The Untouchables, directed by Brian De Palma, is a classic crime drama set during the Prohibition era. It’s a tense, action-packed film about Eliot Ness’s relentless pursuit of the notorious gangster Al Capone, inspired by true events. The movie blends a cat-and-mouse narrative with rich period details and memorable performances.
Detailed Summary
Introduction: Prohibition and the Rise of Al Capone
Set in 1930s Chicago, The Untouchables opens with the city under the iron grip of Al Capone (Robert De Niro), who dominates the illegal liquor trade during Prohibition. His criminal empire has made him untouchable in the eyes of the law, as corrupt officials and police officers turn a blind eye to his activities.
Eliot Ness Forms the Untouchables
Federal agent Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) arrives in Chicago with the aim of taking down Capone. Initially, his efforts are thwarted by corruption within the police force. Realizing he can’t trust anyone, Ness decides to assemble a small team of trustworthy men to fight Capone’s empire, handpicking:
- Jim Malone (Sean Connery), a streetwise Irish-American cop with vast knowledge of the city’s workings.
- George Stone (Andy Garcia), a young, sharp-shooting Italian-American cop.
- Oscar Wallace (Charles Martin Smith), an accountant who specializes in cracking financial records.
This team of four becomes known as “The Untouchables” due to their integrity and resistance to bribery.
The Raid on the Canadian Border
In one of the film’s iconic scenes, the Untouchables execute a daring raid on a liquor shipment coming across the Canadian border. This marks their first significant victory against Capone, establishing them as a real threat. It’s a tense, action-heavy sequence that highlights the group’s camaraderie and growing determination.
The Death of Malone
As Ness closes in on Capone, the battle becomes more personal. Capone’s enforcer, Frank Nitti, begins targeting the Untouchables. In a brutal sequence, Malone is ambushed in his home and fatally wounded. Before dying, he gives Ness a clue that leads to Capone’s accountant, who holds the key to convicting the gangster.
Malone’s death is a turning point for Ness, igniting his desire for justice and revenge.
The Courtroom Showdown
The climax of the movie unfolds in a gripping courtroom sequence. Capone is finally brought to trial, but it appears that his bribed jury will guarantee an acquittal. In a bold move, Ness swaps the jury, forcing Capone’s legal team into a corner. The trial ultimately results in Capone’s conviction for tax evasion.
Final Confrontation with Frank Nitti
In a dramatic rooftop chase, Ness confronts Capone’s assassin Frank Nitti, who was responsible for Malone’s death. The intense, white-knuckle scene ends with Ness throwing Nitti off the roof, delivering personal justice for his fallen comrade.
Movie Ending
At the end of the movie, Capone is sentenced to 11 years in prison for tax evasion, marking a significant victory for Ness and his team. However, the film closes on a bittersweet note as Ness reflects on the cost of this victory, with his comrades dead and the corrupt city of Chicago still largely unchanged.
In the final line, Ness is asked what he’ll do after Prohibition ends. He responds, “I think I’ll have a drink,” signaling the end of an era.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
There are no post-credits scenes in The Untouchables. The film concludes with a direct ending, fitting the tone of the story and era.
Type of Movie
The Untouchables is a crime drama with elements of action and historical thriller. It’s set during the Prohibition era and follows the classic cops-versus-criminals formula but with a rich historical backdrop and powerful character-driven moments.
Cast
- Kevin Costner as Eliot Ness
- Sean Connery as Jim Malone
- Robert De Niro as Al Capone
- Andy Garcia as George Stone
- Charles Martin Smith as Oscar Wallace
- Billy Drago as Frank Nitti
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score was composed by the legendary Ennio Morricone, whose iconic music enhances the film’s tension and emotional beats. The main theme is dramatic, intense, and immediately recognizable, providing a sense of grandiosity to the unfolding drama.
Filming Locations
The movie was shot in various locations, including:
- Chicago, Illinois: The real-world setting for the story, many of the film’s outdoor scenes were shot on location in Chicago, capturing the city’s historic architecture.
- Union Station, Chicago: The famous staircase shootout scene, inspired by the Odessa Steps sequence in Battleship Potemkin, was filmed here and is one of the movie’s most iconic moments.
- Montana: The border raid scene was filmed in Montana, doubling for the Canadian border.
These locations lend authenticity to the film’s 1930s setting and ground the historical story in real-world spaces.
Awards and Nominations
- Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor: Sean Connery won for his portrayal of Jim Malone.
- Nominated for Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design.
- Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score (nomination for Ennio Morricone).
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Sean Connery initially turned down the role of Jim Malone but changed his mind after reading the script.
- Robert De Niro insisted on using real cigars, which cost thousands of dollars during filming, for the sake of authenticity.
- The iconic baby carriage sequence in the Union Station shootout was Brian De Palma’s homage to the famous staircase scene from Battleship Potemkin.
- Kevin Costner wore a bulletproof vest during filming in Chicago after receiving death threats from a local crime figure.
Inspirations and References
The film is based on Eliot Ness’s memoir, The Untouchables, co-written with Oscar Fraley. The screenplay was adapted by David Mamet, adding fictionalized elements for dramatic effect.
The baby carriage sequence was a direct reference to Sergei Eisenstein’s Battleship Potemkin.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There are no significant reports of alternate endings or major deleted scenes, although some scenes may have been trimmed for pacing. The film’s ending stays faithful to the historical outcome of Capone’s imprisonment.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The movie is based on the memoir The Untouchables by Eliot Ness and Oscar Fraley, but it takes considerable liberties with the real events. For example, Malone is a fictional character, and the movie’s action sequences were largely invented for dramatic purposes.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The Canadian border raid, where the Untouchables stage a surprise attack.
- The Union Station staircase shootout, a beautifully shot and tense action sequence.
- Malone’s death scene, where he crawls to deliver crucial information to Ness before dying.
Iconic Quotes
- Jim Malone: “What are you prepared to do?”
- Al Capone: “I want him dead! I want his family dead!”
- Eliot Ness: “Never stop, never stop fighting till the fight is done.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- De Niro’s use of real cigars was an homage to the luxurious lifestyle of the real Capone.
- Sean Connery’s Malone character is a composite of various real-life officers who worked with Ness, but his tough, no-nonsense style was influenced by classic Western heroes.
Trivia
- Sean Connery won his first (and only) Academy Award for his role in The Untouchables.
- Director Brian De Palma is known for his distinctive use of slow-motion and stylized violence, both of which are on full display in the film.
- The film’s budget was around $25 million, but it went on to gross over $100 million worldwide.
- De Niro studied Capone meticulously, even wearing the same kind of silk underwear Capone was known to favor.
Why Watch?
The Untouchables is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and period pieces. It combines thrilling action, an engaging story based on historical events, and powerhouse performances from the likes of Sean Connery and Robert De Niro. The iconic scenes, such as the Union Station shootout, are etched into cinematic history.
Director’s Other Movies
- Scarface (1983)
- Carrie (1976)
- Dressed to Kill (1980)
- Carlito’s Way (1993)
- Mission: Impossible (1996)
