Despite some ludicrous plot developments, De Palma’s skill ensures that this is still a very entertaining flick.
Here, De Palma riffs heavily onPsycho, telling a pulpy and provocative story thatremains controversial today.
It demonstrates De Palma’s ability to build suspense with minimal dialogue.
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At the same time, he falls for aspiring singer Phoenix (Jessica Harper).
The final ingredient is the epic score by Western legendEnnio Morricone, which ties it all together.
You’re gonna die big time!
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Unlike De Palma’s other, more bombastic gangster movies,this is a character-driven tragedy.
The highlight ofCarlito’s Wayis the acting, with Pacino’s emotional performance grounding the drama.
That said, the focus on emotion doesn’t mean that the movie isn’t stylish.
Aesthetically, De Palma charms with a propulsive soundtrack and more than a few nail-biting scenes.
Its a good scream.
Its most notable admirer isQuentin Tarantino, who has ranked it among his all-time favorite movies.
Carrieis masterful from the first frame, with exceptional editing, haunting performances, and unsettling sound design.
But it’s in the third act thatDe Palmacranks everything up to 11.
There have been multiple attempts to replicate the dark magic of De Palma’sCarrie, but none have succeeded.
The movie is a three-hour descent into blood-soaked, coked-up chaos, in the best way.
NEXT:The 10 Most Essential Movies of 2004, Ranked
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