Daniel Day-Lewis steals the show

Rating: 9/10 (28 December 2002)

I wasn't sure exactly what to expect when I went to see Gangs of New York. I only knew what actors I'd be seeing and had only a vague idea of what the story was going to be from the trailers I'd seen on TV. But now, after seeing the movie two days ago, I realize just how much of a masterpiece Martin Scorsese has put together with this movie, and I'm even more glad that he didn't create it back in the early 80's casting The Clash, as there's no way it could have lived up to what this movie ended up being in 2002. But as good as the movie was, it would have been well short of the masterpiece it is, were it not for Daniel Day-Lewis' performance as legendary gangster Bill "the Butcher" Poole (Bill Cutting, as he is referred to in the film). Don't get me wrong, Jim Broadbent plays an excellent Boss Tweed, and greatly resembles the legendary NY political boos, too. Cameron Diaz and Leonardo DiCaprio frankly don't give outstanding performances, but they give solid ones. The supporting cast provide characters you really feel you know by the end of the film, especially John C. Reilly and the brief but important "Priest" Vallon played by Liam Neeson. However, it seems as if the whole movie revolves around Day-Lewis, whose character overshadows all else. From the moment you see his "Butcher" walk on screen, you can't help but feel his character's power. He barely seems human; he walks like he's on stilts and wears a cartoonishly-large top hat, but all for a purpose. This makes his character seem larger than life, as well the character should seem. Anyone who remembers the honorable hero Day-Lewis played in 1993's The Last of the Mohicans will barely recognize him here. All in all, this movie is well worth the trip to the theatre. The dialogue is witty and sharp, the sets incredible, the ensemble cast convincing in their roles, and the cinematography brilliant. But make no mistake, the chance to see Day-Lewis in one of the best performances in cinema history is alone a good enough reason to see Gangs. Don't let this one pass you by. 10/10.