Mean Streets (1973)

Last updated:
September 23, 2024

Detailed Summary

The Introduction of Charlie

Charlie (Harvey Keitel) is a young Italian-American man trying to find his way in the tough streets of Little Italy, New York. Torn between his Catholic guilt and the harsh realities of street life, Charlie works for his uncle, a local mob boss, while trying to manage his own ambitions and moral dilemmas.

Johnny Boy’s Recklessness

Johnny Boy (Robert De Niro), Charlie’s childhood friend, is a small-time troublemaker who constantly borrows money and never repays it. His reckless behavior, erratic decisions, and disregard for the people around him put Charlie in increasingly difficult situations. Despite the advice from his uncle to stay away from Johnny, Charlie feels responsible for him.

The Club and Street Life

Much of the film revolves around the neighborhood’s dive bars and clubs, where Charlie, Johnny, and their friends engage in low-level criminal activities. The scenes are vibrant, full of energy, and depict the camaraderie and tension of street life, with Charlie trying to navigate the moral tightrope between loyalty and ambition.

The Escalating Tensions

As Johnny’s debts pile up and he fails to take responsibility, tensions rise. The local loan shark, Michael (Richard Romanus), becomes increasingly aggressive, threatening Johnny and, by extension, Charlie. Despite the warnings and obvious danger, Charlie continues to support Johnny, torn between friendship, guilt, and the need to maintain his standing in the community.

The Final Confrontation

The film’s climax occurs when Charlie, Johnny, and their friends are on the run, trying to escape the mounting pressure from Michael. The tension boils over in a car chase, culminating in a shocking and abrupt ending that leaves the audience with more questions than answers.

Movie Ending

The film ends on a tragic note. As Charlie, Johnny, and Teresa (Amy Robinson) try to flee, they are ambushed by a gunman. Johnny is shot multiple times, and the car crashes, leaving the characters’ fates uncertain. The ending is sudden and stark, symbolizing the inescapable consequences of their choices and the unforgiving nature of the streets.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, “Mean Streets” does not have any post-credits scenes.

Type of Movie

“Mean Streets” is a crime drama with strong elements of neo-realism and is considered one of the early pillars of the gangster genre. It’s also deeply personal, reflecting the gritty realities of life in New York’s Little Italy.

Cast

Harvey Keitel as Charlie Cappa
Robert De Niro as Johnny Boy
David Proval as Tony
Amy Robinson as Teresa
Richard Romanus as Michael

Film Music and Composer

The film features a memorable soundtrack blending rock and roll, doo-wop, and Italian-American ballads. Notable tracks include “Be My Baby” by The Ronettes and “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” by The Rolling Stones. The music plays a crucial role in setting the tone and atmosphere.

Filming Locations

Little Italy, New York City: The film was shot on location, capturing the authenticity and vibrancy of the neighborhood.
Lower East Side, Manhattan: Several scenes were filmed here, emphasizing the gritty, urban backdrop central to the story.

These locations are integral to the film’s character, providing a realistic and immersive sense of place.

Awards and Nominations

Although “Mean Streets” did not win major awards, critics widely praised it, recognizing it as a pivotal moment in Martin Scorsese’s career. The film significantly influenced later crime dramas and is often credited as a crucial milestone in Scorsese’s development as a director.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Martin Scorsese drew heavily from his own experiences growing up in Little Italy.
The film was Scorsese’s first major collaboration with Robert De Niro, leading to one of cinema’s most celebrated actor-director partnerships.
De Niro’s portrayal of Johnny Boy was largely improvised, showcasing his early talent and energy.

Inspirations and References

Personal Experiences: Scorsese’s upbringing in Little Italy served as the foundation for the story.
Italian Neorealism: The film’s style is inspired by the gritty realism of Italian neorealist cinema, particularly in its depiction of working-class life and moral conflicts.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There are no known alternate endings or major deleted scenes, as the film was tightly crafted to reflect Scorsese’s vision.

Book Adaptations and Differences

“Mean Streets” is not based on a book, but it serves as a spiritual precursor to many of the mob and crime stories that would follow in Scorsese’s later works.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Johnny Boy’s Entrance: The iconic slow-motion scene of Johnny Boy entering the bar to “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” immediately establishes his chaotic and rebellious character.
Charlie’s Religious Guilt: The scenes where Charlie wrestles with his Catholic guilt, praying and confronting his inner demons.
The Pool Hall Brawl: A spontaneous and violent fight in a pool hall that perfectly captures the volatility of the characters and the world they inhabit.

Iconic Quotes

“You don’t make up for your sins in church. You do it in the streets.” – Charlie
“I’m not a bum. I’m not. I’m a jerk. I know that. But I’m not a bum.” – Johnny Boy
“You send me here, you send me there. I just want to be a nice guy.” – Charlie

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The recurring imagery of religious icons reflects Charlie’s struggle between faith and sin.
Scorsese makes a brief cameo as a hitman near the end of the film.

Trivia

“Mean Streets” was Scorsese’s first film with both Harvey Keitel and Robert De Niro, establishing long-lasting collaborations.
The film had a modest budget of around $500,000 but achieved critical success, solidifying Scorsese’s status as a leading director.
Scorsese considered this his first “real” film, where he had the creative freedom to fully explore his style.

Why Watch?

“Mean Streets” is a raw, unfiltered look at urban life, friendship, and moral conflict, brought to life by Scorsese’s authentic direction and the electric performances of Keitel and De Niro. It’s a cornerstone of 1970s cinema and a must-watch for fans of crime dramas.