'Capone' A Review

Capone is a biopic about the last year of failing health of notorious gangster Al Capone. Secluded on his Miami estate Fonse(Tom Hardy) descends into dementia plagued by regret and confusion. Cared for by his wife Mae(Linda Cardellini), haunted by and old associate Johnny(Matt Dillon), and under observation by the FBI Fonse attempts to recall where he misplaced a sizable stash in order to provide for his family in the face of his impending death.

Hardy gives an singular, almost kabuki type of performance. With a particularly odd vocal choice that slips between English and Italian and is frequently unintelligible. As he wallows under the effects of his illness, is overcome by delusions, and is frequently incontinent there are still flares of the cruelty that once ruled. It is wide ranging, bold, and not entirely rational take on the character. There's an exquisite scene where he stands in front of his private screening of Wizard Of Oz and sings along with the Cowardly Lion. With all Hardy's prowess to bear, unfortunately, the film around him doesn't ever measure up. The supporting cast is given little to do, although Cardellini is always a treat and has a poignant violent scene between her and Fonse but just when it becomes interesting the film cuts away.

Writer/Director Josh Trank is certainly ambitious and the idea is intriguing but it is never really clear what is actually happening or what the point really is. With all the fading in and out of the present and past, with all the questioning of reality(what is Fonse actually seeing/doing), with all the questioning of Capone's legacy ultimately the film, seemingly, doesn't actually have much of a perspective on it's subject. The film meanders and has no focus. Despite all the skill on display, both behind and in front of the camera, the point of Capone isn't apparent.

There's a certain amount of gonzo delight to be had in the film, particularly with Hardy's performance, but it's more a lark, a piece of fancy, than actual cinema or even straight forward entertainment.

Available to rent on most VOD platforms.

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