Mean Streets was Martin Scorsese’s breakout film that also established a lot of his themes and techniques that he’s used in all of his films. It’s still a powerful film that has a breathless energy with a wide range of shots and styles incorporated in. The French New Wave is a strong influence and it is combined with the “method” acting of Harvey Keitel and Robert De Niro to create a loosely plotted portrait of men in Little Italy struggling to find out who they are. It’s filled with memorable scenes and performances and was a major influence on many filmmakers.