himself from the usual mafia movie full of violence, alcohol, and drugs and gives life to a cinematic work with a strong dramatic imprint, a detailed psychological characterization of the characters. We are indeed very far from the indifferent and adversarial dealer of Montana's memory. Carlito, just out of jail, decides to immediately search for the one he had to leave behind, his beloved Gail. The quest for redemption will also pass through his love for Gail, but he will find himself facing an unexpected obstacle...

The underlying concept of "Carlito's Way" is loss, defeat. Our beloved hero, played by an excellent Al Pacino, is a losing hero. He is at peace with his conscience, striving in every way to distance himself from a life he feels no longer belongs to him. Brigante remains loyal to those around him, trying to help them in every way. However, living in the underworld, in shady circles where not even a turncoat is ever really out, complicates the situation greatly. Carlito is tough but not devoid of feelings: to open a car rental business is all he wants. He would like just this. But his world is cruel to him; many see him as an enemy.

The whole story is told in flashback through Al Pacino, who plays the role of "omniscient narrator". "Carlito's Way" has the merit of being much more "human" than Scarface, more real or, if you prefer, less constructed and pompous. Indeed, many times the film turns into a genuine dramatic movie, distancing itself from the gangster clichés. Excellent performances by Pacino (especially the superlative work of Giannini in the dubbing) and even better than the protagonist is Sean Penn in the role of the crazy lawyer with all sorts of obsessions. Also noteworthy is the excellent screenplay by David Koepp.

Brian de Palma stages what I consider his best work. "Carlito's Way" is superior to Scarface in terms of linearity, drama, and also for a slightly marked but absolutely perfect spectacle (see to believe the billiard scene and the final chase). A conclusion that is very fitting even if perhaps revealed a bit too soon...

"When you're in jail, you spend a lot of time thinking about who you're going to visit the first day you're out, the second, and the third. But then, when you get out, you find that people's faces are different from how you remembered them. Maybe even yours is different..."