Luke
stu-kicks
CibbuanoGangs of New York
August 30th 2006 08:11
Gangs of New York (2002)
Okay, I know this blog is called 'Old Movies' but I was getting sick of being restricted. Let's just say this blog is predominantly old movies, with the occasional newer film thrown in. Besides, it's at least 4 years old. And double besides, someone requested this particular review as well.
'Gangs of New York' is a Martin Scorsese film, so you know it's going to be anything but simplistic as far as it's themes are concerned. On the surface this is a film about one boy's quest for revenge, against the man who killed his father. But underneath this you'll find more than a few comments on where the United States of America came from, and, more importantly, where it's heading. I'm not about to get into a debate about American politics though, so on with the review.
A lot of people hate Leonardo DiCaprio. Most of this stems from 'Titanic' (and, to a lesser extent, 'Romeo and Juliet'), so I don't really blame them. I've never really had a problem with Leo though (yeah, that's right, I called him 'Leo', me and him go way back), I thought he was fantastic as the retarded kid in 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape', and he was perfectly cast in ‘Catch Me If You Can’. I have to admit to being less than impressed with 'The Man in the Iron Mask' but 'Gangs of New York' redeems any doubts one may have formed in regards to his acting. He fulfils the hero role impressively, and for those who fear total DiCaprio screen domination, you can be thankful that almost as much screen time is spent with the film's antagonist - Bill 'The Butcher' Cutting (Daniel Day Lewis).
Bill the Butcher
Daniel Day Lewis is amazing. He's a cunt for not making movies that much. I can't imagine anyone not being at least slightly impressed with his performance here. Lewis is a method actor, and an astounding one at that, so I had no problem forgetting that this was just a character on a screen. Such is the extent that he immerses himself in his character that you forget that Lewis the actor exists, and you certainly forget all the other roles you may or may not associate with him. Anyway, I'll stop now, I've wanked on for far too long about him – let’s just say he’s brilliant.
Diaz is annoying, but it's tolerable. The rest of the supporting cast is brilliant - Academy Award winner Jim Broadbent, Liam Neeson, Stephen Graham (Tommy from 'Snatch') and Henry Thomas (the kid from E.T.!), just to name a few, all feature. As expected, the direction is brilliant. There's an epic style to the camera work that complements the saga-like quality of the story. The attention to detail throughout is amazing, all the events of the era are acknowledged and featured to an extent that you feel that this is truly a slice of time.
More than a few people have been critical in regards to comparing this with Scorsese’s earlier work… I think that’s probably a little unfair. Films like ‘Taxi Driver’, ‘Mean Streets’, ‘Goodfellas’ and ‘Raging Bull’ have all had the passage of time after them, allowing for their reputations and classical status to build up. I think ‘Gangs of New York’ is a solid return to form for the director, it’s easily one of his good ones, and only time will tell if it stands up to his other classic films.
Anyway, I've waxed lyrical for long enough. I need to see this again, as there's a lot of themes to be absorbed from this film. Oh yeah, and it's probably important that I also acknowledge how entertaining it is. Quite a few people have remarked on the comic-book quality to the film; I wouldn't take it that far, but it is a colourful and frenzied story. Enjoy.
| 109 |
| Vote |
Subscribe to this blog
Comment by Jay
Comment by Luke
Old Movies
Cane Toad Warrior
It's worth seeing though! Very entertaining.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
The Howard Hughes film lacked in the scripting department and Cameron Diaz was in way over her head.
Cate Blanchett also tried way to hard and lacked the Hepburn spunk. Kate Beckinsdale as Ava Gardner, thats like casting paris Hilton as marilyn Monroe. (ofcourse thats a bad thing)
Leo seemed forced and struggled with this enigmatic mans motivations.
Maybe Ive read to much about the man Hughes. Perhaps my expectations altermeter was set at to high an altitude.
Worth a watch but by no means a shiny jewel.
Comment by Stanley
Comment by Justin
Good film about a subject that's still fairly dusty and dormant in the contemporary eye.