Robert De Niro’s gangster movies have become a genre of their own. He has been in a number of classic movies in which he captured the malevolent underworld of the criminal mind. Whether it is playing Jimmy Conway in Goodfellas, Don Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II, or playing a young Vito Corleone in The Irishman, De Niro has become an iconic figure when it comes to gangster movies.
One could argue that the gangster movie started with the classic The Public Enemy. In this classic, De Niro turned the gangster lifestyle into something accessible for mainstream audiences across the world. From there he starred in a number of gangster-themed movies, most famously Goodfellas.
While making Goodfellas, De Niro received advice from famous organised crime figure Henry Hill. It was Hill who taught De Niro the organisational aspects of mob life, as well as how mobsters would sit in diners, what they’d eat and how they’d hold conversations. With Hill’s help, the world was presented with a unique and visceral portrayal of mafia life.
In the unprecedented and executive produced epic, The Irishman, De Niro returned to play a young Vito Corleone in a role that resonated with viewers. Both looking back on his past and the current state of organised crime, the movie provided a profoundly powerful insight into the underworld.
In The Irishman, De Niro was able to capture the gritty, edgy atmosphere of the criminal world with strength and subtlety. He was able to use both his physical and verbal presence to portray a range of emotions–from menacing to tender–that brought something unique to the story. This ability to be both tender and menacing is something that De Niro has perfected in his gangster movies.
De Niro’s gangster movies are often praised for their realism. His performances bring to life the tight organisation of mafia life as well as the dynamics of individual relationships that drive the stories. His movies tend to focus on the human side of being a criminal, giving audiences an insight into the complexities and motives of characters.
In addition to his gangster movie performances, De Niro has been the recipient of numerous awards, including Oscars for his roles in The Godfather Part II, Raging Bull and The Deer Hunter. He has also been nominated for his roles in The Untouchables, Goodfellas, A Bronx Tale and The Irishman. It is no surprise then, that he has become an icon of the gangster movie genre.
Style and Technique
De Niro’s success in the gangster movie genre owes much to his own style and technique. He has a unique ability to draw the audience into his world, creating a feeling of intimacy and empathy that cannot be found in any other performer. Whether it is through his dialogue, his facial expressions or the way he moves, De Niro is a master at creating characters that the audience can understand and connect with.
His technique and style also bring a certain amount of subtlety to his performances. De Niro is adept at conveying feelings and thoughts through small gestures and expressions. He is able to bring out the nuances in the script, creating moments of real insight into the characters he portrays.
As many of his gangster movies have been set in New York, De Niro has also used his regional expertise to ground his performances. He knows how to speak the language of the city and has a strong understanding of the atmosphere of certain areas. This gives his performances a certain authenticity that is lacking in many other gangster movies.
Impact on the Genre
De Niro’s gangster movies have had an immense influenece on the genre. His performances have set new standards for what a gangster movie could be, winning both critical and commercial success. He has created a whole new type of criminal on the screen, one that is complex and multifaceted. His characters no longer fit the traditional stereotype of the gangster, but instead have become something much more relatable and human.
De Niro’s influence on the genre has also been seen in other mob movies. Martin Scorsese and Brian De Palma have both gone on to create some of the most iconic gangster movies, taking inspiration from De Niro’s subtle touch and powerful performances. His influence can also be seen in the performances of a number of other actors, such as Al Pacino and Joe Pesci, who have gone on to create some of the most indelible mobsters in cinema.
In addition, De Niro’s gangster movies have become popular culture touchstones. Signature lines, such as “Are you talking to me?” and “What do you mean I’m funny?” have become ingrained in the public consciousness. De Niro’s performances have even become the subject of parodies, with actors such as Jim Carrey and Mike Myers impersonating De Niro’s mobsters in movies such as The Mask and Austin Powers.
Cultural Significance
De Niro’s gangster movies have become cultural phenomena, inspiring generations of moviegoers and filmmakers. His performances have not only captivated audiences around the world, but have become part of our collective memory.
From The Public Enemy to The Irishman, De Niro has been an essential part of a movie genre that has taken on greater significance in recent years. His performances have created a certain nostalgia for an era when criminals were glamorous, and their exploits seemed larger than life.
In a world that is often too bleak and full of violence, De Niro’s gangster movies provide a little bit of respite. They offer a window into a world where loyalty and honour are more important than money, where the criminals become icons of their own time. De Niro’s performances have provided us with a glimpse into the past, and a reminder of the power of art and storytelling.
Reception
In recent years, De Niro’s entries into the gangster movie genre have been met with both critical acclaim and commercial success. From Goodfellas to The Irishman, his performances have been recognised and celebrated by audiences and critics alike.
De Niro’s performances in gangster movies have also earned him numerous accolades, including two Oscar nominations for his roles in the critically acclaimed The Untouchables and Goodfellas. He has also been the recipient of numerous awards for his portrayal of the iconic Don Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II.
De Niro’s gangster movies have become a defining part of his career, and his presence in the genre is one of the reasons why it is so popular. His performances have inspired generations of moviegoers and filmmakers, and have undoubtedly helped to influence the genre for the better.
Legacy
De Niro’s gangster movies have become an indelible part of pop culture. His performances have become iconic, and his characters have become larger than life. Through his performances, De Niro has helped to create a certain mythology around organised crime, and has provided us with a unique perspective on the underworld.
De Niro’s gangster movies have also had an impact on the real world. His performances have inspired countless people to pursue their own paths, and to strive for something better. His characters have become symbols of strength and resilience, providing a source of hope in a world that is often too bleak.
De Niro’s gangster movies have become an essential part of our culture. They have captured an era in a way that no other filmmaker has been able to, and have provided us with a glimpse into a world that few of us will ever experience. Through his performances, De Niro has taught us about loyalty, honour and morality, and has given us a window into the past. This is his lasting legacy.
