Hollywood star Tom Hardy is utterly transformed as infamous mobster Al Capone in the 2020 biopic "Capone," which explores the notorious gangster's tragic final year, locked up and suffering from severe health issues. Written and directed by Josh Trank, the film follows Capone's grueling last months serving an 11-year sentence in Atlanta Penitentiary, where he is diagnosed with dementia and neurosyphilis.
Hardy is joined by a talented cast, including Linda Cardellini, Jack Lowden, Noel Fisher, Kyle MacLachlan, and Matt Dillon. The movie begins in 1945, after Capone's parole, as he returns to his Florida home with his wife Mae, struggling to cope with his declining health. The film chronicles the once-feared gangster's heartbreaking descent into dementia, marked by hallucinations, failure to recognize his loved ones, and the gradual depletion of his fortune.
Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, "Capone" enjoyed moderate box office success and became one of the most streamed movies upon its release. Empire magazine noted: "It's unhinged, and lacks subtleties and depths, but also has an imagination and out-there-ness that is rarely found in franchises. In detailing the last year of the gangster's life, Capone is neither the magnificent phoenix from the ashes you'd hope for nor the total misfire some US reviews suggest."
The New York Times added: "The paranoid, sweaty Capone is haunted by visions of a boy with a balloon and beset by other figures real and imagined (one played by Matt Dillon). The fantasy sequences are duller than the campy images from the present action, such as Capone vengefully shooting an alligator that interfered with his fishing or standing at a private screening of 'The Wizard of Oz' to sing along with the Cowardly Lion's vibrato. Who knew that Capone - or 'Capone' - could be reduced to this?", reports the Mirror US.
Fans were also far from convinced by the film. One reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes said: "There's a good reason why nobody made a movie about Capone's last year. It was boring as hell, and in that respect this movie was true to actual events. Especially compared to his prior, infamous exploits. Who wants to watch an old, demented man slowly die? If you do, go volunteer 2 hours at your local Dementia facility. At least you'll feel good about how your time was spent."
But others felt the film was worth a watch for Hardy's performance alone. One said: "Not terrible, and I can appreciate what this movie was trying to do. Tom Hardy kills it." Another viewer praised the film, saying: "Personally loved the film. I don't think I've ever seen anyone portray a dying man with neurosyphilis this well. I grew up around nursing homes and I've seen a lot of people come and go I've experienced a lot of death and Tom Hardy's portrayal of this deserved best actor. Honestly had no idea he had these kinds acting chops."
The film "Capone" is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime and can also be rented on Apple TV.
