The film, Mean Streets, depicts the cutthroat lifestyle in which wealth is at the center, and artificial friendships are formed on the basis of giving and receiving money. We see the moral paradox most prominently within the character Charlie especially in the church scene. Apart from the fact he goes to clubs, gets tangled in fights and shootings, and isn’t dedicated to religion, his action of going to church may be a way for him to feel better about himself, and make up for his actions. Nevertheless, in the movie we are made aware that he recognizes the Catholic Church as a man-made organization, a business diverging not too far from organized crime, and capable of human fault.Charlie even mentions how he says prayers but the words have no meaning to him. Thus, we can see his attitude towards church is not spiritual but more ironic.The compelling nature of the movie is the thrill and rush, it seems as if the characters live in a world where every next moment is either a fight, adventure, or opportunity. Time doesn’t slow down and the characters move along without looking back.

Within Ghostface Killah’s song “Shakey Dog”. the rhythm and the tune of the music matches the environment of a neighborhood with mystery, crime, and danger. The language used represents a carefree attitude and one that is not looking to respect anyone.The song starts to reach a climactic scene within the house and when the shooting goes off leaving the listeners with an intense feeling. The lyrics have no filter and portray the deep and grimy undertakings of the gang lifestyle. This song connects to Mean Streets as they both represent a life of danger and crime, and most especially how people are out for one another. There is no friendship in the lyrics, nor is there someone to lean back on, as showed in the movie Mean Streets between Charlie and Johnny Boy. Charlie looks out for Johnny and even mentions to Teresa that one of the reasons why he’s staying back is to help his friend out.Thus, the song is a more brutal portrayal of what it is like to be a part of a gang, as opposed to the movie that shows there is loyalty and respect among the members.