Kevin Costner’s ‘The Untouchables’ Thrills Audiences 40 Years On

The crime thriller The Untouchables, released on June 3, 1987, continues to captivate audiences, demonstrating its enduring appeal nearly four decades after its initial release. Directed by Brian De Palma, the film showcases a gripping portrayal of federal agent Eliot Ness, played by Kevin Costner, as he seeks to dismantle the criminal empire of notorious mob boss Al Capone.

Over the years, gangster films have evolved significantly. The genre traces its roots back to the 1930s, featuring classics like Little Caesar and Angels with Dirty Faces, which depicted the violent realities of the Prohibition era. The Untouchables stands out among its contemporaries, not only for its engaging narrative but also for its rich character development and stylized violence.

The Story Behind ‘The Untouchables’

Based on the true story of Eliot Ness and his pursuit of Capone, The Untouchables brings together a talented cast, including Sean Connery as veteran beat cop Jim Malone, Andy Garcia as marksman George Stone, and Charles Martin Smith as accountant Oscar Wallace. As corrupt officers hinder Ness’s efforts, he assembles this tight-knit team of law enforcement officers dubbed “The Untouchables,” a name that originated from Ness’s memoir co-authored with Oscar Fraley in 1957.

The film’s narrative pivots around Wallace’s suggestion to focus on tax evasion as a means to bring Capone to justice. While the film takes creative liberties with historical accuracy, its character archetypes—Malone as the grizzled mentor, Stone as the eager rookie, and Wallace as the idealist—add depth and relatability. The real-life Untouchables were a larger group of agents, but the film’s portrayal keeps the story intimate.

Impact and Legacy of ‘The Untouchables’

Despite its dramatizations, The Untouchables remains a cornerstone of the neo-noir genre, largely due to its exceptional performances. Sean Connery received an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role, while Robert De Niro as Capone delivered a commanding performance, memorable for its intensity and dramatic flair.

The film’s iconic Union Station shootout, inspired by the Odesa Steps sequence from Sergei Eisenstein’s Battleship Potemkin, exemplifies De Palma’s masterful direction. This scene has since been parodied in various forms, including in the comedy Naked Gun 33 1/3, demonstrating its cultural impact.

Additionally, the film features a remarkable score by Ennio Morricone, renowned for his ability to elevate cinematic storytelling through music. Although The Untouchables did not win an Academy Award for Best Original Score, Morricone’s work remains celebrated.

The film cemented Kevin Costner’s status as a Hollywood star, paving the way for his subsequent successes in films like Bull Durham and Field of Dreams. His directorial debut, Dances with Wolves, won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, further solidifying his legacy.

As The Untouchables finds renewed popularity on streaming platforms, it serves as a vital piece of cinematic history. For those intrigued by the gangster genre or the narrative of Prohibition, this film remains a compelling choice—one that captivates with its blend of myth, legend, and moral complexity.

Currently available for streaming on Paramount+, The Untouchables continues to engage new audiences while reminding long-time fans of its cinematic brilliance.