American Gangster: Review

Ridley Scott, already an accomplished director by any measure, can confidently mark another notch in his belt with the recent release of the brilliant American Gangster. Featuring ferocious performances from Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe, American Gangster fires on all cylinders, working almost impeccably for its full 2 hour and 40 minute runtime. In doing so, it can rightfully claim a place alongside the other classics of gangster cinema, no mere feat given the abundance of films released in the genre. While it may not reach the levels of the first two parts of The Godfather trilogy, it is a worthy heir to their legacy, a gritty, blood soaked epic that's as entertaining as can be.

Based on the true story of Frank Lucas, who more or less controlled the Harlem heroin trade in the late 60's/early 70's, the film spans about a decade but never feels too big for its own grasp. Rather, the screenplay, by Steve Zaillian, is a model of narrative efficiency, telling the expansive story while keeping the focus intimately on the characters at hand. Instead of allowing the film to spiral out of control, it sticks tightly to Washington and Crowe, moving the film quickly, without unnecessary diversions and tangents.

Washington, as Lucas, is tremendous, contributing a charismatic yet terrifying portrait of a man with almost infinite power. Its not like Washington's talent has ever been questioned, but here, he is particularly exciting, inhabiting the role with a reckless abandon. While Lucas may be an larger than life figure known equally for his quiet cunning as his violent outbursts, Washington never oversells the part, resisting the urge to overact his scenes. Rather, the pitch and energy of his performance is perfect, reminiscent of his best work in Spike Lee's vastly underrated Malcolm X. He envelopes the screen, stealing every scene he is in.

That claim is truly saying something, given the pedigree of the supporting cast here. Lucas' opposite on John Law's side of the drug conflict is Det. Richie Roberts, who is brought to life by Russell Crowe. Easily one of the most consistent and reliable actors/stars in film today, Crowe nearly matches Washington's work, only falling short due to the fact that his character is given less to work with. Compared to Lucas' conflicted life, Roberts is given the role of a noble cop caught in a corrupt system. To say that this type of character has been done before is obvious. It is a testament to Crowe that the character feels as fresh and new as it does.

It could be said for the rest of the cast here. No character is an eye popping original, all have been covered before in the extensive history of the American gangster film. However, the cast gives themselves entirely to the material, molding the parts into something worth watching for another two and a half hours, despite the fact that they may seem familiar. Legendary Ruby Dee, as Lucas' mother, is splendid, pushing the doubts out of her mind despite knowing her son is providing her with the riches through illegal means. She is a strong woman who has raised a family full of independent, ambitious boys that are strongly devoted to her. The film also continues Josh Brolin's massive year, with a strong performance from the son of James. He has turned into a able character actor that brings a certain vitality to each of his roles.

As most gangster films do, American Gangster has a tendency to over empathize with its criminal heart but its use of dueling protagonists in Washington and Crowe move the heart of the film closer to a moral center. As a result, it is never as over the top in its criminal depictions as, say, Scarface, nor as notably reserved as The Godfather trilogy. Instead it splits it in the middle, a gleaming terrifically entertaining piece of pop filmmaking, something that has become a Ridley Scott signature. As professional of a commercial director as one can get, Scott has also become of the most reliable workers in Hollywood today. Even his underrated (see the Director's Cut instead) Kingdom of Heaven has moments of spectacular filmmaking. His resume continues to grow and with American Gangster, he can add another hit to his work.

American Gangster is probably not for everyone. Many will find it too violent, claiming that it glorifies the lifestyle that Lucas took part in and to an extent, those critics would be correct. However, that type of shortsighted vision completely looks over the obvious talent and skill on display here, making the 2 and a half hours fly by. Sometimes, a film only needs to offer an escape to another world, and in this case, maybe escape isn't the best case; descent may ring closer to the truth. Either way, American Gangster gives a glimpse into a life that none of us will live, bringing a vibrant and entertaining look at 1970's Harlem to the big screen with a vicious, daunting and unforgiving energy that is, quite frankly, impossible to deny or overlook. Mark this as a must see if you live for the seedier side of life.

****