Oscar

Oscar, directed by Clint Eastwood in 1991, is a comedy-drama film that tells the story of Angelo "Snaps" Provolone, played by Sylvester Stallone, a made man in the Italian mafia. The movie revolves around Provolone's tumultuous journey as he tries to leave his life of crime behind and become a legitimate businessman. Snaps Provolone receives the news of his father's impending death from a doctor, who also serves as the town's undertaker. Before passing away, Snaps' father makes him a promise on his deathbed: to leave the world of organized crime and become a law-abiding citizen. At first, Snaps is skeptical, but the weight of his promise and the guilt associated with his life of crime eventually get to him. He decides to keep his word and starts making amends by selling his nightclub, leaving his lucrative career as a mafia leader behind. However, Snaps soon discovers that living without organized crime is much more challenging than he anticipated. He has no experience in the legitimate business world and struggles to come up with a job. Despite his attempts to find employment, Snaps continues to rely heavily on his connections with his former colleagues, which puts his new lifestyle at risk. One of Snaps' closest friends, a mobster, and former associate, Vittorio Ricci, is also trying to adjust to life outside the mafia. Ricci's wife has left him, feeling suffocated by his violent lifestyle and the fear of constant danger. This realization makes Vittorio realize that his life as a mobster had gone too far, and it's also time for him to leave the crime-ridden path behind. Snaps also has another challenge to face. The FBI is on his tail, keen to bring him in for tax evasion charges. This situation leads to some comedic moments as Snaps resorts to ridiculous tactics to avoid detection by law enforcement. His character's constant paranoia and fear of being caught serve as humorous highlights in the film. Despite the challenges, Snaps' decision to leave the mafia eventually starts paying off. When he gets a job working for the mayor, a corrupt politician with ties to organized crime, Snaps is initially hesitant but eventually warms up to the idea. He starts to gain some valuable experience and build a reputation as a respectable businessman. However, his loyalty to his former associates continues to cause friction, and he finds himself caught in a situation where he has to choose between his promise to his father and his loyalty to old friends. The title, Oscar, is a direct reference to the phrase "the academy awards" or an 'Oscar' as a term for an accolade or success. This name is given to Angelo "Snaps" Provolone as an indicator that his story will conclude well. As a result of his endeavors, Snaps gains the respect of his new colleagues and the local community. The film shows the transition from his life as a mobster to being a legitimate businessman, highlighting his ability to grow as a person and adapt to new situations. Throughout the movie, Eastwood masterfully portrays the darker side of life as a crooked politician and the struggle for legitimacy. Meanwhile, Stallone skillfully captures Snaps' complexities through a well-balanced portrayal, showing both the difficulties and rewards that come with leaving behind a life of crime. Oscar offers an engaging story as it follows Snaps Provolone's tumultuous path, showcasing his ability to adapt, grow, and make the most of his experiences. In the process, it highlights the difficulties and the benefits of leaving behind a life of crime, ultimately leading to a compelling conclusion as Snaps finally achieves his dream of becoming a respected businessman.