The Untouchables

The Untouchables (1987): A Stylish Crime Saga of Justice and Corruption

Released in 1987 and directed by Brian De Palma, The Untouchables is a gripping crime drama that blends classical storytelling with stylized direction, telling the true-to-life yet dramatized story of federal agent Eliot Ness’s efforts to take down notorious gangster Al Capone during the Prohibition era in 1930s Chicago. With a powerhouse cast led by Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Robert De Niro, and Andy Garcia, the film became an instant classic, praised for its iconic scenes, memorable performances, and sweeping orchestral score.

At its core, The Untouchables is a tale of justice versus corruption. Kevin Costner stars as Eliot Ness, an idealistic and determined Treasury agent who is frustrated by the rampant crime and institutional corruption protecting Capone’s criminal empire. When traditional legal approaches fail to make progress, Ness assembles a small, loyal task force of incorruptible officers—“the Untouchables”—to go after Capone by targeting his illegal alcohol operation and financial records. The team includes veteran beat cop Jim Malone (Sean Connery), marksman George Stone (Andy Garcia), and accountant Oscar Wallace (Charles Martin Smith).

Sean Connery's performance as Malone earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. His portrayal of the streetwise Irish cop—equal parts mentor, philosopher, and fighter—adds emotional depth to the film. Connery brings warmth, grit, and gravitas to the role, providing one of the film’s most memorable lines: "They pull a knife, you pull a gun." This hard-edged wisdom reflects the film’s central theme: fighting an enemy who plays by no rules requires you to rethink the limits of your own morality.

Robert De Niro delivers a chilling and larger-than-life performance as Al Capone, portraying him not as a shadowy figure but as a charismatic, brutal tyrant who operates with impunity. De Niro’s Capone is a man obsessed with control, status, and loyalty, willing to use extreme violence to maintain his empire. Despite having limited screen time, De Niro's presence looms over the film like a storm cloud.

Brian De Palma's direction is bold and theatrical. He draws inspiration from classic gangster films and pays homage to cinematic legends such as Sergei Eisenstein (particularly in the famous Union Station staircase shootout, which echoes Battleship Potemkin). Cinematographer Stephen H. Burum captures the period with rich, noir-style lighting, while Ennio Morricone’s score—equal parts haunting and heroic—adds emotional weight to the story.

The film blends historical fact with Hollywood drama, taking creative liberties to enhance tension and narrative clarity. While not a strictly accurate historical account, The Untouchables is less about documentary realism and more about mythmaking. It portrays Eliot Ness as a flawed but courageous man standing up to a deeply corrupt system, highlighting the personal sacrifices that come with unwavering moral commitment.

The Untouchables was both a critical and commercial success, and it remains one of the most beloved gangster films of the 20th century. With its strong performances, memorable dialogue, and stylish execution, it tells a timeless story of good versus evil—of a small group of men who refused to be bought, no matter the cost.