MovieChat Forums > Carlito's Way (1993) Discussion > too predictable

too predictable

posted 11 years ago by intofilm
8 replies | jump to latest

Every turn in this film seemed so predictable. You knew from the beginning of each character's introduction how his or her role was going to play out.

I love to watch Al Pacino in almost anything, but he seemed pretty old to be in this part. The chemistry between him and Penelope Miller was good,however. I wasn't surprised to read here that they were actually romantically involved during the filming. It was also fun because of the contrast with her role as a mobster's flippant daughter in the fun gangster spoof, "The Freshman."
The chase scene at the end seemed interminable. It was so over-long I was glad I was able to fast-forward through it.
I don't like gangster movies in general because they are so unrealistic. I used to work in a maximum security federal prison, and the gangster movie that comes closest to the true nature of the average gangster is Good Fellows. I don't count in that category interesting movies like Dog Day Afternoon, that are about eccentric criminals who aren't part of a gang or the Mob.

[–] Errington_92 9 years ago

The predictability is mostly due to the ending being shown through the opening credits. It takes away any suspense and dramatic tension there would have been if Carlito's Way had been a linear narrative.

I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not.

[–] franzkabuki 9 years ago

There's as much dramatic tension in finding out 'how' something happens as there is in waiting to see 'what' will happen (Hitchcock's famous example about waiting for the bomb to go off under the table would serve as a good illustration to this). Plus, of course, knowing the end lends Carlito a fatalistic, sorrowful air that wouldn't be there otherwise.

"facts are stupid things" Ronald Reagan

[–] forthesafetyofpuppies 8 years ago

OP touched on perhaps the justification for it. These kinds of movies (gangster) always end the same, so you may as well open with that ending and remove all doubt.

And you fast-forwarded the chase scene? Damn man, it's one of the best chase sequences in cinema. Especially the long takes towards the end. Da Palma's always been a little indulgent. But it completely worked here, for me. It's sentimental but seems self-aware.

___
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qssvnjj5Moo

[–] AlexSefton 9 years ago

You predicted every turn of events in the movie? That's unfortunate for you. I like to think that just because my guesses turn out right, it doesn't mean that they couldn't have gone wrong. You can't really predict the future, sometimes it's just a series of lucky coincidences. Or unlucky coincidences, since you end up disappointed. My advice is to stop your habit of turning films to a guessing game. Just enjoy them.

Carlito was supposed to be old. He is well over 40 years old. Al Pacino fit that description.

The chase scene was great for me. I've seen Casino, Goodfellas, Godfather series, Dog Day Afternoon and all kinds of film that have shoot out action scenes in them. This one is great because it didn't go into the shooting right away. The scenes during the chase and the final shoot out show a lot about their characters. They were thrilling to watch, a bit comedic and unique in its own way. You learn about Carlito from those scenes. The reason why people 'fear' or respect Carlito so much. He's smart, patient and careful, always trying to avoid conflict as much as possible. He's a good shot too. Also, there's a more prominent reason why the chase scene was that long. It's linked to the beginning of the film. A way to keep the audience guessing who got Carlito at the end.

[–] speedfightpg 8 years ago

the gangster movie that comes closest to the true nature of average gangsters is donnie brasco.

[–] HelpMeRhonda (1158) 6 years ago

It reminded me of a Shakespearen tragedy, maybe even a Greek, where the audience is told right from the get go that the protagonist will perish by the plot’s end.

I mean, I was still wishing Carlito would somehow survive, but wasn’t betting on it. Makes it as tragic as having Kool Aid but no sugar.

[–] Burgershmurger (1360) 3 years ago

The spoiler at the beginning ruined it for me. The overlong finale didn't work for me.

[–] HelpMeRhonda (1158) 3 years ago

The finale did go on and on and on, but I enjoyed it. I don’t like spoilers at the beginning either, but I still enjoyed the movie.