HOFFA (1992)

Directed By: Danny DeVito Written By: David Mamet  Cinematography: Stephen H. Burum  Editor: Lynzee Klingman & Ronald Roose  Music by: David Newman

Cast: Jack Nicholson, Danny DeVito, Frank Whaley, Armand Assante, J.T. Walsh, John C. Reilly, Kevin Anderson, Robert Prosky, Cliff Gorman, Paul Guilfoyle, Karen Young, John P. Ryan

portrait of Teamsters Union leader Jimmy Hoffa, as seen through the eyes of his friend Bobby Ciaro. This film follows Hoffa's struggle to shape America's most influential labor union through his countless battles with the RTA. As he fights for workers' rights, Hoffa locks horns with industry management, organized crime and Attorney General Robert Kennedy. In 1975, four years after serving his prison term, Hoffa disappears, in one of America's most fascinating unsolved crime mysteries.

This is one of those films that should have been better. It’s built around a great performance by Jack Nicholson as usual. But that is really the only thing of note on this film other than maybe the ending.

As this should have been a slam dunk considering the casting and the behind the scenes talent. Especially a script by Noted Playwrite David Mamet. Whereas the film does have memorable lines. Just not necessarily quotable

The film was nominated for a special effects Oscar just for giving Jack Nicholson a fake nose.

At least Jack Nicholson gets to play an iconic character. While slowly becoming one himself as far as being an actor and movie star. That this film feels more like one of his lesser projects between the big noteworthy ones. The film certainly treats him As such and films him in the same way. 

Which makes the film seem more about Jack Nicholson and his iconography more than about Jimmy Hoffa who he is playing 

The film isn’t exactly a bio film, but begins from the viewpoint of a truck driver played by Danny Devito. Who also directs from his first meeting with the young Jimmy Hoffa as his fighting for union rights then follows them as he eventually becomes his bodyguard and right hand man until the end. Where we see the films conspiracy version of what happened to Jimmy Hoffa. Which is still a mystery. The film makes no judgements in fact it paints Hoffa as a hero. Even though he was corrupt and dealing with the mob.

When I was young I looked forward to seeing this movie. As I was a Danny Devito fan. As a short guy he was inspirational. As he never let his size define him and the characters he played or his talent. There were no roles earmarked for him, but he got them through talent and charisma. He even became a marquee star and a good director and businessman.

He achieves more than people give him credit for he is still someone I admire. As he still break conventions. He’s not a bad director but only a good one early in his directing career. He had success but after this film he seemed to lose his touch.

Here he has a grand operatic style with the camera. I guess to go with the epic story. He was envisioning that is well shot but in the end only comes off as ok. This film is an artistic peak for him. This is the most epic and strongest film Devito has directed. 

I like the fact that he is unpredictable in his career and always seems to choose his projects. Not based on previous expectations but breaking new ground. His Jersey films were the hot production office of hip 90’s indie film.

Grade: C+