wiseguy

Wiseguy is a 1990 American crime film directed by Brian De Palma and written by Nicholas Pileggi, based on Pileggi's 1985 non-fiction book Wiseguy: Life in a Mafia Family. The film stars an ensemble cast led by Jack Nicholson as mob boss Frank Costello, with other notable performances by Danny DeVito, Penelope Ann Miller, and Lorraine Bracco. It chronicles the rise and fall of a mob associate and the treacherous world he inhabits.

The story follows Henry Hill, a young man from Brooklyn who becomes involved with the Lucchese crime family. Hill's journey depicts his increasing involvement in criminal activities, his relationships with other mobsters, and the eventual unraveling of his life due to his own actions and the constant threat of betrayal. The film is noted for its realistic portrayal of Mafia life, its distinctive narrative style, and its exploration of loyalty, ambition, and the consequences of a life of crime.

Wiseguy received critical acclaim for its performances, direction, and screenplay. It is often cited as one of the most influential gangster films of its era, praised for its authentic depiction of the Italian-American Mafia and its complex characters. The film's impact on popular culture is significant, with many of its lines and scenes becoming widely recognized. It was a commercial success, further solidifying De Palma's reputation as a master of the crime genre.