played by Ed Harris with an eeriness to match Mr. Oldman's." Critic Vincent Leo praised Penn's performance, noting, "While Oldman gets the accolades for his energetic performance, it is really Penn's inner demons that provides the film with the right amount of conflict, always letting us be aware that fine lines are the difference between life and death, as well as right and wrong, out in the streets of New York. Is Penn doing the noble thing by taking down the criminals, or is he a rat bastard, disowning himself from the way of life and people who helped him along the way? It's the question that makes him sick to the pit of his stomach, and Penn shows it in his face with almost every scene." Roger Ebert, film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times, felt the film begins as "original and challenging" but then "turns into a story filled with familiar elements". He nevertheless awarded it three stars out of four and had particular praise for the work of Gary Oldman, writing: "Oldman's performance in the movie is the best thing about it...What's best about State of Grace is what's unique to it - the twisted vision of the Oldman character, who lives in a world of evil and betrayal and has somehow thought himself around to the notion that he is doing the right thing." State of Grace has been recognized as a cult classic. Actor Leonardo DiCaprio cited Oldman's performance as one of his inspirations, adding that it "influenced an entire generation of actors". Soundtrack The original soundtrack was released on October 1, 1990, by MCA. The CD has eighteen tracks, is 53:45 in length, and features a score composed, orchestrated and conducted by Ennio Morricone. References External links 1990 films 1990 crime drama films American crime drama films American independent films Films directed by Phil Joanou Films scored by Ennio Morricone Films set in New York City Films shot in New York City Irish-American culture in New York City American neo-noir films Orion Pictures films Films about the Irish Mob Saint Patrick's Day films Fratricide in fiction 1990 independent films 1990s English-language films 1990s American films