By the Gun (2014)

I was surprised this film was rated below 5. I can understand why the average viewer might not find this movie satisfying, because the ending is unexpectedly sad and very unlike most Hollywood mobster films in which the protagonist either survives or sacrifices himself to save another sympathetic character who escapes with a secure future. Neither outcome happens here, which is completely consistent with the realistic vibe it maintains throughout. The acting performances are all excellent and believable. Even the typecast Harvey Keitiel makes you forget all the other mobster characters he's played. In this film, he's Sal, not Harvey. The scenes with newcomer Slaine are especially engaging as his character increasingly asserts his street cred to the wavering Nick. In a way, this is almost an "art film" version of a mob story. They manage to convey character conflicts and brutal violence without glorifying the action (and with zero police presence or shootouts or cars blowing up!) In short, a refreshing albeit depressing deviation from the usual crime movie, but solid and worth a view.

I don't understand the negative reviews. This is a very good low budget crime drama with a plot that grabs you and doesn't let go until the violent, bitter end.Ben Barnes really plays the dark and conflicted Nick Tortano well, a character that you really want to root for, but just can't because of this thing they have in the mob. Harvey Keitel is perfectly cast as a mob boss and plays the role as brilliantly as you would expect.I thought the script could have been a little tighter and frankly that's the only thing that keeps this very good film from being a great one.The acting was also very good from top to bottom, and the action scenes were well directed and very well executed.If you don't mind low budget flicks with nonetheless good character development and good performances, you will like By the Gun. It's good enough to watch twice. Or more. Ignore the negative reviews and get this one!

A Frustrated Review of the film, "By The Gun." I just saw the most boring tedious crime movie I have ever seem. With a great cast including Harvey Keitel, Toby Jones, Ritchie Coaster, and the neophyte actor Tully Banta-Cain you would think that it would have something. Some animus, action, story telling, violence and sex or some mixture of these elements. From the black background with white writing and no score during the opening credits. With the first scene of our star with two nude women asleep after a post party night to five minutes before the end it dragged. The whole movie was unplausible and stumbling. Every gangster movie fan, mafioso, talented actor or director will be staring at the screen and crying why! I do not know if it was the acting, screenplay, direction or a combination of all these elements but the plot and talents should have produced something better. It may be good for putting young children to sleep but I am so distressed that I had to write this review and send it out into the world. Movies like this convince me, that though I had my doubts, I could direct a feature film. If you are going to watch this bring along a puzzle book, video game or anything else to help keep you awake. If you happen to be a film masochist enjoy. Signed regretfully Dennis Deitsch

Watched this last night, hoping to see something along the lines of, well, good acting. I was bitterly disappointed. To call the lead wooden, would be an insult to trees. Awful script. Awful direction. Awful acting. Awful..........just awful. Harvey Keitel does his best, but he must have known this was going to be a Krimbo turkey from day one. Painful to watch, and I can only hope whoever cast this recovers quickly.Low budget boredom from start to finish, with unbelievable dialogue. Wrong Turn at Tahoe, makes this film look like what it is, a cheap, no thrills D movie.I implore you, gentle film viewer, to give this one a wide, wide berth. To sum up, do not waste your precious time!