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- Denzel Washington Is the American Gangster
- Ridley Scott’s Approach to American Gangster
- A No-Nonsense Gangster
As a film enthusiast with a keen eye for directorial style, I must say that Ridley Scott is a master of his craft. His ability to delve deep into the emotional core of a story and present it in an engaging and thought-provoking manner is truly commendable.
Considering the many great movies Denzel Washington has been in, one can’t be blamed for forgetting one of his most underrated. American Gangster, Ridley Scott’s crime epic co-starring Russell Crowe and Josh Brolin, might have been lost in the shuffle of all their stellar careers, but that doesn’t make it any less engaging as an epic tale of power, even 17 years later.
The film, titled “American Gangster“, presents the captivating tale of Frank Lucas, a true-life drug kingpin from America, who masterfully infiltrated heroin shipments onto planes returning from the Vietnam War. Director Ridley Scott creatively reimagines the gangster narrative by embedding it within its historical context and enriching it with African-American cultural elements, offering a unique perspective seldom seen in this genre. This collaboration between Washington and Scott is considered an underestimated peak in their careers, as they skillfully blend conventional gangster storytelling with subtle nods to the genre, resulting in a familiar yet refreshingly original narrative. What makes “American Gangster” stand out? What sets it apart from other gangster movies? Here’s what you should know:
Denzel Washington Is the American Gangster
Without a doubt, Denzel Washington is undeniably one of the most enthralling actors of his time, and he skillfully transforms “American Gangster” into a formidable character. The understated power that Washington exudes in films such as Malcolm X and The Equalizer takes on an extraordinary level of intensity here. Interestingly, it’s the calmest individuals who can sometimes appear the most menacing and pose the greatest threat. This certainly applies to Washington’s portrayal of Frank Lucas – a gangster who maintains a facade as a businessman but will brook no disrespect from others.
If an apparently tranquil person conceals a volatile nature, Washington is the perfect actor to bring that balance to life. Unlike traditional gangster films that rely on stereotypes, American Gangster maintains a rigid narrative structure, choosing its moments to surprise and captivate like the character Lucas – meticulous yet unpredictable.
In a casual and understandable manner: Everyday affairs are never considered ordinary by Washington, because he doesn’t view them that way either. His straightforward attitude both unnerves and reassures, making people think they know what to expect from him, but only when necessary. Denzel Washington’s most impactful roles often exhibit a chilling blend of the bright and the ominous. For instance, the Equalizer series re-established Washington in the limelight and reunited him with his director from Training Day, Antoine Fuqua. In both these films, Washington portrays a similar sense of impending danger as he did in American Gangster.
Ridley Scott’s Approach to American Gangster
The movie “American Gangster” is often associated with Denzel Washington, but it’s Ridley Scott’s skillful direction that truly binds the narrative together. Scott, known for his diverse body of work, excels when he captures the raw emotion within events, a trait not all directors appreciate. Some tend to add complexity unnecessarily, but Ridley Scott creates films centered around professionals navigating unanticipated circumstances.
Ridley Scott’s career has been nothing short of captivating, boasting masterpieces such as “Alien” and more recent works like “House of Gucci”. Yet, even when he stumbles, a Ridley Scott movie is always powerful in the raw emotions it portrays. The atmospheric storytelling in “Blade Runner” and the intense feeling of isolation in “The Martian” show that Scott is an exceptional director for delivering a hard-hitting gangster story with a perfect blend of emotional depth.
The film “American Gangster” effectively conveys feelings of cultural estrangement and national anxiety through its unique backdrop, combining Vietnam and America. Lucas’ wealth generated from the Vietnam War creates immediate discomfort, as an African-American character is seen prospering in a nation that is both at odds with its adversaries and his community.
In “American Gangster,” director Ridley Scott reinterprets a traditional gangster narrative, delving deeper into the hidden layers of an international conflict that mirrors a domestic one, specifically the racial discrimination and injustice endured by African-Americans. This movie adds depth to its genre, enriching it with a raw, unapologetic portrayal of race and identity issues, long overdue for representation.
A No-Nonsense Gangster
The film “American Gangster” presents a unique and morally complex portrayal of its true-life tale, one that may spark debates about accuracy but paints the African-American criminal and entrepreneur as someone striving for the quintessential American aspiration.
Beneath the discerning gaze of Ridley Scott, Denzel Washington infuses his characteristic solemnity into the criminal underworld, delivering a profound portrayal that regrettably hasn’t received as much acclaim as it merits. The film American Gangster, while not entirely reinventing the genre, nevertheless presents one of its more complex narratives, offering an overdue depiction of the struggle for power among African-Americans amidst oppression and prejudice.
If you’ve already enjoyed classics like “The Godfather,” “GoodFellas,” and “Scarface,” then you might find a unique twist with “American Gangster.” Unlike the over-the-top portrayals of Italians, this film delves into the raw realities of systemic disadvantage, racial bias, and the darker aspects of American society. In essence, it offers an alternative perspective on the American identity. And guess what? You can catch it streaming on Netflix!
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2024-09-20 00:01