Capone

Movie Trailer

Release Date
May 12, 2020

Genre
Crime, Drama, Biography

Cast & Crew

• Tom Hardy as Al Capone
• Linda Cardellini as Mae Capone
• Matt Dillon as Johnny
• Kyle MacLachlan as Dr. Karlock
• Kathrine Narducci as Rosie

Director
Josh Trank

Other Movies Director is Known For:

• Chronicle (2012)
• Fantastic Four (2015)

Producer
Lawrence Bender, Aaron L. Gilbert, Russell Ackerman, John Schoenfelder

Writer
Josh Trank

Budget
$20.6 million

Production Company
BRON Studios, A Band Apart, Addictive Pictures

Running Time
104 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong language
• Violence
• Disturbing imagery
• Themes of illness and mental decline

Movie Story
“Capone” offers a unique and unsettling glimpse into the final year of notorious gangster Al Capone’s life, following his release from prison. Set in 1947, the film departs from the typical mobster narrative, focusing instead on the psychological and physical decline of Capone (played by Tom Hardy) as he succumbs to the ravages of neurosyphilis, a condition that has left him mentally unstable and physically weakened.

Capone, once the most feared and powerful crime boss in America, is now a shell of his former self, living in a mansion in Florida under the care of his wife Mae (Linda Cardellini) and a small group of loyalists. As his health deteriorates, Capone’s past haunts him, manifesting in vivid hallucinations, paranoia, and disturbing flashbacks to his violent life. The film portrays Capone as a man trapped by his own memories, struggling to distinguish reality from delusion.

Amidst his mental decline, Capone becomes increasingly paranoid that his hidden fortune, rumored to be millions of dollars, is at risk of being stolen or lost forever. His paranoia leads to erratic behavior, causing tension with his family and associates. As the film progresses, it becomes clear that Capone’s greatest enemy is no longer the law, but his own mind.

“Capone” is a departure from traditional gangster films, focusing more on the psychological horror of Capone’s mental decline than on his criminal exploits. Tom Hardy delivers a transformative performance, fully embodying the physical and mental disintegration of a once-mighty figure. The film’s narrative is fragmented and surreal, reflecting Capone’s disjointed perception of reality as he slips further into madness.

Special Effects
The special effects in “Capone” are used primarily to enhance the depiction of the titular character’s mental decline and hallucinations. The film employs disturbing imagery and visual effects to create the nightmarish visions that plague Capone, blurring the line between reality and fantasy. These effects contribute to the film’s unsettling atmosphere, immersing the audience in Capone’s fragmented mind. The makeup and prosthetics used to transform Tom Hardy into the ailing, physically deteriorated Capone are particularly noteworthy, adding to the realism of his portrayal.

Box Office Performance
“Capone” was released directly to video-on-demand platforms due to the COVID-19 pandemic, bypassing a traditional theatrical release. The film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising Tom Hardy’s performance while others criticized the film’s disjointed narrative and unconventional approach. Despite the polarizing reception, “Capone” garnered attention online and developed a following among viewers interested in a different take on the gangster genre.

Filming Locations

• New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Notable Quotes

• “We made the promise… to never lie to each other. That’s what I always did, and that’s what I always will do.” – Al Capone
• “Do you know what the difference is between Adolf Hitler and Al Capone? Hitler’s dead.” – Capone

Behind-the-Scenes
Director Josh Trank sought to create a film that defied the expectations of a typical biopic, focusing instead on the psychological horror of Capone’s final days. Tom Hardy, known for his transformative performances, took on the challenge of portraying the aging, mentally deteriorating gangster with intensity and commitment, undergoing significant physical transformation for the role. The film’s depiction of Capone’s decline was informed by historical accounts of his illness, with Trank aiming to humanize the notorious figure by exploring his vulnerability and the impact of his past on his psyche.

Awards
“Capone” did not receive major awards but was noted for Tom Hardy’s performance, which was widely regarded as the standout element of the film.

Final Verdict
“Capone” is a dark, unconventional biopic that offers a haunting look at the final days of one of America’s most infamous criminals. While the film’s fragmented narrative and surreal approach may not appeal to all viewers, Tom Hardy’s compelling performance as the deteriorating Capone makes it worth watching. The film’s focus on the psychological and physical decline of its protagonist sets it apart from other gangster films, providing a unique and disturbing perspective on the life of Al Capone. For those interested in character-driven dramas and psychological horror, “Capone” offers a thought-provoking, if unsettling, experience.

IMDb Rating
4.7/10