Review by Chris Walker of ClockWalkerOrange
After watching a production of Chazz Paliminteri’s autobiographical one-man show, Robert De Niro approached Paliminteri about purchasing the film rights and directing a film based on his play. Paliminteri agreed provided he could write the script and play Sonny. This would be Robert De Niro’s first venture behind the camera and he would prove that he is just as adept behind the camera as he is in front.
A Bronx Tale tells the coming of age story of Calogero (Francis Capra and Lilio Brancato) under the guidance of two very different men: His father Lorenzo (Robert De Niro) who consistently tries to imbue his son with working-class values. The other being powerful local mob boss Sonny (Chazz Paliminteri) who teaches him how to handle himself on the street and teaches him some realities of life. These two men come to odds as Lorenzo fears Sonny is corrupting his son with the easy, glamorous life of crime. Meanwhile Calogero is torn between his two idols and their teachings.
Robert De Niro is at the top of his game in A Bronx Tale, surprisingly he is in a crime film but not playing a gangster. De Niro perfectly conveys the caring father who would do anything for his son, but also skilfully showing a father who is struggling to capture and maintain his son’s attention. Additionally De Niro once again show cases one of his trademarks, being able to be a firm authoritarian but on the other hand being able to convey a strong sense of humour and mould these two elements successfully together. His directing skills equal his performing skills as he unfolds the tale with patience and confidence, taking the time to show us life in 1960s Bronx. De Niro is greatly supported but a solid script from Paliminteri as it is clear he had no difficulty transferring his story from theatre to screen.
As the film begins and we see the Bronx from the sky we are immediately immersed into this world and story through effective use of voice-over from the protagonist. The claustrophobic almost cramped set emphasises the idea that the Bronx is a small world on in to itself, a tiny world slow to change compared to the rest of the world. A mention must also be given to the film’s use of music and more importantly the timing of the music. Whenever music is played it is incredibly appropriate for the scene, enhancing the poignancy of each scene; whether it is slow, contemplative, and almost romantic music or just cool jazz for bar scenes.
In a Robert De Niro film you would expect him nine times out of ten to act anyone off the screen. However Chazz Paliminteri more than holds his own, generating a lot of sympathy for Sonny as in some way he sees Calogero as his own redemption. Paliminteri does this so well you tend to forget that he is a brutal criminal. Paliminteri shows a caring, emotional side to his character as he tries and turns Calogero away from violence and crime; teaching him that the best tool for the job is not necessarily the hammer.
A Bronx Tale is often said to be very alike to Goodfellas because it is a coming of age gangster movie. This is understandable, however unlike Goodfellas a mobster protégée is not being trained, but rather a young boy into a man who receives two very different forms of education from two contrasting men, in order to give him the best chance to escape the hardships and prejudices of the Bronx.
I really want to watch this now!
My work here is done, lol. Thanks for reading.
Lilio Brancato should’ve thought a bit more about what his character learnt in this movie. Eligible for parole next year…
Yeah he was committing burglary in the Bronx, sort of ironic.
This is one of DeNiro’s best roles and I bet if you asked him, he’d agree. Awesome review!
Appreciate the compliment. Yeah I would agree this is one of his best performances.
Great work Chris. I probably would knock a DeNiro off your rating, though, and give it an 8 as I found some pacing issues around the 3/4 mark. Still, it’s a solid directorial debut from the man and the performances are spot on.
Cheers Mark, I understand what your saying about the pacing issues, but I only found it to be a minor drawback. I was debating with myself whether to give it a 8 or 9.
9 is spot on. Ignore Mark 😉
Yeah, ignore me! Tyson knows I talk shit on occasion. 😉
Looks excellent, and De Niro’s character is fascinating. Yep, seeing this. Great review, man!
Thanks. Glad I could divert your attention to this great film.
Really good review. I haven’t checked this out yet but it sounds like I should. Good stuff!
Cheers, aye this is a movie you should definitely check out.
Nice review. Can’t believe I haven’t seen this one, I need to check it out.
Thanks, aye this a must see for all De Niro fans.
Great review! I actually had no clue what this movie was about. I like the sound of it now! And I like that De Niro isn’t the gangster in it. I may check this out someday now. Good job. 🙂
Appreciate it. It was nice to see him not play a gangster in this type of film.
Nice work Chris. This one has caught my eye a few times but haven’t got around to seeing it yet.
Cheers Chris. Yeah I missed this for ages, then when You Talkin’ To Me came along I knew I had to seek it out.
A sterling debut behind the camera by De Niro, one that feels deeply personal and authentic. Excellent work on review duties.
Thanks for reading. I agree this film is so emotional, deep and personal, a great film experience.
I’ve never seen this one before, but I am dying to see it now.
You will not be disappointed, this is a great tale.
9 is spot on, I love this movie and more people need to see it. Such great performances as you mention. Excellent work Chris and thanks for joining in 🙂
Thank you Tyson for having me on this. I’m just glad I brought this film to people’s attention.
Great review man, a movie I must see for sure! However I’m a bit confused, maybe I’m just had one too many pints at this moment, but I see a slight contradiction: “Paliminteri shows a caring, emotional side to his character as he tries and turns Calogero away from violence and crime…” Wasn’t it DeNiro who was the father to Calogero who is trying to set his kid straight? Again, I might be reading things wrong. Either way — I need to get to this! Love both main leads here.
Thanks man. Yeah, what I was trying to say was that De Niro’s character believes Paliminteri is trying to lure his son towards crime when in reality he isn’t. Sorry for the late reply btw.