Al Pacino's Underrated Masterpiece Carlito's Way - Video Essay

Al Pacino's Underrated Masterpiece: Carlito's Way - Video Essay
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FAIR USE
Script and Editing - James M. @TheReelAnalyst
Voiceover - Mark Flores @markfloresvoiceover
/ thereelanalyst
/ thereelanalyst_
Al Pacino movies, Carlito's Way, Underrated film, Gangster movie.
Brian De Palma films, 1990s cinema, New York City film,
Video essay, Film analysis, Movie review, Carlito Brigante, character analysis,
Kleinfeld character analysis, Benny Blanco, Disco club scene,
Al Pacino performance, Brian De Palma, directing style,
Al Pacino, Sean Penn, Brian De Palma, Scarface, Crime Film, Penelope Ann Miller, John Leguizamo, Luis Guzmán. Golden Globe, GTA, GTA VICE CITY,

[@gregpellicone5041]

One of the most underrated films of all time! I’ve always said that. DePalma himself stated it was his best work and that he never made a better film-That’s an admission that it was better than Scarface.

[@androlibre9661]

I get into arguments ALL the time that Carlito's Way is better than Scarface.

[@blucheer8743]

I agree

[@bmac454]

Carlitos way beats scarface for me ,,iv only watched it about 14 times ,even now watching when dying Carlito sais "my heart dont ever quit " I think he might sonehow survive !

[@rrw00]

I don't think it's better than Scarface, but it's definitely a classic!

[@stereo-type1510]

​@@androlibre9661 I'VE ALWAYS SAID THE SAME

[@satnav1980]

This is my favourite film of all time. It's simply a fantastic movie.

[@TheBerylknight]

This is actually my favorite Pacino Performance.

[@StevenCarinci]

Me too. Better than Godfather. He plays a NYC street thug, not far from Pacino's real bio. Perfect, plus the love story is more realistic than between Michael and Kay.

[@user-bh7qx8tx7j]

One of the top Al Pacino performances

[@Freethink_Rebel]

This movie is so good and so underrated that it is almost criminal.

[@WAProdthejohman]

The "pool table scene" is so masterfully directed, this movie is a masterclass of directing all around but the tension building scenes are on another level

[@puturro]

Jorge Porcel as "Saso" is really good here. Very weird seeing that dude in a De Palma film. And Viggo Mortensen's caribbean accent is spot on. He grew up in my home country Argentina, and his Argie Spanish is perfect.

[@Nopenotbrian]

One of the coolest things is Jorge learned his lines phonetically without actually understanding what he was saying

[@CBC68]

A huge part of what makes this such a favorite on top of all the great acting, story, emotion, etc, is the absolutely beautiful film score composed by Patrick Doyle.

[@kennywilkinson913]

Aaragon really turned it around once he got clean.

[@emiliorebenga443]

😂😂😂😂

[@jon780249]

I agree this is one of the De Palma movies that is genuinely excellent and Pacino is mesmerising in the role. The film has a cogent plot will serious themes. I have never understood why it is so ignored as it is a truly memorable film and the use of interior narrative is brilliant.

[@poindextertunes]

Viggo Mortensen’s performance is flawless in this movie. Also, John Leguizamo is an extremely underrated actor

[@dylanelliott9474]

Probably has my favourite opening and closing scene in any movie especially with you are so beautiful playing over the credits.

[@pena.3302]

Thats True..All from The Guerny.wheel catching..Al looking up..[Renting Cars.]The V.over.Selling cars..!.CARLITO BRIGANTE MOFO TO YHE MAX.!!😢

[@androlibre9661]

The opening TELLS how its going to end YET but the time the end comes along you've forgotten and you thing Carlito is actually going to make it

[@camilocollazos6729]

Man, you had to talk about Pachanga and Luis Guzman’s performance . I think he was outstanding at delivering such a peculiar character.

[@TheReelAnalyst]

Sorry, he was great. I should haver done it!

[@enterthebruce91]

​​@@TheReelAnalystImagine Carlito's Way on the PS5, especially after the Scarface and Godfather games all those years ago. Sean Penn's performance as David Kleinfeld will never be matched ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@MachoMadnesss]

I wouldnt call this movie "underrated", especially considering how popular and highly acclaimed it was within the 90s-00s hiphop scene. And the unfortunate "sequel" that was made.

[@jacquim4502]

This is one of the greatest films ever made. I've seen it more times than I can count and own it on VHS. Definitely in my top 5.

[@TheReelAnalyst]

Amazing! Truly one of the best

[@marcprimo1471]

Also Sean Penn’s best performance

[@TheReelAnalyst]

Can’t deny it

[@facundorodriguez361]

Couldn't agree more. This is the most underrated films ever. I consider myself a tough guy when watching movies, and this film was the first one who took a tear out of me. The story is so well written, so engaging and the performances so good, that the end is just heartbreaking. If you are a fan of mafia movies, please, this is easy a top 5, you got to watch it.

[@evflorybarnes]

Guajiro also represents Carlito's future. "There no friends in this shit business." Lalin "the stand-up guy" tries to set him up. Kleinfeld in a coked rage throws him to the wolves and Pachanga ends up setting him up in the end. No friends. His naivete was believing that code of the street he held would be held the same by his "friends".

[@ryanburns6284]

De Palms’s masterpiece . How this wasn’t received well at the time is beyond me .

[@TheRedman790]

I tear up everytime right at the beginning when he says "Please don't take me to no hospital. Sumbitches always pop ya at midnight when all they got workin is some Chinese intern with a dull spoon" lol

[@Mattskito529]

I just watched this movie for the first time tonight, and it might be one of my favorite movies! I can't believe I never watched this movie before and that I don't hear about it too often

[@TheReelAnalyst]

Its truly great, it gets buried under the other popular gangster films, its worth it

[@elzurdorodriguez6650]

The fat nightclub's manager is Jorge Porcel, a famous' raunchy Comedy actor from Argentina in the 70s and 80s. It was shocking for us seeing him in such a production

[@mikearce7827]

This is definitely one of the best gangsters flicks. Heavily underrated. But well deserved of praise

[@fraser_mr2009]

Carlito's Way is one of the best movies of the 90s. That chase scene at the end was nerve-racking.

[@SaintMartins]

*My top "lucky" 7 Al Pacino Films* 1. Dog Day Afternoon (1975) 2. The Godfather l. ll, lll (1972/ 74/ 90) 3. Scarface (1983) 4. Serpico (1973) 5. Carlito's Way (1993) 6. Heat (1995) 7. And Justice For All (1979)

[@TheReelAnalyst]

All fantastic choices, I have not watched "And Justice for all" but I will check it out!

[@CharlesEdmond79]

This film is actually underrated? Didn't know that. "You not a lawyer. You a gangster now. You can't learn about it in school...and you can't get a late start."

[@brawmedia]

Great video - just wish you had more videos to binge on

[@TheReelAnalyst]

Im working on them please subscribe!! I really appreciate the comment!

[@TheCousinEddie]

For my money, it was the performance of the magnificent Luis Guzman that kept me on the edge of my seat. He warned Carlito what would happen if he let Bennie walk away. How that act of mercy would be perceived as weakness on the street. When he let Bennie go, Pachanga knew who the real gangster was and any chance of his long term survival was by selling out Carlito. The story of Carlito is a Shakesperean tragedy-a King's rise and fall, rise and fall, masterfully told by Brian DePalma. Like Kurosawa's "Ran", the scope, scale and characters become larger than life. Ran had the entirety of Japan to play out to it's bitter end. DePalma's created Carlito's world in the few blocks making up the barrio of New York City, and it was epic. Few directors could make so much from so little.

[@bryondevine4224]

This is my Favorite Pacino film.Great supporting cast it’s has everything love/death/ everything

[@PhatLvis]

Good call. Very good movie. Rewatchable. Penn in another great turn. Hard to imagine that's Spicoli.

[@bmac454]

Steph: " Carlito i saw you talking to Benny Blanco before " Carlito : " Benny Blanco from the Bronx "😅

[@creates100]

Every time he tries to get out they pull him back in

[@mikearce7827]

"Ay remember me?" But cruel irony of that ending huh. For those who've seen it you know what i'm talking about

[@bmac454]

The one & only B B From B 😊

[@jekw23]

I like this more than Scarface….and I love Scarface!!! It feels very complete from a narrative point of view. Scarface left out lots of story that was covered in montages and so feels more episodic. This movie takes its time and you are very slowly drawn into his world. It also has a sense of inevitability that runs through it.

[@alisterfolson]

"A new, IMPROVED Carlito." A great movie and....new sub here!

[@TheReelAnalyst]

Thank YOU!

[@Tarantino111]

Like your vidoes man. You should have atleast 59k subs.

[@igg3937]

When people ask, I always say that this film and Heat are my favourites of all time. And people do ask. All the time.

[@mikearce7827]

Especially that ending

[@mikehall7189]

Always loved this movie. I had a silly wee thought the first time I saw it. What if Tony Montana from Scarface, also a De Palma movie, had survived and gone to prison, maybe this could have been how his life went. Obviously I’m not talking literally, more metaphorically and sort of what if.

[@jcmartinez1808]

Top 5 of all time 🙌 love this movie so much

[@TheReelAnalyst]

Me too!

[@JunebugPresents]

This is a repetitive video, so I'm cutting out a 3rd of the way. But I agree on everything. It's my favorite DePalma movie. Terribly underrated.

[@bennygerow]

Alpa Chino? I remember that guy from Tropic Thunder! Man, I loved that booty sweat drink of his! This was one of very few movies with a voice over that I think added to the movie.

[@TheReelAnalyst]

Good point, having Carlito’s POV takes us deeper into his mindset and understanding the world

[@GeorgeCostanzais10.]

It was named the best movie of the 1990s by the prestigeous french film magazine Cahiers du Cinema.

[@chandermotwani3493]

Brain De Palma's absolute classic Carlito's Way 💯🤘🏻🎥🎞

[@willyum3920]

Absolutely agree this is underrated, its a brilliant movie..... I might watch it tonight actually lol.

[@TheReelAnalyst]

Def worth a rewatch for all the small details

[@neverthemachine4evr868]

One of De palma's greatest movies indeed! I liked it better than Scarface to be honest.

[@TheReelAnalyst]

Definitely agree! Pacino’s acting wasn’t over the top but it was on point

[@nickchang5293]

Carlito Brigante is definitely a nicer person than Tony Montana, and that’s why he suffered a less devastating demise than Tony. A lot of people idolize TM for his streetsmart virtues but he was really quite despicable, even to those closest to him - Manny, Gina and Elvira.

[@starwarsroo2448]

It is Pacino at his finest and one of my favourite movies. De Palma goes all in with long takes and action sequences that are some of the best . Sean Penn, never better manages to really make the best charatcer of his career. The result, an epic tragedy about friendship, love and mans inability to escape hia past

[@orangecat5036]

Very Entertaining.

[@TheReelAnalyst]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@user-lr4sg2ms7i]

Two points you got wrong. There were no shots fired after Carlito sought refuge in the bathroom. Bullets ricochetting off of the tile floors? Where did you get that? Secondly, Carlito was going to rent cars, not sell them. Other than that, this was a pretty good breakdown of the characters in the film. One of my favorite films starring Pacino.

[@TheReelAnalyst]

Thank you for the feedback! My scripts will be better

[@Batman88878]

GREAT movie! One of my favorites!

[@antoniohenriquez9902]

So underrated! Great film.

[@Studeb]

Agree, I remember flicking through a 1000 Films to See Before You Die book, and not finding it worth my time cause this film was not in it.

[@markalliksaar1605]

Absolutely great crime film. Underrated for sure.

[@katemaloney4296]

O matter how many times I watch this masterpiece, the ending kills me. Carlito should've just left New York, altogether, and started a new life.

[@TheReelAnalyst]

Should’ve left right when he got out, but just like godfather 3….

[@oulosvie]

Always loved that movie.

[@David-yw2lv]

I thiught Penelope Ann Miller deserved an Oscar nomination.

[@TheReelAnalyst]

She did a good job

[@shambhaggoe9077]

Underrated for sure.

[@josefelicianorivera4492]

From Bronx Supreme Court Judge Edwin Torres' ecxellent book, After Hours. Carlitos Way is just the last 3rd of the book. Honrable mention Torres' book Q & A also made into a movie with Armand Assanti, who's Puerto Rican/ NY accent sounds better than Pacino's. It includes Luis Guzman, this time as a cop.

[@mikezappa]

Great film, as I'm sure everyone who has seen it will agree so I wonder where you get the idea it is underrated. One of the highlights for me is Larry McConkey's Steadicam work and the precision choreography by cast and crew.

[@useruseruseruseruser790]

The idea that it is underrated comes because The Godfather, Goodfellas and Scarface for example are held in higher esteem in popular culture and are much better known. Carlitos Way is just as good and should be included in the same conversations as these movies, but it isn’t.

[@cpt191021]

YES his best movie agreed. top 5 all time gangster movie

[@Nopenotbrian]

My favorite thing about this movie is that you never see where Carlito lives…his trench coat is almost like his only shelter and it gives this constant feel of being on the move and never being comfortable

[@StevenCarinci]

It's not underrated but for some reason Hollywood has a bug up its ass. Go figure. It's a masterpiece.

[@jhutfre4855]

Miller also received a prize for her role.

[@SeriousRodger]

This film is only underrated by people who have no fucking idea. I’ve always maintained this one of Pacino’s best.

[@crapolacafé]

Released in 1991. Not 1993. At least in Dublin Ireland

[@josephamato2031]

I enjoy more then scarface now that I'm older

[@TheReelAnalyst]

Same here!

[@elicastelli9728]

Yeah, great film - Pacino & Penn are both superb

[@misterx4757]

Definitely better than Scarface to me. Better character development.

[@jackgrimaldi8685]

Watchu talkin bout meng? Pizza chip!

[@Da_Fonz]

Scarface doesn't compare to Carlitos Way! Carlito's Way is FAR FAR FAR BETTER!!!

[@user-tw5my2vx1d]

Carlito's mistake was letting Benny go

[@robertjaime6808]

I always thought CARLITOS WAY was a great movie, even when it was released back in 1993, it just had so many different “life lessons”, very different from Scarface (1983) in which I felt it was glorified back at that time & later, it becomes a cult classic especially within the hip hop industry! But CARLITOS WAY does send a totally different message, more real on life on the streets!

[@TheReelAnalyst]

I would def say it’s more realistic

[@malikkimanimaasai3703]

Your analysis is shot on... This movie never got its just due...

[@TheReelAnalyst]

Thank you 🙏🏼 it definitely hasn’t I hope this video essay can bring a bigger spotlight

[@malikkimanimaasai3703]

@@TheReelAnalyst But it does have a following...

[@KUarentaKILLA]

Great movie

[@pena.3302]

Also Martin Bregman..Managed To Convince Brian De Palma.That This Will Be A Worthy Film..As Al.Pa ino..Somehow Knew This was A Film that Wasnt gonna Scarface 2..as B.DePalma."Oh working wth Latino Gangsters..?Hell No"..Billy Blanc's..from the Bronx".."The St's are Always watching."!..THIS SURPRISINGLY ISNT A NETFLIX/ETC.SERIES..Its got everything youd need..from 3.books Edwin Torres..After Hours..great song by Lou Reed.V.U."Always Watching Always "!Dave Kleinfeilds..how many of them would of come n gone...😊

[@bennruda11]

If you can do a video on I ❤ Huckabee? 🥰🥰🥰

[@TheReelAnalyst]

I will look into it!

[@MrEab2010]

all due respect to Pacino, I never bought him as a latin male. He always seemed like a slightly humorous caricature.

[@ricardocantoral7672]

His performance was not entirely credible but I did care for him.

[@MrEab2010]

@@ricardocantoral7672 even when he is just ok like here, he is always entertaining to watch.

[@redrraman4341]

💯%

[@DD-zh4by]

The movie is absolutely ridiculous. Its not bad but your praise calls your taste into question

[@dimitrishow_D]

Top ten movie

[@dimitrishow_D]

Remember me!

[@TheReelAnalyst]

@@dimitrishow_D 👀

[@IHaveTheSchwartz]

Infinitely better than Scarface.

[@akaallenpain852]

I like to look at more as an alternate universe sequel to Scarface wear Tony goes to jail and gets released

[@user-tw5my2vx1d]

I think it's my favorite gangster movie of all time. I like it better than goodfellas, I like it better than Scarface

[@NextToToddliness]

Underrated? Why, because it isn't Scarface? People need to step out of their assumptions about film history, based solely on their own lived experiences. Carlito's Way got decent to high praises when it came out. It was nominated for major awards, including two Golden Globes; one for Sean Penn's brilliant performance, and one for Penelope Ann Miller's performance. It made $64M on a $30M budget, which is not bad for a mid-budget crime drama with little promotion. I mean you might as well say Scent of a Woman is underrated. It's not. I grew up with this film, as well as Scent of a Woman, Heat, Donnie Brasco, Devil's Advocate and The Insider. Pacino made some good films in the 90's, but that was a long time ago from now.

[@alexandren5131]

I can't finish this video bro, the way you keep saying "Carli-Toe" is flushing all the melanin out of my skin lol

[@puturro]

Gringos... it is what it is.

[@poppiethestable1090]

​@@puturroRacist

[@LennyMarcusNY]

I love the movie and read the book but the accents are awful and some of the smaller actors are terrible

[@daveyboy_]

This wasn't underated . Everyone watched this in 94

[@gregpellicone5041]

It is underrated in that it is never mentioned by critics when discussing great films. DePalmas other film Scarface is always praised by critics yet DePalma basically stated that Carlitos Way was better then Scarface when he said it was the best film he ever made.

[@ricardocantoral7672]

I would say it's undervalued because it's often not acknowledged for the substance beneath.

[@daveyboy_]

@gregpellicone5041 so much for underated then eh

[@puturro]

everyone watched it and then forgot about it. More overlooked than underrated.

[@SteveDave211]

Great movie yet Al Pacino wasn't playing a Puerto Rican. Nothing Puerto Rican.

[@TheReelAnalyst]

That is true, I guess one argument to make is that many Nuyoricans don’t speak Spanish well. Kind of reminds me of my father who was born in Brooklyn

[@isuriadireja91]

it's NOT a bad movie...that's for sure. but, at the same time, it's not exactly A MASTERPIECE either. I really like the movie, but, I've always had gripes with it that just bugs the heck outta me that I just couldn't look passed it. First and foremost, it just annoys the f**k outta me that Pacino didn't exactly nail that Puerto Rican accent the way he kinda did Cuban, in Scarface. Especially, when you compared to Viggo Mortensen's on point performance, Pacino's kinda felt...somewhat "lacking"..not as invested...or all the way, as Viggo's. Then, there's the super annoying Carlito's gullibility towards his lawyer/"pal", Kleinfeld. There's a couple of points in the story, where I, as an audience, was taken OUT of the movie due to his stupidity. I guess that just shows the difference between David Koepp and Oliver Stone, in handling movie screenplays of this kind. Last, but not least....the casting of Penelope Ann Miller as Gail. I think they should've cast a much older actress for the role. Maybe someone either in her late 30s or early 40s. With Penelope, the MATH just didn't quite work...unless, they just met fot the first time ever AFTER he's release from jail. But, for them to have A HISTORY together....?? I mean, how old was she, a decade earlier, when Carlito got into the joint...12..13..???!!!! Other than those points, the movie got quite a lot of BRILLIANT moments, which understandably might overcome those problems for many fans/audience. And for those good to great moments and brilliance I do recognize this as a good movie. But, a masterpiece..? Naahhh....both De Palma and Pacino has each done many BETTER works than this.

[@ebuzone218]

Awful film. Excellent book. After Hours by Edwin Torres is a must read!

[@Stratmanable]

It's BRIAN DEPALMA'S masterpiece. Al Pacino is just in it.

[@arroberson8796]

Carlito's Way is not underrated. What film crowd is this guy around?