Sharkskin

Sharkskin, released in 2015, is an American drama set in a fascinating period and location: the world of New York in the 1950s, when men’s fashion was beginning to evolve and the city was brimming with hopeful dreamers. The film honours the past while exploring timeless themes about family, the pursuit of dreams, and moral dilemmas. Directed by Dan Perri, Sharkskin revives the golden era of Italian-American tailoring through its engaging visual symbolism and attires, bringing an artistic dimension to the film.

Screen veterans, John Aprea, David Proval, and Robert Costanzo headlines the movie, combining their acting prowess to evoke a spectrum of emotions. John Aprea carries the role of Mike Esposito, a man of virtue and talent, whose ethos is steeped in the values of hard work, passion, and family honor. David Proval delivers a commendable performance as Uncle Sammy "Cigars", a character with rich nuances and undercurrents. On the other hand, Robert Costanzo, as Dominic, injects the story with a challenging twist, introducing a gripping element of conflict.

Sharkskin centres on Mike Esposito's journey, a through-and-through family man seeking to make his mark in the world of tailoring. Mike is a second-generation tailor crafting high-quality men’s suits in his small but thriving workshop in the heart of New York. Appreciating the worth of his workmanship, Mike takes pride in producing individually tailored suits, artfully sewn from top-quality sharkskin fabric.

His dreams are, however, grounded in reality. Mike's aspiration is not for personal fame or riches but rather to give his son, Mikey Jr., a leg up for a future devoid of financial worries. Mike intends to advance from the Manhattan neighbourhood to the more glamorous part of the city, aiming to secure a legacy that spans generations.

However, an uncalled-for encounter with his brother-in-law Sammy brings him face to face with the darker side of New York — big money, secret deals, and the mob. Sammy’s secret life as an influential underworld figure taunts Mike’s world, pushing him into a web of choices and consequences. His loyalty is put to test as he battles beneath the moral and emotional weight of his familial obligations, as well as the pursuit of his dream.

The narrative of the film grips audiences, presenting a compelling journey embedded with suspense, drama, poignancy, and hints of comedic tension. The performances of the actors, enhanced by an intricate script, breathe life into the characters, creating a vivid portrait of 1950s post-war New York City.

The film expertly captures the charismatic charm and occasional harshness of the era. Through the streets of New York, the storytelling stretches beyond Mike's love for his craft, ensnaring its audience with a narrative about family, love, and ambition. It presents an intriguing blend of possibilities and pitfalls that reside in human choices, a clash between personal desires and moral implications, acting as a reflection of life itself.

Captivating from the get-go, Sharkskin creates a rich visual tapestry, with cinematography that evokes the reality and nuance of the cityscape. The cultural resonance brought by the vivid costume design and detailing provides an authentic tribute to a bygone fashion epoch. Hauntingly beautiful scores complement the narrative, striking a fitting emotional chord.

Gritty and gripping, Sharkskin offers a socio-cultural commentary encased within the broader narrative arc of a man’s struggle to negotiate the pathways of his dreams. Seamlessly blending elements of family drama, personal growth arcs, and neighbourhood dynamics, the film presents a poignant exploration of life, ambitions, and the very essence of the American Dream.

Sharkskin ropes its audience in with a tale of a man's ordinary life touched by extraordinary circumstances, addressing the age-old conflict between an artist's passion and the pressures of societal norms. The tale calls back to an era when hustle, heart, and craft were the stepping stones to success, capturing the glamour and grit of a city known for its promise of dreams. The historical backdrop sets the stage for a tale of resilience and fortitude, where love becomes a catalyst for courage and conviction in a world that demands nothing less.