Val Kilmer and Ray Stevenson's forgotten mob movie, 'Kill the Irishman', is a lesser-known entry in the genre, despite its impressive cast and intriguing true story. The film follows Danny Greene, a dock worker turned corrupt union president and crime boss in 1960s-70s Cleveland, and his war with the Italian mob. Stevenson, known for his roles in 'Rome' and 'The Punisher: War Zone', plays Greene, while Kilmer portrays Detective Joe Manditski, a fictionalized character with a childhood connection to Greene. The movie also features Christopher Walken, Vincent D'Onofrio, and a host of 'Goodfellas' and 'The Sopranos' actors, including Paul Sorvino and Steve Schirripa.
What sets 'Kill the Irishman' apart is its portrayal of Greene as a larger-than-life folk hero. Greene embraced his Irish heritage, fashioning himself as a modern Celtic warrior, and approached crime with a prideful attitude. The film's closing voiceover, where Joe Manditski reflects on the lasting impact of Greene's war with the Cleveland mob, suggests that Greene's actions ultimately did some good. However, the movie's reception was underwhelming, as it failed to gain a wide theatrical release and barely made a dent at the box office.
In my opinion, the film's lack of success is a shame, as it offers a unique perspective on the decline of the American mafia. The use of familiar 'Goodfellas' and 'The Sopranos' actors, while perhaps unflattering to the film's reputation, adds to the sense of realism and historical context. The portrayal of Greene as a complex, larger-than-life figure, despite his flaws, is a compelling narrative choice that adds depth to the story.
Personally, I find it fascinating that 'Kill the Irishman' remains relatively unknown, despite its strong cast and intriguing true story. It raises questions about the appeal of mob movies and the impact of historical context on their reception. The film's underperformance at the box office suggests that audiences may be drawn to more glamorous or iconic portrayals of organized crime, rather than a gritty, realistic depiction of a forgotten figure in mob history.
