American Gangster DVD
Ridley Scott, director of such works of genius as Alien (1979), Blade Runner (1982), Legend (hey I liked it) (1985), Gladiator (2000), Black Hawk Down (2001) and the list goes on, brings his latest masterpiece to DVD American Gangster. American Gangster is skillfully done with every shot. The very first shot we see is of Frank Lucas, played by “my man” (it’s a movie reference not a homosexual undertone) Denzel Washington, burning a man alive until he falls over then finishes him off with two bullets. This does so much for character development. In those opening two minutes of film we already see and know that Lucas is not a man to be messed with and that he is ruthless. He will do anything and everything he has to do to get ahead in the business. Every single shot in this movie has purpose and that is a great achievement by the director.
The very well driven plot revolves around two men rising to power in 1970’s Harlem, Frank Lucas and Det. Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe). After his long time mentor passes away Lucas takes over the business of “taking care of” Harlem. But what’s different about Lucas is his intelligence. He doesn’t do things the normal way. He thinks what many of us do, how can I cut out the middle guy. But he not only thinks it, he does it. Lucas finds away to buy and ship in pure Heroin by himself in a way that’s pure genius. And with his stuff so pure and so cheap, he quickly corners the market in drug sales in all of New York.
In a very crooked time in America’s police forces, Det. Richie Roberts is one of the few legitimate cops left on the street. After proving himself by turning in one million dollars in unmarked bills, Roberts is chosen to head up New York’s first narcotics division of the force. And so begins the battle of cat and mouse. What happens when their paths cross? Will Lucas escape the clutches of Roberts?
This is story telling at its best. Ridley Scott takes a true story and turns it into cinema gold. There are many subplots that will have the audience attached to these characters and something incredible may happen, Washington plays the role so well that some may end up cheering for the villain. It is an absolute delight to see two actors of such dynamic quality in the same picture as Crowe and Washington. While they don’t have many scenes together their presence on the screen is outstanding.
While taking place in the 70’s, it’s important to look at the sets and notice all the hard work that was put into them. Sets and location are one of the most underrated aspects of film these days and when something comes along that takes you back thirty five years you might want to look around and see history come to life. The sets are so vivid that the Academy gave American Gangster a nomination for Best Art Direction.
If you are a fan of gangster/mob movies or just a lover of all genres, American Gangster is a must see. The plot moves nicely and it may take more concentration than most films, but the reward is being enthralled for two and a half hours. It has been nominated for 21 awards including two Oscars. Rent this movie with confidence and enjoy.
–Andy Gates
american gangster, denzel washington, russell crowe, ridley scott, dvd, movie, frank lucas
