A snapshot of organised crime, the problems of demand and supply of narcotics amidst waning Mafia influence, the power of Afro-American criminal gangs and police corruption.

Rating: Null/10 (29 December 2009)

To categorise his film as a gangster thriller only equates it to the vast run-of-the-mill types that litter Hollywood history. Rather, it's rightful place is amongst the pantheon of epic crime dramas that are distinguished by setting, acting performances, visual style, fashion and direction, in exploring the American Dream against the backdrop of a momentous period in U.S. history. American Gangster follows the rise and fall of Frank Lucas, erstwhile driver to a Harlem crime boss; but Ridley Scott’s direction is in effect a snapshot of the history of organised crime in the U.S. – in particular the problems of demand and supply of narcotics amidst waning Mafia influence, the growing power of Afro-American criminal gangs, and police corruption in the 1970s. Crowe’s portrayal of a pariah cop in his own precinct whilst locked in a custody battle for his son is profound. The look and feel of the Big Apple in the seventies, from inner city New Jersey to the rundown projects of Harlem, its diners, restaurants and nightspots, vehicles, fashion and music is a master-class in cinematography and art direction. Above all, Washington’s performance in the lead role is outstanding from a startling opening sequence to the end of Lucas’ reign. Scott is also very subtle in his use of reportage of the Vietnam war on TV in the background, the ringside seats at Madison Square Gardens for Ali v Frazier, and Nixon’s declaration of an end to combat operations in Vietnam, all of which has a significant bearing on the plot.