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Promotions
Oct
7
Dame Dash and Magnolia Pictures Present: Mr. Untouchable- Nicky Barnes
October 7, 2007 | Film
This documentary focuses on the life of Harlem gangster Nicky Barnes who has been immortalized in some circles for his notoriety as a street kingpin. The film does a good job of chronicling his actions on the street, his rise to power and subsequent demise.
The filmmakers also capture some of the ambiance of 70’s ghetto inner city life in Harlem. Although the film was informative, what could have made it even better is also focusing more on the consequences of the profiled individuals’ actions. The movie does state that Barnes spent over 20 years of his life in jail for his crimes, however, it doesn’t get into the harsh reality of what doing time behind bars truly consists of. The subject of the penalties of these types of lifestyles is also somewhat undermined by Barnes depiction in the film. The film features the real Barnes speaking about his life. He is obscured by low light to protect his identity, since he is currently in the witness protection program. Although his current interview footage is silhouetted, it is clear that he is dressed very well, and to a certain degree, appears to have a sense of pride as he recalls the actions of his past.
Again, despite the fact that this is a well-done documentary, it seems that the younger urban demographic will primarily be the audience for this film. With this in mind, I would have felt better about this film if the message of repentance and the true tragedy of how drugs affected the lives of those who were raised in these communities was better communicated. There is nothing glamorous about growing up in a depraved environment where addicted mothers and fathers ruin their lives, and those of their children all in the search to achieve the next high from a hit of heroin. This is the missing component of Mr. Untouchable. The shining star of this film is the amazing score- crammed with classic 70’s soul.
Mr. Untouchable opens in select theaters starting on October 26th. Also coming to theaters is American Gangster, a feature film based on the life of Barnes associate Frank Lucas. In this Ridley Scott directed film, Denzel Washington plays Lucas, Russell Crowe portrays Richie Roberts- the cop that brings Lucas down, and Cuba Gooding, Jr. play Nicky Barnes. American Gangster is due for theatrical release on November 2nd. Jay Z is releasing an album inspired by the film. He will also said to be working on a related tour.