The Irishman

"The Irishman" (2019), directed by Martin Scorsese, is an epic crime drama that explores themes of loyalty, power, and regret in the world of organized crime. Based on Charles Brandt’s nonfiction book I Heard You Paint Houses, the film follows the life of Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro), a mob hitman and union official who reflects on his role in one of America’s most notorious unsolved mysteries: the disappearance of labor leader Jimmy Hoffa.

Plot Summary

Introduction to Frank Sheeran

The story begins with an elderly Frank Sheeran recounting his life. Sheeran, a World War II veteran and truck driver from Philadelphia, begins a side hustle of stealing meat deliveries to make extra money. One day, he meets Russell Bufalino (Joe Pesci), a powerful figure in the Pennsylvania crime world, who introduces him to the Italian-American mob. Bufalino becomes a mentor to Frank, who proves his loyalty and capability by "painting houses"—mob slang for carrying out assassinations.

Rising in the Mob and Meeting Jimmy Hoffa

Through Bufalino, Frank is introduced to Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino), the charismatic and controversial leader of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Hoffa is one of the most powerful figures in the U.S. labor movement, with close ties to the mob and a substantial influence over union pensions and funds. Frank and Hoffa bond quickly, with Hoffa taking a liking to Frank for his loyalty and reliability. Frank becomes Hoffa’s bodyguard and trusted confidant, even as Hoffa’s disputes with the government and his eventual rival, Anthony "Tony Pro" Provenzano (Stephen Graham), start to escalate.

Hoffa’s personality, fiery temper, and determination to control the Teamsters set him on a collision course with both the government and the mob, especially as he grows suspicious of those around him, believing they are angling to undermine him. During this period, Hoffa is convicted of jury tampering and fraud, leading to a prison sentence. While Hoffa is incarcerated, Frank’s loyalty is tested as he remains close to both Hoffa and Bufalino.

Conflict Between Hoffa and the Mob

While Hoffa is in prison, Frank Fitzsimmons (Gary Basaraba) takes over the Teamsters, and his loose management style makes the mob happy, as he is willing to grant them access to union pension funds. Once Hoffa is released, however, he attempts to regain control of the Teamsters, which sets him in direct conflict with mob interests.

Hoffa’s defiance angers powerful figures in organized crime, who now see him as a liability. As he becomes more aggressive and outspoken, Bufalino warns Frank that Hoffa’s stubbornness and refusal to cooperate will ultimately lead to trouble. Hoffa, believing that his influence and legacy make him untouchable, ignores these warnings. Frank finds himself caught between his loyalty to Bufalino and the mafia on one side, and his close friendship with Hoffa on the other.

The Decision and Hoffa’s Fate

In a tense scene during a road trip to a wedding in Detroit, Bufalino informs Frank that the order has come from higher up: Hoffa must be eliminated. Despite Frank’s protests, Bufalino insists that the decision is final. Devastated, Frank agrees to carry out the task himself to ensure Hoffa’s end is handled "with respect."

On the fateful day, Frank meets Hoffa under the pretense of a meeting with mob figures, giving Hoffa no reason to suspect betrayal. He takes Hoffa to an empty house, where Hoffa realizes too late that he’s been set up. Frank shoots Hoffa, killing him instantly. Hoffa’s body is disposed of, and the mystery of his disappearance begins.

Frank’s Later Years and Regret

As the years pass, Frank reflects on his life of violence and the toll it has taken. His loyalty to the mob and his willingness to follow orders have left him estranged from his family, particularly his daughter Peggy (Anna Paquin), who was closest to Hoffa and disapproved of Frank’s criminal ties. Frank’s relationship with Peggy becomes irreparably damaged after Hoffa’s disappearance, as she intuitively understands her father’s role in his death.

In his old age, Frank watches his former associates die off one by one, often from natural causes or imprisonment. He survives to see the demise of the organized crime world he once served and is left in a nursing home, haunted by his memories and plagued with guilt. He reaches out to a priest, struggling to find absolution and peace for his actions.

In the closing moments of the film, Frank asks the priest to leave his door open, symbolizing his lingering hope for some form of connection or forgiveness, though it remains unclear if he ever finds either.

Themes and Symbolism

• Loyalty and Betrayal: The Irishman examines the complexities of loyalty within organized crime, where bonds are constantly tested by power struggles and self-interest. Frank’s decision to kill Hoffa, a friend he deeply cares for, highlights the tragic conflict between loyalty and survival in a world that demands absolute allegiance to higher orders.

• Power and Corruption: The film portrays how power can corrupt, as seen in Hoffa’s decline from an influential leader to a man destroyed by his refusal to compromise. His fall reflects how relentless ambition can turn even the most powerful figures into targets.

• Isolation and Regret: Frank’s later years showcase the loneliness and regret that follow a life of violence. His isolation from his family, particularly his daughter, and the loss of everyone he once knew emphasize the emptiness left after a life spent serving a ruthless system.

• The Passing of Time: Scorsese highlights the passage of time and the inevitability of aging, showing how the power and influence the characters once held are diminished by time. This aging process leaves Frank reflecting on his choices as he faces his own mortality.

Legacy and Impact

The Irishman received widespread critical acclaim for its performances, particularly by Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci, as well as its ambitious scope and narrative depth. The film’s use of digital de-aging technology allowed Scorsese to depict the characters across several decades, emphasizing the impact of time and memory on their lives. It explores the darker side of loyalty, friendship, and power, while offering a somber reflection on the consequences of a life devoted to crime.