American Gangster (2007)


THE SCOOP
Director: Ridley Scott
Cast: Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Josh Brolin, Ruby Dee
Plot: In 1970s America, a detective works to bring down the drug empire of Frank Lucas, a heroin kingpin from Manhattan, who is smuggling the drug into the country from the Far East.
Genre: Crime / Drama
Awards: Nom. for 2 Oscars - Best Supporting Actress, Best Art Direction
Runtime: 157min
Rating: M18 for violence, pervasive drug content and language, nudity and sexuality.
IN RETROSPECT (Spoilers: NO)
Ridley Scott is finally back with a clenched fist. After the disappointing medieval war epic,
American Gangster tends toward the style of Scorsese’s Goodfellas, rather than Francis Coppola's The Godfather. It nitpicks on the ugly life of a mobster, rather than paint a romanticized portrait of one. Denzel Washington plays Frank Lucas, a black real life drug criminal, who was released from prison nearly two decades ago. If not for his Oscar-winning feat in Training Day,
Russell Crowe, a Scott favorite, has to be contented with a supporting role. He excels in being a moody police detective who goes by his own rule of thumb when solving crimes, a flashback to the days of L.A Confidential. Scott's direction is unbelievable; he's steady and confident though the first fifteen minutes show signs of panic. The scenes are edited too quickly, and the introduction underdeveloped. We must be thankful that the rest of the film is tip-top.
The cinematography is attractive, with great shots of 1970s
Verdict: One of the best films of 2007, this is Ridley Scott's absorbing take on the crime saga.
GRADE: A
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