Backed by an unforgettable, rousing Ennio Morricone score that often feels at odds with the Brian De Palma film to which it comes attached, The Untouchables hones in on the true story of policeman Elliot Ness (Kevin Costner) and his attempts to bring down infamous mobster Al Capone, immortalised here brilliantly by the great Robert DeNiro. It is a crime movie, yes, but it often feels like a western or an adventure flick, for it is a crime story told with some levity. This doesn't spoil things as much as it renders them wonderfully entertaining; the joy of DePalma's picture is in the chase, as Ness - accompanied by a ragtag group played by great actors such as Andy Garcia, Sean Connery and Charles Martin Smith - pursues his man with a sense of old-fashioned bravado. It is a wholly satisfying movie, built around memorable dialogue cues, exciting set-pieces and a feel-good ending. Gritty, it ain't... but who cares?
Sam Hill is an ardent cinephile and has been writing about film professionally since 2008. He harbours a particular fondness for western and sci-fi movies.
