Discover the Intriguing Story Behind 'Capone' Featuring Tom Hardy

Film critic Alexey Khromov delves into the captivating storyline and standout performances in a truly unconventional movie.

Director Josh Trank has gained a reputation as one of Hollywood's most notable misfires. In 2015, he helmed a reboot of the 'Fantastic Four' that was widely panned and failed to recoup its production costs at the box office.

Following this setback, Trank experienced a period of creative struggle before embarking on an unusual biographical project about Al Capone, casting Tom Hardy in the lead role. The production faced delays due to Hardy's other commitments and only wrapped up in 2020, coinciding with the global COVID-19 pandemic that severely impacted theatrical releases.

Consequently, 'Capone' was released directly to digital platforms and met with mixed reviews. At the time of this review, it holds a 38% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, though fans of Tom Hardy have shown considerable leniency. However, it falls short of the cult success seen with films like 'Venom,' where audience enthusiasm outweighed critical disapproval.

In truth, 'Capone' is an unexpectedly engaging film that simply faced unfortunate timing and reception.

A Psychedelic Drama Beyond the Crime Genre

In 1932, Al Capone was sentenced to 11 years in prison, not for violent crimes but for tax evasion. During his incarceration, his health deteriorated due to syphilis and other ailments that severely affected his mental state. Upon release, he retreated to his family estate in Florida to spend his final days.

The film focuses on this last year of Capone's life. Nicknamed 'Fonzo' due to a knife wound, the aging gangster struggles with memory loss and physical decline, often losing control of his bodily functions.

A significant plot element revolves around a secret fortune that various parties—including the FBI, his doctor, and family members—are eager to uncover. Ironically, Capone himself may have forgotten this secret.

This premise subverts expectations; despite the film's title, it is not a conventional crime drama but rather a portrayal of a broken man.

Trank presents a genre-bending narrative where Fonzo is both pitiable and frail, attempting to assert control despite his diminishing capabilities.

The story is told through the lens of an unreliable narrator—Capone himself—whose perceptions are clouded by hallucinations and fragmented memories.

This approach turns the film into a psychedelic experience: scenes of violent confrontations shift abruptly to serene moments, and mundane acts become surreal journeys. Such surprises are frequent throughout the movie.

Balancing Tragedy and Humor

Trank chose to depict one of America's most infamous criminals, whose gang was responsible for up to 700 deaths and who personally killed about 40 people. Sympathy for Capone is not the film's aim; instead, it portrays his decline with a touch of dark humor.

From the outset, Fonzo is shown as a clumsy, aging man who grumbles more than he speaks, turning even simple actions into awkward moments. His menacing reputation is undercut by moments that border on the comical, such as his ever-present cigar becoming a humorous prop.

The peak of this ironic portrayal is a scene where Capone wields a machine gun reminiscent of his prime years—while dressed in a robe and adult diaper.

Yet, amidst this dark comedy, the film touches on universally relatable themes like aging, illness, and family relationships.

This does not imply forgiveness for Capone's actions but offers moments that anyone caring for elderly relatives might recognize. The tragic transformation from a powerful figure to a vulnerable individual struggling with basic tasks is poignantly depicted.

Tom Hardy’s Transformation and Supporting Cast

Many viewers will be drawn to the film primarily for Tom Hardy's performance, and he delivers impressively. Initially, his eyes may seem too youthful for the role, but Capone was only slightly older than Hardy at the time. It was disease, not age, that led to his downfall.

Hardy fully embodies the character, skillfully balancing between grotesque humor and genuine emotional depth. His portrayal conveys Fonzo's frustration and denial about his deteriorating condition. While some may critique the makeup, Hardy’s talent overshadows such minor flaws.

The supporting cast is equally notable. Linda Cardellini, known for her role in 'Dead to Me,' plays Capone’s wife. Kyle MacLachlan portrays the charming yet deceptive doctor, bringing a youthful energy to the role.

Matt Dillon appears as Johnny, a close friend of Capone. Though his role is limited, his intense presence leaves a lasting impression.

This strong ensemble demonstrates that 'Capone' cannot be dismissed as a poor-quality film.

Uneven Tone and Unresolved Storylines

Despite its strengths, the film has notable flaws. The blend of genres and unconventional narrative structure may not appeal to all viewers. The comedic elements sometimes undermine the dramatic potential, while darker scenes can feel overly prolonged.

More importantly, the commitment to realism hinders the story’s cohesion and resolution. The subplot involving Capone’s son concludes on a sentimental yet confusing note, and the detective storyline ends abruptly, leaving many questions unanswered.

The film loosely aligns with historical facts, with much of the plot fictionalized and characters superficially based on real individuals. This ambiguity may frustrate fans of crime dramas and psychological thrillers alike.

Unlike Trank's outright failure with 'Fantastic Four,' 'Capone' is a film that evokes sympathy for its ambition. It may feel uneven and incomplete, typical of productions with prolonged development.

Nonetheless, it presents an intriguing story from a fresh perspective, infused with irony and anchored by Tom Hardy's compelling performance. Viewers should not expect a traditional gangster film but rather a unique exploration of decline and memory.

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