And although “Capone” has interesting elements
and a strong style, it is also deeply flawed and a
bit of a slog to get through. Hardy’s go-for-broke
performance is certainly jaw-dropping, but not
exactly effective in drawing you in to care about
his story or his regrets. There are threads that
are introduced with little resolve: The possible
$10 million that he’s hidden and lost, the FBI
agent (a compelling Jack Lowden) who has to
convince his own boss that Capone is worth
continuing to investigate, and the out-of-
wedlock son who keeps calling and appearing
to him. The supporting cast is wasted (it’s not
just Cardellini). Matt Dillon pops up for a bit.
And Kyle MacLachlan plays the physician who
suggests the family give him a carrot instead of
a cigar, since he won’t notice anyway. It’s also
numbingly violent.
Al Capone’s last year could make for an
interesting film, but there is little poetry or
transcendence in “Capone,” and nothing even
remotely close to the quietly devastating third
act of “The Irishman.” Although maybe Trank
wanted something more garish and horrifying
and surreal for Capone, like a carrot cigar, a
droopy diaper and a golden Tommy Gun. At the
very least, it’s hard to look away.
“Capone,” a Vertical Entertainment release, is
rated R by the Motion Picture Association of
America for “strong/bloody violence, pervasive
language and some sexuality.” Running time:
103 minutes. One and a half stars out of four.
MPAA Definition of R: Restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying
parent or adult guardian.