Untouchables

A fun and nostalgic deep dive into the making of The Untouchables to celebrate the film’s 40th anniversary. Summer 2027 will mark the 40-year anniversary of one of the high points of modern cinema. A film that ushered in a new wellspring for studio-driven filmmaking. A film that boasts some of the biggest names in Hollywood — both in front of and behind the camera. Actors Kevin Costner, Robert De Niro, Sean Connery, and Andy Garcia. Produced by Art Linson, written by David Mamet, music by Ennio Morricone, costumes by Giorgio Armani, and, steering the ship, one-of-a-kind auteur director Brian De Palma. The Untouchables is still an incredibly popular movie today. It regularly shows up on lists of “best gangster films” and people often quote Mamet’s dialogue verbatim. Yet, no one has written the definitive history of the film. Michael C. Sullivan sets out to change that in The Untouchables: The Making of a Classic Film, a fun and fascinating deep-dive into the film’s production. Starting with the real-life history behind the movie, Sullivan covers everything readers could want to know, from the casting process to composing the score, a breakdown of the most iconic scenes, and the film’s lasting impact on popular culture. Shot for a budget of $20 million, The Untouchables grossed over $106 million worldwide in 1987 and received four Academy Award nominations—supporting actor, art design, costume design, and score. Sean Connery won his only Oscar for playing Jimmy Malone, the honest and world-weary Irish beat-cop who becomes a mentor and tutor to Kevin Costner’s Treasury Agent Eliot Ness. You couldn’t escape the movie that summer. Whether new to the film and looking to enhance your viewing experience or a long-time fan eager to learn more about your favorite film, this is a must-read for movie buffs and casual viewers alike.