I also think it was interesting and innovative that Scorsese gave lots of time to gangsters' declining years--something you don't see in other films. But,did anyone else (beside me) come to the conclusion that Sheeran had no redeeming qualities whatsoever? That scene where the priest asks him if he has any remorse for his victims and his families was appalling. So was his feeble explanation to his daughter for his behavior. Michael Corleone tried something like that near the beginning of III, when he shouts at Kay: "I protected my family from the horrors of this world." And Kay nails him: "But you became my horror."
I agree TB about the aftermath of the gangster life not getting enough attention. At least Michael Franzese elaborates on it in his VLAD interviews. In fact, in another post I pointed out that Michael/Frank juncture which saw them both making excuses and alone and unloved. Even as a child, Peggy's instincts were right on target regarding her father.
