Opening with a black screen and waking from a disturbing dream, Scorsese reveals Charlie’s conflicted conscience. The first lines of the film say, “you don’t make up for sins in church. You do it in the streets. You do it at home.” Throughout the film he is torn between living an honorable life in the eyes of God and being a successful gangster. Understanding the importance of repentance, Charlie tends to think about his sins often and in his eyes the only way God will forgive the bad is if he cares for Johnny Boy. Living by his own words Charlie is making up his sins in the home. Not only does he love him but, in his eyes, by helping him he his saving himself. Mean Street’s opening song is “Be My Baby” by The Ronnettes. The songs first verse is about complete commitment and affection. This verse is about Charlie’s love for Johnny Boy. The lyrics, “The night we met I needed you so.” Charlie needs Johnny Boy in his life and is completely committed to him. His strong commitment to Johnny Boy shines through, when Charlie is unable to be with Theresa. People try to convince Charlie throughout the film to stay away from Johnny Boy but he doesn’t listen. The second verse of the song we see images of Charlie with a persist and after a baptism. The second verse of the song is exploring Charlie’s pledge of love to the church. He is committed to the church, and his strong catholic faith. Charlie is almost consumed by his faith and need to do his own penance.
In the film there are two barroom scenes that are accompanied by Rolling Stone songs. The first scene includes the song, “Tell Me (You’re Coming Back).” This scene shows women dancing and Charlie making his way up to dance with them. Charlie is infatuated with the dancers. In this scene Charlie is sinning, dancing with almost naked girls. The scene also shows Charlie holding a lighter up to his hand. This song and this scene emphasize the tough side of Charlie. Charlie acts very relaxed in this scene and seems to be really enjoying himself. We hear Charlie’s inner monologue almost instantly regretting his actions and releasing his sins. The lighting during this scene is dark and is tinted red. This is used to emphasize the hostile nature in the scene and the sinning going on by and around Charlie. The second scene includes the song, “Jumpin Jack Flash.” This song plays as Johnny Boy enters the bar. He enters with a girl on each arm. As Charlie sees Johnny Boy enter he sees his opportunity to help Johnny Boy and repent his sins. This song is used to define Johnny Boy and his attitude, and also how it effects Charlie. The song emphasizes Johnny Boy’s cockiness and ignorance. Johnny Boy’s character is hated by many throughout the film, and Charlie is constantly warned by people to stop helping Johnny Boy. The lighting once again is very dark and red. This lighting is used to represents sin and wrong doings.
