American Gangster is based on real life criminal Frank Lucas and his rise to the top New York drug game in the Vietnam era. Denzel Washington plays the infamous Lucas in this extraordinary film. Russell Crowe plays Detective Richie Roberts, who successfully brings Lucas to justice, despite warnings from other officers.
For that time, Lucas notoriously introduced the purest form of heroin into New York City. The inner cities witnessed an epidemic of drug use and an increase in crime; this primarily affected minorities.
What was interesting about Lucas’ character was that he never had any interaction with the incredible devastation he caused. He remained a low-key family man, taking care of his wife, mother, siblings, and all of their families. For about one-third of the movie, Crowe doesn’t even know of Washington’s existence, let alone as a suspect.
This movie provided an interesting perspective of a gangster who is typical not portrayed in our films: unknown, humble, and inconspicuous. This film is now playing at the Senator Theater and the Landmark Theater.
For that time, Lucas notoriously introduced the purest form of heroin into New York City. The inner cities witnessed an epidemic of drug use and an increase in crime; this primarily affected minorities.
What was interesting about Lucas’ character was that he never had any interaction with the incredible devastation he caused. He remained a low-key family man, taking care of his wife, mother, siblings, and all of their families. For about one-third of the movie, Crowe doesn’t even know of Washington’s existence, let alone as a suspect.
This movie provided an interesting perspective of a gangster who is typical not portrayed in our films: unknown, humble, and inconspicuous. This film is now playing at the Senator Theater and the Landmark Theater.
image courtesy of: http://www.landmarktheaters.com/
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