The Irishman, directed by Martin Scorsese, is a crime epic that premiered in 2019. The film, which stars Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci, was initially released in select theaters before being made available on Netflix. The Irishman has since become one of the most popular films on the streaming platform, captivating audiences with its gripping storyline and impressive performances.
In this article, we will explore where the cast and crew of The Irishman are now. We will delve into the film’s production, release, and critical reception, as well as examine the use of de-aging technology in the movie. Additionally, we will take a look at how The Irishman has impacted popular culture and compare it to other Scorsese films. Finally, we will answer some frequently asked questions about the movie and offer our key takeaways.
Key Takeaways
- The Irishman is a critically acclaimed crime epic directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci.
- The film’s use of de-aging technology was groundbreaking and has since been used in other movies.
- The Irishman has had a significant impact on popular culture and is widely regarded as one of Scorsese’s greatest films.
The Irishman: A Brief Overview
“The Irishman” is a 2019 American epic crime film directed and produced by Martin Scorsese. The film stars Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci, and is based on the book “I Heard You Paint Houses” by Charles Brandt. The movie tells the story of Frank Sheeran, a truck driver who becomes a hitman involved with organized crime and his relationship with Jimmy Hoffa, a labor union leader.
Netflix released the film on November 1, 2019, and critics lauded its direction, acting, and screenplay. The film received ten Academy Award nominations, encompassing categories such as Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor, with nominations for both Pacino and Pesci.
Robert De Niro plays the role of Frank Sheeran, a World War II veteran who becomes a hitman for the Bufalino crime family. Al Pacino portrays Jimmy Hoffa, a labor union leader who becomes Sheeran’s close friend. Joe Pesci plays Russell Bufalino, a powerful mafia boss who becomes Sheeran’s mentor.
The movie spans several decades, from the 1950s to the 2000s, and uses de-aging technology to show the characters at different ages. The film’s runtime is three and a half hours, making it one of Scorsese’s longest films.
“The Irishman” received critical acclaim and was a commercial success for Netflix. Critics and audiences praised the performances, direction, and screenplay of the film, leading to numerous award nominations. The film stands as a cinematic masterpiece and a testament to Scorsese’s storytelling prowess.
Cast and Characters
Main Cast
The Irishman boasts an all-star cast, with legendary actors Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci taking on the lead roles. De Niro plays Frank Sheeran, a hitman who becomes involved with the Bufalino crime family. While Pacino portrays Jimmy Hoffa, the infamous labor union leader. Pesci rounds out the trio as Russell Bufalino, a powerful mob boss.
Anna Paquin appears in a supporting role as Peggy Sheeran, Frank’s daughter. Harvey Keitel plays Angelo Bruno, the boss of the Philadelphia crime family. Bobby Cannavale portrays Felix “Skinny Razor” DiTullio, a member of the Bufalino family. Ray Romano takes on the role of Bill Bufalino, Russell’s cousin and lawyer.
Supporting Cast
Stephen Graham plays Anthony “Tony Pro” Provenzano, a rival of Jimmy Hoffa’s who becomes entangled in the Bufalino family’s affairs. Jesse Plemons portrays Chuckie O’Brien, Hoffa’s foster son and close associate. Stephanie Kurtzuba appears as Irene Sheeran, Frank’s wife.
Notable Supporting Cast Members in the Film “The Irishman” Include:
- Kathrine Narducci as Carrie Bufalino, Russell’s wife
- Welker White as Josephine Hoffa, Jimmy’s wife
- Jack Huston as Robert Kennedy, the Attorney General who investigates Hoffa’s disappearance
- Domenick Lombardozzi as Fat Tony Salerno, a member of the Genovese crime family
- Louis Cancelmi as Sally Bugs, a hitman for the Gambino family
- Paul Herman as Whispers DiTullio, a member of the Bufalino family
- Gary Basaraba as Frank Fitzsimmons, Hoffa’s successor as president of the Teamsters union
- Marin Ireland as Dolores Sheeran, Frank’s second wife
- Sebastian Maniscalco as Joseph “Crazy Joe” Gallo, a member of the Colombo crime family
- Steven Van Zandt as Jerry Vale, a singer and friend of Russell Bufalino’s
Production and Release
“The Irishman” was directed by Martin Scorsese and produced by Netflix. The film was first announced in 2014 and was in development for several years before filming began in August 2017. The production budget for the film was reportedly around $159 million, making it one of the most expensive films of Scorsese’s career.
The film premiered at the 57th New York Film Festival on September 27, 2019. On November 1, 2019, the film had a limited theatrical release in order to qualify for awards consideration. It was shown in only eight theaters in New York and Los Angeles. Subsequently, on November 27, 2019, the film became available on Netflix for audiences in over 190 countries.
The decision to release “The Irishman” on Netflix rather than in cinemas was controversial and sparked a debate about the future of cinema. Scorsese defended the decision. He stated that Netflix provided the necessary funding for the film and allowed him to make the film the way he wanted to. He also argued that the film’s three-and-a-half-hour runtime and subject matter made it difficult to release in cinemas.
Despite the controversy, “The Irishman” was a critical and commercial success. It received positive reviews from critics and was nominated for numerous awards, including ten Academy Awards. The film ultimately won two Oscars for Best Supporting Actor (for Joe Pesci) and Best Visual Effects.
Critical Reception and Awards
When “The Irishman” was released on Netflix in 2019, it received widespread critical acclaim. The film was praised for its acting, direction, and storytelling. It currently holds a score of 96% on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics.
“The Irishman” was also a major awards contender during the 2019-2020 awards season. It received 10 nominations at the 92nd Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Martin Scorsese, and Best Supporting Actor for both Al Pacino and Joe Pesci. However, the film ultimately only won two Oscars, for Best Supporting Actor (Pesci) and Best Visual Effects.
In addition to its Oscar nominations, “The Irishman” was also nominated for numerous other awards. It won Best Picture and Best Director at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards, Best Adapted Screenplay at the National Board of Review Awards, and Best Supporting Actor (Pesci) at the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards.
Despite its critical acclaim and awards recognition, “The Irishman” was not a major box office success. As a Netflix original film, it did not have a traditional theatrical release and instead was made available exclusively on the streaming platform. However, it is difficult to estimate the film’s box office performance since Netflix does not release viewership data for its content.
Overall, “The Irishman” was a critical success and a major awards contender, but its box office performance was limited by its exclusive release on Netflix.
Behind the Scenes
In 2019, Martin Scorsese directed and produced the American epic crime film “The Irishman,” with a screenplay by Steven Zaillian. The movie stars Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci. Jane Rosenthal and Emma Tillinger Koskoff also produced the film.
Behind the scenes, Martin Scorsese worked tirelessly to bring his vision to life. He spent years developing the script and assembling his dream cast. Scorsese’s attention to detail was evident in every aspect of the film, from the costumes to the set design.
Robert De Niro, who plays the lead role of Frank Sheeran, worked closely with Scorsese to bring his character to life. De Niro spent months researching Sheeran’s life. He even met with the real-life Sheeran’s family to gain a deeper understanding of the character.
Al Pacino, who plays Jimmy Hoffa, was a longtime collaborator of Scorsese’s. Pacino’s performance in The Irishman was praised by critics and earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Joe Pesci, who came out of retirement to play Russell Bufalino, was also a longtime collaborator of Scorsese’s. Critics praised Pesci’s performance, and his acting earned him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the Academy Awards.
Jane Rosenthal and Emma Tillinger Koskoff, the film’s producers, played a crucial role in bringing The Irishman to life. They worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that everything ran smoothly and that the film stayed true to Scorsese’s vision.
The Irishman and Real Life Events
The Irishman is a crime drama film based on the life of Frank Sheeran, a former mob hitman who claimed to have killed Jimmy Hoffa, a former president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. The film depicts the Bufalino crime family, an organized crime syndicate that operated in Pennsylvania. And their involvement in Hoffa’s disappearance.
The events depicted in the film are based on real-life events and people. Frank Sheeran was a real person who was associated with the Bufalino crime family and claimed to have killed Jimmy Hoffa. The film also portrays the close relationship between the Bufalino crime family and the Teamsters union, which was led by Hoffa.
The disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa is one of the most notorious unsolved mysteries in American history. On July 30, 1975, people last saw Hoffa outside the Machus Red Fox restaurant in Bloomfield Township, Michigan. His body has remained unfound, and investigators and conspiracy theorists have extensively explored his disappearance.
The film also depicts the close relationship between organized crime and politicians, including Richard Nixon. The film suggests that Nixon was involved in the Hoffa disappearance. Although there is no concrete evidence to support this claim.
In addition to Hoffa’s disappearance, the film also depicts the nursing home where Frank Sheeran spends his final days. This nursing home is based on the Holy Family Nursing Home in Philadelphia. It was operated by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and was known for its ties to organized crime.
Overall, The Irishman is a compelling and accurate portrayal of the events and people involved in the Hoffa disappearance and the Bufalino crime family. The film provides a fascinating insight into the world of organized crime and its close ties to society and politics.
De-Aging Technology in The Irishman
The Irishman, directed by Martin Scorsese, made headlines for its use of de-aging technology to make its lead actors appear younger in certain scenes. The film stars Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci, all of whom are in their seventies, but the film spans several decades, requiring them to look younger in some scenes.
To achieve this effect, the filmmakers used a combination of makeup, prosthetics, and digital de-aging. Industrial Light & Magic, the same company behind the visual effects in Star Wars and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, performed the digital de-aging.
According to Pablo Helman, the visual effects supervisor on The Irishman, the de-aging process involved capturing the actors’ performances with a three-camera setup that recorded their facial expressions from different angles. The filmmakers used the data from these cameras to construct a digital model of the actor’s face, which they subsequently manipulated to give them a more youthful appearance.
The de-aging process was not without its challenges, however. One of the biggest obstacles was making sure that the actors’ eyes looked realistic. The eyes are often the most telling sign of a person’s age. To achieve this, the filmmakers used a combination of digital and practical effects, including contact lenses and makeup.
Despite the challenges, the de-aging technology in The Irishman has been widely praised for its effectiveness. The technology has come a long way since its early days, and it is likely that we will see more and more films using it in the future.
The Irishman in Popular Culture
Martin Scorsese’s “The Irishman,” an expansive crime drama, has captivated both ardent cinephiles and casual movie enthusiasts. Starring Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci, the film’s 2019 Netflix release ignited a cultural sensation.
Renowned for its deft direction, mesmerizing visuals, and compelling acting, “The Irishman” has kindled dialogues about its portrayal of organized crime, historical accuracy, and its standing within Scorsese’s repertoire.
The film’s influence extends beyond cinema, permeating diverse corners of popular culture:
Television: References to “The Irishman” have permeated TV shows like The Simpsons, Family Guy, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, ranging from subtle allusions to full-blown parodies of its iconic moments.
Marketing: The film’s teaser trailer, showcasing De Niro, Pacino, and Pesci strolling together, exemplified an exemplary campaign strategy that generated tremendous anticipation and fervor.
Dialogue: Penned by Steven Zaillian, “The Irishman” boasts incisive dialogue and memorable lines. The phrase “It’s what it is,” a standout, has metamorphosed into a catchphrase shaping innumerable memes and social media posts.
Cinema: Drawing comparisons with revered crime classics like Goodfellas and The Godfather, the film’s themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of criminality resonate universally.
In summation, “The Irishman” has left an indelible imprint on popular culture. Its impact spans television, marketing, and dialogue, cementing its status as an influential force within the entertainment landscape.
Comparisons to Other Scorsese Films
Martin Scorsese, a legendary director renowned for his impressive cinematic achievements, naturally invites comparisons among his oeuvre. Notably, “The Irishman” is juxtaposed with several of his notable works: “Goodfellas,” “The Wolf of Wall Street,” “The Departed,” “Casino,” “Taxi Driver,” and “Raging Bull.”
A prominent parallel emerges with “Goodfellas,” a quintessential Scorsese creation chronicling a mobster’s rise and downfall. Both films delve into kindred themes of fidelity, treachery, and the ramifications of criminal existence. “The Irishman” employs voiceover narration and non-linear narrative akin to “Goodfellas.”
Likewise, “The Wolf of Wall Street,” featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, resonates as it navigates the realm of white-collar wrongdoing. Both movies, sprawling epics, plumb the unsavory depths of American society. Yet, while “The Irishman” assumes a contemplative, melancholic demeanor, “The Wolf of Wall Street” exudes frenetic, uninhibited exuberance.
“The Departed,” another Scorsese gem set in the underworld, boasts an exceptional ensemble cast. In contrast, “The Irishman” adopts a more introspective lens, scrutinizing characters’ inner worlds. Eschewing spectacle, it accentuates the emotional toll exacted by criminality.
Similarly, “Casino” probes Las Vegas and the mafia’s sway over it. “The Irishman,” however, forgoes flamboyant visuals and grandiose performances, favoring a mature, restrained stance. Its reliance on audience engagement for thematic resonance stands out.
Though “Taxi Driver” and “Raging Bull” differ from “The Irishman” at first glance, they share motifs of violence, masculinity, and solitude. These themes permeate “The Irishman” as well. The director’s distinct touch manifests through music, camerawork, and editing in all three films.
Overall, while “The Irishman” possesses its own distinct potency, it honors Scorsese’s past creations. Its enduring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and remorse transcend eras, and its probing of characters’ inner selves is poignant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Frank at the end of The Irishman?
At the end of The Irishman, Frank Sheeran dies alone in a nursing home. It is implied that he dies with the guilt of his past actions weighing heavily on him.
Who went missing in The Irishman?
The Irishman tells the story of the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa, a prominent labor union leader with alleged ties to organized crime. The film suggests that Frank Sheeran was involved in Hoffa’s disappearance.
Is any part of The Irishman true?
While The Irishman is a work of fiction, it is based on real people and events. The film is adapted from the book “I Heard You Paint Houses” by Charles Brandt, which claims to be based on interviews with Frank Sheeran.
What happened to The Irishman in real life?
Frank Sheeran was a real person and a former labor union official with alleged ties to organized crime. He died in 2003, and his claims about his involvement in Jimmy Hoffa’s disappearance have been the subject of much debate and speculation.
What other movies has Robert De Niro starred in on Netflix?
Robert De Niro has starred in several other movies on Netflix, including The King of Comedy, Casino, and Goodfellas.
Who produced The Irishman and what other projects have they worked on?
The Irishman was produced by Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, and Emma Tillinger Koskoff. They have also worked on other films together, including Goodfellas and Casino.
Conclusion
The Irishman on Netflix has left viewers with a lot to think about. The film is a masterful work of art that tells the story of a man who lived a life of crime and regret. The movie was a massive success for Netflix, and it has been praised by both critics and audiences alike.
The film’s ending has been the subject of much debate and discussion. Some viewers were left confused by the final shot of the movie, while others found it to be a fitting conclusion to the story. Regardless of how one interprets the ending, it is clear that The Irishman is a movie that will stay with viewers long after the credits have rolled.
The Irishman is a film that showcases the talents of its director and cast. Martin Scorsese has once again proven that he is one of the greatest filmmakers of our time, and his ability to tell a compelling story is on full display in this movie. The performances of Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci are nothing short of exceptional, and they bring their characters to life in a way that is both believable and captivating.
In conclusion, The Irishman is a must-see movie for anyone who loves crime dramas or great filmmaking. It is a film that will make you think, and it will leave you with a lot to ponder long after it is over. The movie is a testament to the power of storytelling, and it is a reminder that sometimes the most powerful stories are the ones that are based on real-life events.