Move over Scarface

By popular demand I’ve set out my full review of American Gangster which was press screened last night…

The telling of this extraordinary tale based on the true story of 70’s drug kingpin, Frank Lucas who uses his incredible business acumen to forge a criminal empire that rises above the mafia, is relayed in an almost steamroller like fashion. Firstly the movie is directed by Sir Ridley Scott, secondly it features a masterstroke in casting in that it stars Denzel Washington as Lucas and Russell Crowe as Richie Roberts the Detective who will ultimately bring him down.

Whilst the tale could have been heavily weighted towards Lucas as his story of how he used the coffins of dead Vietnam soldiers to transport heroin into America is fascinating in itself, Scott chooses to segue between the lives of the two main characters. Their backstory is expertly told and we quickly establish that whilst they might be on opposite sides of the law both Lucas and Roberts have many things in common. Relentless, ambitious, quick witted and focussed are several traits they share and as scenes are introduced they paint a picture of two men who like them or love them are ultimately flawed.

The opening scenes serve as a taster of the carnage that will ultimately ensue as we are given several pointers as to Lucas’ frame of mind. After setting ablaze (a subtle nod to Man on Fire perhaps?) an adversary who has been bound and gagged Lucas is determined to do a thorough job and so empties his gun on the unfortunate recipient. However, it is the chilling warning that Lucas issues to a family member that underlines his ruthlessness when Lucas warns him not to double cross him as he’s a very busy man who has little time to attend the funerals of relatives.

Crowe delivers an equally mesmeric performance and his portrayal of Roberts is understated to the point of brilliant. Essentially a good cop, a fact underlined by his refusal to pocket part of a million dollars in drug related money both he and his partner stumble upon he does also reveal flawed aspects of his character as he works his way though several women in the first 45 minutes of the movie whilst trying to hold onto a relationship with his son and estranged wife.

There are several set pieces and obvious nods to various movies of the same genre the most obvious of which is Scarface. The movie features an incredible soundtrack which is well used and never dominates each scene. What was refreshing to see, however short, were the superb performances from Brit actors Chiwitel Ejiofor and Idris Elba both of whom are used exceptionally well. Cuba Gooding Jr, is superb and, against type, delivers a flamboyant interpretation of drug merchant Nicky Barnes.

Fans of both Crowe and Washington will not be disappointed as the movie, like their performances, is flawless. Michael Mann’s Heat with it’s showpiece scene in which De Niro and Pacino face off in a diner is also deconstructed here. Instead of just paying homage both Crowe and Washington seek to reset the bar which they do to great affect. American Gangster is a master class in acting, pacing and story telling my only criticism would be at 156 minutes perhaps it could have been a little longer.

So are you excited about this movie yet or what? Let me know and you could win an iPod Nano.