Directed by Brian De Palma and written by David Mamet this film has a fine pedigree. Based loosely on the 1957 ghostwritten memoirs of Elliot Ness, which in turn served as the inspiration for the popular late 50's early 60's TV show of the same name staring Robert Stack. The Untouchables movie is a kind of reboot of the entire prohibition gangster genera, grittier and better written then what came before, but still conveying the essence of what constituted the genera and made it popular. It is hard to imagine there being a Boardwalk Empire (currently one of my favorite shows on television) with out there first being 1987's The Untouchables.
Even with its pedigree and cast, which included Kevin Costner at the height of his popularity and Robert De Niro having a ball as Al Capone, there apparently was some trepidation from the studio about the film. That didn't last long however as the movie was very well received by audiences and critics and went on to be one of the most successful films of 1987, which itself was a pretty good year for movies. This may also have been the film that started Sean Connery's late career renaissance.
The film has a lot of memorable actions pieces in it, the most iconic of which is 'the baby carriage sequence' that was later parodied in the 3rd Naked Gun movie and doubtless elsewhere. While its name is The Untouchables its characters aren't, or at lest not fully. The good guy stay committed to certain general principles, but even more to each other and take some legal liberties along the way. One aspect of the film which lends it an air of moral complexity is that 'The Untouchables' are enforcing a law, Prohibition, which they know to be untenable and don't really agree with, yet it is the law. Ironically they will break other laws to enforce it, I like's me some good moral complication. A very solid film that is everything it could be, very enjoyable both as action and drama. ****
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