Just look at the poster for Sam Mendes' film 'Road to Perdition', which was released 20 years ago. Rain, hat, weapon – the perfect combination for a gangster drama. Learn interesting facts related to the film in our article.

The premiere of the film 'Road to Perdition' took place on July 12, 2002, and immediately special facts began to emerge around it.

Paul Newman's Last Iconic Role

In this film, Hollywood icon Paul Newman ('The Sting', 'The Color of Money') played gangster John Rooney. For this role, which became the last major work of his career, the actor received nominations for the Oscar, Golden Globe, and BAFTA. The mafioso portrayed by Newman is somewhat reminiscent of Vito Corleone: he can be hot-tempered, yet does not make hasty decisions, values loyal employees and family ties.

The Fight for the Oscar

'Road to Perdition' is dedicated to the memory of cinematographer Conrad L. Hall — he later posthumously won the Academy Award for this work.

In total, the film received 6 nominations in the battle for the golden statuette, but lost to the films 'Chicago' and 'The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'. Hall's work was also recognized by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA).

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Based on Comics

The film is based on the graphic novel by Max Allan Collins and Richard Piers Rayner. Chicago during the Great Depression. Two sons — Michael Sullivan Jr. and Connor Rooney desperately try to win the favor of their fathers — Michael Sullivan Sr., a gangster from an Irish clan, and John Rooney, Sullivan Sr.'s boss, who was like a father to him. Jealousy and rivalry drive them all down a path of doom. Sullivan Sr.'s family falls victim to the terrible 'profession' of the family head. His beloved wife and youngest son Peter are killed. Revenge and tragedy become constant companions for Michael and his surviving son.

According to Max Allan Collins, the author of the graphic novel on which the film is based, the surname of the real gangsters John and Connor Looney was changed to Rooney in the film. The novel does not have the character ultimately played by Jude Law. Maguire was created by screenwriter David Self.

An Iconic Image That Even Captivated Sorrentino

Almost 13 years after the release of 'Road to Perdition', Paolo Sorrentino would speak with admiration in an interview about Jude Law's role in this film:

I'll say one thing: in this film, he managed to tell the story of the character's inner world with just his walk. His unsteady, doom-laden step simply captivated me.

As a result, Law managed to create on screen the image of an angel of death who relentlessly pursues the main characters and captures moments of death on photographic film. One of the few negative roles for the British actor, which was noted in critics' reviews.

Acting Achievements

Two thousand actors auditioned for the role of the main character's son, but it went to Tyler Hoechlin. For filming the bank robbery scenes, Hoechlin needed to learn to drive a car, which he happily did. The young actor quickly mastered this skill, but during filming, a stunt driver was on standby to ensure his safety.

It was also tough for Stanley Tucci, as his character was a heavy smoker. During filming, he had to light up 80 times a day. The piano piece that Paul Newman and Tom Hanks play at the funeral was performed by the actors themselves after lengthy preparation.

The famous gangster Al Capone was supposed to appear in the narrative. Tom Sizemore and Alfred Molina were considered for the role, and eventually Anthony LaPaglia was cast. Notably, LaPaglia had previously played the role of Capone's right-hand man in the film 'Frank Nitti: The Enforcer'.

Subsequently, the authors decided not to include the real historical figure in the story. However, LaPaglia's name can be found in the credits with thanks for his help in creating the film and the atmosphere of gangster cinema.

After the resounding premiere of 'American Beauty', director Sam Mendes created an unusually beautiful ode to gangsters. This love is unusual — it is cold and strange. Most of the action takes place in the rain and darkness. In the finale, the viewer is almost blinded by the bright sun, as are the main characters, who seem to have found their place in the world, having escaped from the dark kingdom of deceit, violence, and blood. The film was literally destined to become a cult classic.