You talking to me? A look at Robert De Niro!

Robert De Niro was born August 17, 1943 in New York City, New York. Robert De Niro started to act early in life at ten years old, playing the cowardly lion in THE WIZARD OF OZ. Dropping out of school at 16, he studied acting. The Lee Strasberg's acting studios was where he developed most of his skills.

De Niro first film was the Wedding Party in 1963, which was not released until 1969. He started to get noticed in BANG THE DRUM SLOWLY. A film which was done in 1973. That same year, he also played a role as a small time hood in MEAN STREETS. His first academy award was when he portrayed Vito Coleone in the GODFATHER II. Previously, he had auditioned for Micheal Coleone, Sonny Coleone and Carlo Rizzo without no success. I have to say that this is a classic example of persistence and it worked for De Niro in his,finally, getting a coveted role in the GODFATHER II.

Other hits would follow such as DEER HUNTER, RAGING BULL, CASINO and GOODFELLAS to name a few. De Niro was such a great character actor and you could feel that intensity in his acting. He, forever, will be remembered for the phrase-YOU TALKING TO ME? A phrase taken from TAXIDRIVER.

Robert De Niro got immersed into his movies in an unusual way. He gained 60 pounds for the movie RAGING BULL. A movie about boxing great Jake La Motta. Lived in Sicily in preparation for his role as THE GODFATHER II. Learned how to play the saxophone for the movie NEW YORK, NEW YORK!

For this role in TAXIDRIVER, De Niro worked as a cabdriver for a few weeks. De Niro was special because when he acted, he was no longer De Niro, he was the "other guy." He, also, made memorial performances as a gangster. Among his achievements were great movies as CASINO and GOODFELLAS. In ANALYZE THIS, De Niro demonstrated a flair for comedy along with Billy Crystal. He, brillantly, mixed the gangster element with comedy. This movie was so successful that a sequel was made-ANALYZE THAT!

He, also, made MEET THE FOCKERS, which became a hit. With sequels being made, De Niro has demonstrated that he can do the good, bad and funny guy. Lately, he has been busy working as a film director. He has directed such movies as BRONX TALE and THE GOOD SHEPHERD.

Ok, here is my list of my favorite De Niro movies. Most of his work is great, but there are some, that in my opinion, ranks the best-

THE GODFATHER II

Even though, this does not compare to the original GODFATHER, it still rates at least a four star in my opinion. De Niro is classic in his role as Vito Coleone. The plot is, well suited, for him. It shows how a man suffered injustices in his life due to the influence of the Black hand in little Italy. Don Fanucci controlled the extortion business in the neighborhood and he was feared by many.

You can feel for Don Vito, because here was a hard working man, who escaped the injustices of Sicily, only to see it on his back yard. When Don Fanucci causes Vito to lose his job, he makes his move to avenge, not only himself but others wronged by this gangster. One could understand the plight of the Italians. They could not trust the police because some were bribed by the Black Hand. The Black hand is a early branch of the Mafia.

We can see the rise of VIto Coleone in this film, especially when he gets rid of Don Fanucci. He starts to make a name for himself. It is, noteworthy, how Vtio plans to go back to Sicily and avenge the murder of his mother. Don Vito is a smart and calculating individual who earns the respect of his peers. A role that was suited for De Niro.

A BRONX TALE

I like this one, because it has a happy ending. De Niro plays a good guy here. He is Lorenzo Anello, a hard working and honest person. His son Calogero Anello spends time in the streets and sees the gangster lifestyle. One day, Calogero witnesses a murder and the cops questions him and his parents.

One can feel the tension. The boy wants to tell the truth, but he soon learns the law of the streets-DON'T BE A RAT! He lies to the police and his parents breathe a sigh of relief. The gangster named Sonny (Chaz Palmintieri), who comitted this murder tries to befriend Lorenzo, offering him a job. Lorenzo turns him down and decides to keep his nose clean.

This wasn't so for Calogero, who was, quickly befriended by Sonny. There is conflict between the son and father because of this. Lorenzo finds himself, frustrated, at losing his son to the streets. The movie, nevertheless, has a happy ending. You owe it to yourself to see this movie, so check it out.

GOODFELLAS

Classic De Niro. This movie would rate him, almost, as good as Bogart. He plays a gangster named Jimmy Conellly. He befriends and mentors Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) and Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci) This is based on a true story of life inside the Mafia. Narrated by Ray Liotta, this movie speaks of the life of Henry Hill and his dealings within the Mafia.

The movie GOODFELLAS gave Robert De Niro first billing and he deserved it. He had a look that could intimate anyone in this movie. Joe Pesci was great, too, being the hotheaded Tommy DeVito. It had an all star cast with excitements galore. I give this movie a five star!

How about you? Are you a De Niro fan? Please post your thoughts. Thank you for taking the time to read this.