Denzel Washington is an American Gangster

Denzel Washington is an American Gangster

Your opinion of American Gangster will depend on what you are looking for. If you are one for a refreshing organized crime drama then you will definitely enjoy this story of the rise of small time hustler to heroin kingpin bigger than mafia. Those looking for a 'good guy' versus wicked cruel 'bad guy' scenario however might be left in a moral dilemma. Set In the backdrop of marginalized and economically deprived Harlem, American Gangster is the story loosely based on the life of Frank Lucas.
This gripping drama stars Oscar winners, Denzel Washington as the ruthless business minded drug dealer Lucas and Russell Crowe as Detective Richie Roberts a man determined to bring down the Lucas drug empire.
You cannot help but like Frank Lucas. With designer tailor made suits, He has a swagger that exudes sophistication and power yet still managing to be inconspicuous. Lucas is a charming family man and gangster with the state of mind a business executive. Yet there more to Lucas than what meets the eye, he is cold-blooded killing anyone who stands in his way.
The storyline of American Gangster moves smoothly alternating from Frank Lucas’s life to that of Richie Roberts. The cutting from one story to the other enhances the sharp contrast between the two main characters and exposing an underlining irony that continues in the whole film. The film juxtaposes the organized life of Lucas against that of Roberts. Unlike Lucas Detective Roberts is a scruffy womanizing detective with a dysfunctional marriage. He is trying to balance his job where he is hated because of his incorruptible nature, law classes and a child custody case. Russell Crowe is a good actor and nails the determined detective but you do not feel his love for his son. Herein lies the irony, we can’t help but sympathise with Lucas the 'bad guy' but and though we see the determination and honesty in Roberts it is just not compelling enough to stir up emotion
As much as the juxtaposition contrasts Lucas and Roberts, the film also manages to depict the one common characteristic the both man share. That is a strong work ethic that can not be compromised.
Denzel Washington is dazzling in his portrayal Frank Lucas, successfully achieving the balance between the wicked and unremorseful cold bloodedness of the gangster and the compassion that is evident in this dark person. This makes us view Lucas on multiple levels.
The film also has a variety of other experienced actors. Brilliant British actor Chiwetel Ejiofor stars as one of the Lucas brothers. Ejiofor who has grown in leaps and bounds is steadily establishing himself as a bankable player in Hollywood. Oscar winning Cuba Gooding Jr makes the most of a minor as Nicky Barnes. The scene between Barnes and Lucas is compelling encapsulating Lucas’s grasp of business. Rappers Common and TIP also make up the cast as member of the Lucas family. Their performances are nothing to write home about but they but they hold their weight amongst seasoned actors. Ruby Dee who stars as Mama Lucas earned her first Oscar nomination for best Actress in a Supporting Role.

The star-studded cast is directed by Oscar nominated Riddley Scott who has directed critically acclaimed movies such as Thelma & Louise, Gladiator, Black Hawk Down and kingdom of Heaven. American Gangster sees Scott working for the first time with Denzel Washington and for the third time with Russell Crowe. Scott and Crowe have worked together on the Gladiator and A Good Year.
I applaud the film. It is entertaining showing a scenic Harlem. In addition to composer Marc Streitenfeld’s score the movie sound track features 60’s and 70’s period songs which enhances the authenticity of the period. There are only two new vocal songs, performed by soul singer Anthony Hamilton's in a 1970s style.
The film how ever is too long and you find yourself waiting for the film to end. This is because film tries to tell two stories concurrently in one film.