Yes, nearly every character in Martin Scorsese's film The Irishman is based on a real person. The movie intricately weaves together the lives of notorious figures from American organized crime and labor history.
The film is adapted from Charles Brandt's 2004 book I Heard You Paint Houses, which chronicles the alleged confessions of Frank Sheeran, a hitman with ties to the Bufalino crime family and Teamsters president Jimmy Hoffa. While the characters themselves are rooted in reality, the film is not presented as a historical documentary. Critics have noted that certain events and portrayals might not align perfectly with historical records, but the director never intended the film to be a strict non-fiction account. Instead, it offers a dramatic interpretation of significant historical figures and their alleged involvement in pivotal events.
Key Real-Life Individuals Portrayed
The narrative of The Irishman centers on several prominent historical figures, brought to life by a star-studded cast. Understanding the real people behind the characters provides deeper context for the film's intricate plot.
Here are some of the most notable characters and their real-life counterparts:
| Character in Film | Real-Life Counterpart | Role/Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Frank Sheeran | Frank Sheeran | Alleged hitman for the Bufalino crime family. |
| Russell Bufalino | Russell Bufalino | Head of the Bufalino crime family. |
| Jimmy Hoffa | James R. "Jimmy" Hoffa | Influential president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. |
| Bill Bufalino | Bill Bufalino | Cousin to Russell Bufalino and Hoffa's attorney. |
| Anthony "Fat Tony" Salerno | Anthony "Fat Tony" Salerno | A powerful New York mobster from the Genovese crime family. |
| Angelo Bruno | Angelo Bruno | Leader of the Philadelphia crime family. |
These individuals played significant roles in the underworld and labor movements of the mid-20th century, making their portrayals central to the film's historical narrative. For more information on the film's background, you can visit its Wikipedia page.
