Free market gangster style!

Rating: 8/10 (19 September 2014)

American Gangster stars Denzel Washington as a crime lord Frank Lucas, and Russell Crowe as honest cop Richie Roberts. As the film opens Frank Roberts, a long time driver and confidant to a black New York Mob boss takes over the operation as the then boss dies unexpectedly. At that time, Frank was dealing with the New York Italian crime family serving as a middle-man in the distribution of a cut rate product (Heroine). Frank has an epiphany one day watching television, hearing of the drug problems prevalent amongst U.S. Soldiers serving in Viet Nam and Thailand. He enlists the help of a cousin (a soldier) stationed in Viet Nam to contact the Heroine supplier directly, hence cutting out the middle man (Italian mob). Quickly becoming the consummate businessman, enforcing a strict code of ethics and honesty and loyalty with-in the organization. Employing family he employs a no room for errors style of doing business. Richie Roberts is an anomaly, an honest cop swimming alone in a sea of corruption. He is quickly alienated by fellow officers when he turns over almost a million dollars he finds in the process of a bust. An law-abiding cop, he is soon enlisted by a federal drug task force to fight crime in the city. Meanwhile, the human side, his wife sues Richie for custody of his son. The reason, absenteeism. Too much time fighting crime, a dilemma for an honest man. Ultimately he accepts the position and leads the task force soliciting the help of other honest cops, the battle begins.
This films theme; supply and demand, buying direct, cutting out the middleman and selling a superior product at discounted prices. Even in the world of drugs and thugs the lesson holds true, now and then. The film employs a variety of techniques successfully. Including; panoramic views of the city, and close up shots of action. Including direct and indirect sounds; trains, horns, steam emanating from the streets, and one that stood out in my mind. The sound of gas slowly poured it on a lost soul...the spark of a lighter...the sound of gas igniting...poof! Followed by a volley ofshots putting his victim to rest. The beginning of a great ride in thelife of New York Cities gangland.