The Friends of Eddie Coyle

Five years after directing the American crime classic Bullitt, Brit helmer Peter Yates brought his unique quality of low-key realism to The Friends of Eddie Coyle (1973). Now considered a minor jewel, this uncompromising tale of betrayal among Boston crooks was loyally adapted (by producer Paul Monash) from the acclaimed novel by George V. Higgins. In some respects, Yates' trenchant character study is the kinetic opposite of Martin Scorsese's The Departed: whereas Scorsese's Oscar-winning thriller boils over with frantic suspense and violence, Yates' style is almost invisible, favoring casual dialogue over action to the extent that even bank robberies (a central plot device) seem like distractions from the understated study of old-school crook, gunrunner, and everyday family man Eddie Coyle (played by Robert Mitchum in one of his career-best performances). With a possible second jail conviction hanging over his head, Eddie feeds underworld intelligence to a slick Boston detective (Richard Jordan) in exchange for his continuing freedom. Simultaneously, the cop is gathering info from a double-crossing mobster (Peter Boyle) who handles murder contracts while fronting as a bartender (and Eddie doesn't realize that he's being targeted as their sacrificial lamb). Making perfect use of gritty Boston locations, The Friends of Eddie Coyle has achieved cult status for its flawless casting and urban realism (still in vogue after 1971's The French Connection). The Criterion Collection pays its respects with an all-new, fully restored high-definition digital transfer approved by Yates, who also provides a new audio commentary in which he enthusiastically recalls The Friends of Eddie Coyle as one of his three favorite film experiences (along with 1979's Breaking Away and 1983's The Dresser), and praises both Higgins' book and the efforts of his cast to faithfully recreate its snappy Boston dialogue. Also included is a stills gallery and a booklet containing an appreciative essay by film critic Kent Jones and a reprint of Grover Lewis' 1973 profile of Mitchum from Rolling Stone magazine. Recommended. (J. Shannon)[Blu-ray/DVD Review—Apr. 21, 2015—Criterion, 102 min., R, Blu-ray: $39.95—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 1973's The Friends of Eddie Coyle features a fine transfer and an uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray release. Extras include audio commentary by director Peter Yates, a stills gallery, and a booklet featuring an essay by critic Kent Jones with an excerpted 1973 on-set profile of star Robert Mitchum by journalist Grover Lewis. Bottom line: a solid extras package for this winning ‘70s gangster film.]