'' is a
1990 Film based upon the
Dick Tracy comic strip character created by
Chester Gould . The film was directed by
Warren Beatty , and originally released in cinemas by
Touchstone Pictures . Beatty also starred as the iconic detective. Co-stars included
Madonna ,
Al Pacino , and
Glenne Headly as well as numerous cameo appearances by famous actors and actresses (including
Mandy Patinkin as pianist 88 Keys, and TV legend
Dick Van Dyke in a unusual role as the corrupt District Attorney Fletcher).
The film won an
Academy Award for
Best Art Direction ,
Best Makeup and
Best Music, Original Song (
Stephen Sondheim ) for "Sooner or Later". It was also nominated for Oscars for
Best Actor In A Supporting Role (Al Pacino),
Best Cinematography ,
Best Costume Design , and
Best Sound .
The main storyline of the film is Dick Tracy's efforts to bring down Big Boy Caprice's (Pacino)
Gangster empire. A secondary storyline follows Tracy's romances with Tess Trueheart (Headly) and Breathless Mahoney (Madonna).
The film has a very distinctive look due to its use of only
Primary Colors . This was done to create a "
Cartoon " look. The
Cinematography by
Vittorio Storaro gives the film a captivating atmosphere, aided by
Danny Elfman 's score.
It made over $100,000,000 at the U.S. box office and spawned a large marketing and merchandising campaign, although the film has not always received the attention that many feel it should be given.
