Film Review - De Palma (2016)

Brian De Palma is considered one of America’s greatest storytellers. If someone was asked name the five greatest film directors of all time, the list would rank from Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, George Lucas and of course Brian De Palma. This is simply because they are part of the same generation that they bounce of each other’s ideas and are close friends to this day. These five men are like the Rat Pack of Hollywood Heavyweight directors simply because they have learnt the craft of their so called master better known as Alfred Hitchcock. Nevertheless after viewing ‘De Palma,’ the director claims he still is the most influenced one from Hitchcock as he has paid homage to many of his films and come to think of it, after viewing the amazing clips from his legacy, he may be right.

‘De Palma’ is simply a summary about the writer and director’s life. The documentary contains one man: De Palma sitting in a chair talking about his life and legacy through a simple medium shot and cutting to the clips of his films from his early work to the most recent. Although some of his films are flops and hits, he walks away with achievement, radiance and master craftsmanship. As De Palma unfolds his anecdotes, if one is interested in his films, then the viewer will be engrossed. This is a documentary strictly for film buffs and if nobody has seen a De Palma film, it is safe to say it won’t be enjoyed, unless they’re prepared to have their minds moulded and taught about his array of films.

When his gossip unravels, this is when the viewer becomes entertained. One amusing anecdote is when he directed 1983’s ‘Scarface’ he had the screenwriter Oliver Stone removed from the set as he was subtly directing actors and confusing them. De Palma didn’t want Stone’s influence as director as he was trying to do De Palma’s job, but in all fairness was distracting them from De Palma’s direction. Moreover, most film enthusiasts will know how De Palma replaced Bob Hoskins as Al Capone to his old buddy Robert De Niro simply because there is no other greater actor who could play the world’s greatest American gangster.

De Palma is so entrancing to listen to simply due to the fact that he’s had an amazing career. To hear him spill all the goods during the filming of ‘Casualties of War’ is incredibly interesting. He kept Michael J Fox away from the villainous rapist Sean Penn and his gang that Fox felt like a loner on set, but in a way worked for the film. The best bit is when there is a scene where Penn whispers something ominous in Fox’s ear after Penn’s character is incarcerated for rape under Fox’s testimony. Those words truly stand out to be personal: “Television actor!” Ouch! To hear all the anecdotes is enthralling, but to hear it from De Palma himself is even better.

The main element of the director is, he is not afraid to admit his failures in his film making as he at times has been erratic due to critics panning him, from ‘The Bonfire of Vanities’ to ‘Body Double.’ However, although ‘Mission Impossible’ will be his most financially successful picture, the viewer will be enticed in how many indifferences he had with Tom Cruise and the two screenwriters that collided with each other’s drafts. ‘Carrie’ was a hit and introduced the world to his talent. ‘Blow Out’ was a flop but now receives a huge cult following. This is for the reason being that De Palma used many Hitchcock traits for this Travolta forgotten film, but the more you view his films, whether giving it another chance or to study, you will learn from someone that knows how to direct perfection as his visuals are nothing short of incredible. After watching ‘De Palma’ you will have a De Palma marathon. For fans only!