"Just when I thought that I was out they pull me back in" - Michael Corleone
(Godfather Part III)
Plot synopsis.
Reformed con, Carlito Brigante (Al Pacino) emerges from 5 years behind bars as a history-book legend to a world somewhat changed. Carlito's Way catalogs the chase of a dream; going straight, of a man who knows nothing else but to do it the wrong way. The initially moral-grounded lawyer David Kleinfeld (Sean Penn) becomes Carlito's dead weight, and tempts Carlito back into his old ways, while old flame Gail (Penelope Ann Miller) provides the polar opposite moral compass.
Carlito must choose between honour, debt and loyalty or the American dream in paradise. In a final take similar to The Untouchables (also directed by Brian De Palma), Carlito's way is left dripping in irony.
Mini-review.
After controversial success with Scarface, director Brian De Palma provides Pacino with the lead again as they, this time, tackle a gangster film more "western" than "gangs"; you can't trust your family, friends, loved ones - "...there's only one rule, you save your own ass".
Pacino and Penn are excellent as mirrors of each other and themselves as the tables turn swiftly. It's particularly interesting to watch Penn portray his character's quick self destruct as the slimey lawyer falls deeper and deeper into trouble. Carlito is played with the intensity you'd expect from Pacino, and the sympathy he generates from the audience is not only impressive but believable too. However, for all of Pacino's great work the ending was generally not met with any emotional attachment - something perhaps due to Penelope Ann Miller's portrayal of Gail; there was something missing from it which seemed to emotionally isolate Pacino's character.
3.5 out of 5
A good standing flick about an unoriginal story. Worth a watch if not for the performances alone.
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