“Mean Streets 1973” is a gritty, visceral portrayal of the seedy underbelly of New York City’s Little Italy. The film follows small-time gangsters as they navigate their way through a world of violence, drugs, and betrayal. Directed by Martin Scorsese, the movie is a masterclass in realism and authenticity, capturing the raw energy and danger of life on the streets. With its frenetic pace and intense performances, “Mean Streets 1973” is a cinematic tour de force that leaves an indelible impression on viewers long after the credits roll.
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Review
I recently re-watched Martin Scorsese’s 1973 masterpiece, “Mean Streets,” and was struck by how fresh and relevant it still feels almost 50 years later. The film, set in New York’s Little Italy, centers around the lives of Charlie (Harvey Keitel) and Johnny Boy (Robert De Niro), two friends navigating the treacherous waters of the city’s underground crime scene.
The film’s plot is a bit meandering and disjointed, but that’s part of what makes it so effective. We see snapshots of these characters’ lives – their relationships with women, their dealings with shady businessmen, their attempts to balance their criminal activities with their Catholicism – but never quite get a full picture of what’s going on. This mirrors the chaotic nature of life in this world; nothing makes sense or follows a clear path.
One thing that struck me on this re-watch was how much heart there is in this movie. Charlie is constantly torn between his loyalty to Johnny Boy and his desire to do right by his family and community. Similarly, Johnny Boy’s wild antics mask deeper insecurities and fears about his place in this world. These characters are fully realized individuals with motivations that go beyond simply being “cool” or “tough.”
Of course, it helps that Scorsese has assembled an incredible cast to bring these characters to life. Keitel and De Niro are both magnetic on screen, embodying the contradictions and complexities of their respective roles. Supporting actors like David Proval (who plays Tony), Amy Robinson (who plays Teresa), and Richard Romanus (who plays Michael) all contribute memorable performances as well.
One thing I was particularly struck by on this viewing was the film’s use of music. It opens with The Ronettes’ “Be My Baby,” setting a tone of nostalgia and longing that pervades throughout the film. Other songs from the era – like The Rolling Stones’ “Tell Me” and Eric Clapton’s “I Looked Away” – are interspersed throughout, adding to the film’s sense of time and place.
Of course, no discussion of “Mean Streets” would be complete without acknowledging the influence it had on Scorsese’s later work. The film’s themes – Catholic guilt, loyalty to one’s community, the struggle to reconcile one’s criminal activities with a sense of morality – would all find their way into his later films like “Goodfellas,” “Casino,” and “The Departed.” Similarly, the film’s use of quick cuts and rapid-fire editing techniques would become hallmarks of Scorsese’s style.
It’s also worth noting that “Mean Streets” was not an immediate success upon its release. In fact, it struggled to find an audience until being re-released in 1974 with a new marketing campaign that focused on De Niro (who had just won an Oscar for his role in “The Godfather Part II”). Even then, it was only a modest success at the box office.
But over time, its reputation grew. Today, it’s widely regarded as one of Scorsese’s best works – if not one of the best films ever made. It remains a touchstone for filmmakers interested in exploring the darker corners of American life and continues to influence art across various mediums.
All in all, I found myself falling in love with “Mean Streets” all over again upon this re-watch. It may not be as polished or cohesive as some of Scorsese’s later films, but for my money, there’s something special about its rawness and energy. It feels like a snapshot of a moment in time – both for these characters and for American cinema as a whole.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 111
- Release : 1973-10-14
- Genre : Drama, Crime
- Cast : Robert De Niro as John ‘Johnny Boy’ Civello, Harvey Keitel as Charlie Cappa, David Proval as Tony DeVienazo, Amy Robinson as Teresa Ronchelli, Richard Romanus as Michael Longo
- Crew : Martin Scorsese as Screenplay, Martin Scorsese as Director, Martin Scorsese as Producer, Martin Scorsese as Story, E. Lee Perry as Executive Producer
- Popularity 20.468
- Budget : $500,000
- Revenue : $3,000,000
- Company : Scorsese Productions, Warner Bros. Pictures
- Summary : A small-time hood must choose from among love, friendship and the chance to rise within the mob.
- Tagline : You don’t make up for your sins in church. You do it in the streets…
