User reviews

The low reviews probably reflect expectations that were not fulfilled. I'll admit I scored it a bit higher than I normally might have to counter some of those low ratings that I think are unfair and based solely on it not being the kind of movie the reviewer was expecting. If you are looking for something like Scarface or Goodfellas, you will be disappointed. This is a drama, not an action film, though there are a few action scenes, which are rather gruesome. It is about a man suffering from dementia, who just happens to be Al Capone. We get a look inside his head, and there are times when you don't know what's real and what isn't. It's realistic and, I think, relatively accurate. Unfortunately, because it's about Capone, it may not reach the audience who would appreciate it. Again, this is a slow moving, cerebral film. The film could have been better had we had more of those action scenes in flashback. I would also have liked more background on some of the characters and their relationship to Capone. However, as it stands, it's a good movie and worth seeing if you like this type of movie. The entire movie is almost completely from Capone's perspective, and perhaps the writer tried to stay a bit too accurate and too much inside Capone's head. There are things that are never fully explained. It's also possible some scenes ended up on the cutting room floor. That being said, it is an interesting peek into the mind of Capone in his last days. The film is beautifully shot with some wonderful scenes following Capone down dark hallways as well as some really nice outdoor shots. The acting is superb all around. There are characters who have few to no lines, yet still manage to be noticeable. Standouts are, of course, Tom Hardy as Capone, incredibly believable as both Capone and as a man suffering dementia. He manages to capture the sheer presence of a man who was, arguably, a king in his world, and in some ways still is, while at the same being vulnerable as confusion and paranoia overtake him. Despite his reputation as a mafia kingpin and a stone cold killer, this Capone elicits sympathy and compassion and appears to show great regret as well as possibly suggesting he was not, at least, directly responsible for some of the stories attributed to him. Other standouts are Linda Cardellini as his wife May, Noel Fisher as his legitimate son, and Matt Dillon as his old friend (pay attention; things are not what they seem at first). Like Hardy's, Cardellini'a and Fisher's performances are spot on, very realistic as his concerned, devoted family. I Just wish they, particularly Noel Fisher, had been given more to do. Linda Cardellini is excellent, however, the perfect mix of loving wife and no-nonsense, takes no crap, Italian woman married to a mob boss. Noel Fisher is perfect as the devoted son, but there is little of the Mickey Milkovitch tough guy on display here. Though he is Capone's son, there is no hint he has been groomed for the business. What we see are compassion and concern. He is not overly emotional or wimpy by any means, but if you're looking for Mickey, this is the Mickey that takes care of Ian Gallagher when he's sick, not the Mickey of the streets. Still, as always, his scenes were some of my favorites, and I wish there had been more. Matt Dillon, too, needed more scenes, but those he is in are key to the story being told. He too, is perfect in the role, believable and charismatic without trying too hard. All of these actors can be praised for their subtle, realistic performances. There is no overacting, no melodrama, just good solid performances. It doesn't feel like we are watching a film. It feels like more of a voyeuristic view of the inside of Capone's head and a family's private moments as they are occurring.

I don't normally write reviews, however after I saw how much trash this movie was receiving I deemed it necessary.

While I know this movie was slower than most, and it may not be for everyone, it is by far as bad as the reviews give it credit. It has similar pacing to Joaquin Phoenix's, They Were Never Really Here (2017), which is also an excellent movie. Both provide a similar in pace, structure and loss of belief in the character's preconceived notion of what is actually happening around them.

Tom Hardy always does a fantastic job immersing himself within his roles, and this characterization was no different. Truly one of the best actors of this generation. And for his performance alone, I recommend this movie.

After reading countless user reviews, I started to understand why most who viewed this movie did not enjoy it for what is was. It is not a action/thriller that most had anticipated going into it, but a drama; a depth into the deteriorating mind of a life long criminal.

Was this movie confusing? At times it was, as many mention the story was all over the place. This I perceived to be intentional, as Capone began to lose control, and his dementia took the reigns, the audience was forced to follow suit, riding the carriage with him into madness. Many of the scenes seemed pointless after the fact, but as time progressed and the movie reached it's conclusion all of his thoughts and memories materialized, highlighting that Capone was truly lost. He was a shadow of the man he once was, and those final moments of his life he was forced to face the burden of his past.

As you can see for yourself, this movie is hated by an angry mob. They were expecting a gangster movie, something badass, something with action in it. I can sort of understand the disappointment that some of those people felt after watching this film, but giving it 4-5 stars out of 10 is absolutely ridiculous. It's masterclass in captivating cinema. It's ugly. But I loved every second of it.

A Totally Unjustified Negative Review by neverends earlier !

A wonderful performance by Tom Hardy and fine cast ! I totally enjoyed this film and I hope next year that the British and American Academy wil give Tom hardy a Oscar Nomination . Excellent Film and Director Michael Errington Film Composer Baftala Member

I could see where most would be accustomed and or fixated on a movie with a plot, action, suspense, or redeeming conclusion. But, this isn't that kind of movie.

Add: This is a slow noir - a tragedy with a moral. Should be on a double bill with LANSKY (2021).

If you're expecting an Irishman-esque gangster movie, we'll, it's not.

This is a brilliant move from the part of the writer/director to take you on an, almost, psychedelic trip through the flailing mind of a dying gangster.

All you needed to make this film great was a top-shelf actor, which they definitely got. Yes, the writing could have had some help, but that wasn't the point here. You can watch this on mute and enjoy the hell out of it.

So few people are abble to perceive the universal message of Cinema as well as the mechanisms of the mind. Once again I congratulate myself not caring about ratings, and only making my choices by writers, directors and castings. Gave me the opportunity to view a really good film.

If you are looking for a biopic mafia film, do not bother. This film is shot really well, solid acting and good score. Sorry, no gay stuff which some may find disappointing.

This new film with Tom Hardy not only shows off another well portrayed character, but a new and interesting story line, that maybe has some boring lines to some people, but in the times that the film was set, people didn't talk in large words and well spoken sentences like other films show, since it was set in 30s to 40s America so speach was different in those times. In all honestly this film is one of the best of the year, well done do all the chaps who worked on and casted in this film.

Very nice movie, i loved the acting, Tom Hardy is amazing. I loved the story although it's a bit boring but overall a great movie to watch with family and friends.

The film clearly states this is capone in his final year. I don't get all the negative reviews for this film its well made and you take what you take from it. I'd watch it again. If you want capone being a gangster watch the untouchables if you want to know what he was like and putting family and close friends through in his last year you watch this

Tom Hardy excellent as usual. You completely forget how young he is as he dive into sickness, madness, and regret...

...You didn't get what you expected doesn't mean you shouldn't appreciate what you got. This film will be a classic once the myopia of the present is put to rest by the passage of time. The film is a phenomenal study of the physical and mental deterioration of one of the most powerful men ever. Not a pretty film by any means and it's not for the quick cut crowd; careful attention is needed to follow the constantly changing mental worlds of Capone. If there were only a "heavier" cause for his situation, Capone would be a modern day Lear. Kudos to all for a fantastic film, most especially of course, to Mr. Hardy who turns in a bravura performance.

I thoroughly enjoyed this film. But, had I have not known after reading many reviews, I'm sure I would have been disappointed and wanted something more like Goodfellas or casino. Tom Hardy was absolutely brilliant and he deserves an award for best actor. I loved this film.

If your after a fully action packed gangster movie this is not it. If you want take a look at the last year of a mans life who has a disturbing past that is catching up to haunt him then this is for you. Tom Hardy's acting is just as perfect as always and he does a wonderful job of playing an incredibly sick Capone. I surprisingly chuckled alot while watching this and am glad I did. Warning it does get a little odd at times.

I saw recently that this movie had a lot of backlash and people hated it but i loved it. I loved the 'storyline' (not really a storyline as it's a true story). It's refreshing to see a movie like this as there aren't many around. I found it really interesting and Tom Hardys acting was amazing.

Great performance by Tom Hardy, it's not a gangster movie it's about his mental illness is his last days! Award winning Performance!!! 🙏