Mr. Untouchable (2007)

Mr. Untouchable (2007)
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As the political revolt, consciousness expansion, and calls for racial equality that dominated the late '60s gave way to the apathy, drug abuse, and materialism that would define much of the 1970s, Nicky Barnes was a man who seemed to symbolize this time all too well. Born and raised in a troubled household, Barnes grew up with few desires other than getting rich, and he did just that. Barnes was a drug dealer who promoted himself as the man with the best heroin and cocaine in New York City, and between 1970 and 1975 he became the wealthiest and most powerful illegal drug dealer in America. Heading an underground organization known as "The Council," Barnes had a handful of top drug peddlers working under him, and shrewdly aligned himself with Mafia-connected drug importers, cutting out middlemen and offering himself a measure of protection at the same time. The booming market for heroin and cocaine (drugs Barnes himself used with enthusiasm) made Barnes a multi-millionaire, but as pride comes before a fall, Barnes' certainty that the police could not catch up with him led to his downfall, as one of his underlings unwittingly gave him up to authorities. In time, Barnes went into the FBI's Witness Protection Program and obtained his freedom by informing on the associates who helped make him a success. Barnes co-authored an autobiography in 2007, and filmmaker Marc Levin persuaded Barnes to tell his story on camera (though without revealing his face); Levin's interviews formed the basis of Mr. Untouchable, a documentary on Barnes' rise, fall, and disappearance into Middle America. Barnes' story was also featured in another 2007 release, American Gangster, a fact-based drama which portrays both Barnes and another powerful drug kingpin, Frank Lucas. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Starring:
Nicky BarnesLeon "Scrap" Batts, (more)
Director(s):
Marc Levin
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of Mr. Untouchable

As the political revolt, consciousness expansion, and calls for racial equality that dominated the late '60s gave way to the apathy, drug abuse, and materialism that would define much of the 1970s, Nicky Barnes was a man who seemed to symbolize this time all too well. Born and raised in a troubled household, Barnes grew up with few desires other than getting rich, and he did just that. Barnes was a drug dealer who promoted himself as the man with the best heroin and cocaine in New York City, and between 1970 and 1975 he became the wealthiest and most powerful illegal drug dealer in America. Heading an underground organization known as "The Council," Barnes had a handful of top drug peddlers working under him, and shrewdly aligned himself with Mafia-connected drug importers, cutting out middlemen and offering himself a measure of protection at the same time. The booming market for heroin and cocaine (drugs Barnes himself used with enthusiasm) made Barnes a multi-millionaire, but as pride comes before a fall, Barnes' certainty that the police could not catch up with him led to his downfall, as one of his underlings unwittingly gave him up to authorities. In time, Barnes went into the FBI's Witness Protection Program and obtained his freedom by informing on the associates who helped make him a success. Barnes co-authored an autobiography in 2007, and filmmaker Marc Levin persuaded Barnes to tell his story on camera (though without revealing his face); Levin's interviews formed the basis of Mr. Untouchable, a documentary on Barnes' rise, fall, and disappearance into Middle America. Barnes' story was also featured in another 2007 release, American Gangster, a fact-based drama which portrays both Barnes and another powerful drug kingpin, Frank Lucas. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
92 mins

Complete Cast of Mr. Untouchable


Director(s):
Marc Levin
Producer(s):
Joana VicenteMary-Jane RobinsonAlex Gibney
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(Drug Content, Brief Nudity, Violence, Profanity)
Categories:
Documentary
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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    Member Reviews
     
    Fredrick L.

    The movie was a good portrayal of one of New York's most recognizable drug lords. This a good movie to show today's youth about the consequences of this lifestyle. The interviews in the Special Features involving Barnes and Lucas were especially good to hear and highlights a honest assessment of their actions, as well as thought on today's issues (e.g. current election, hip-hop, black community). However, when compared to American Gangster, you can not really compare a theatrical perfomance to a "real-life" interview. American Gangster was better as a theatrical portrayal of Frank Lucas while Mr. Untouchable provided a real account (as it may seem) of Barnes' life. Either way, Mr. Untouchable is something to watch, but not on the same level as American Gangster.

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    Crystal and Kevin K.

    It was ok but not what we were expecting.

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    Carlos M.

    Excellent documentary. Like so many other kingpins, Barnes has intelligence and charisma. In another life he would have been like Frank Raines or Ken Chenault instead of part of the Witness Protection Program. A must see for young men who aspire to the criminal lifestyle. Perhaps some of the will be deterred from a life of crime.

    Yes   |   No

     
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