How Daniel Day-Lewis can push a film to Greatness

Rating: 7/10 (3 March 2016)

Gangs of New York has arguably the most mixed legacy of any film directed by Martin Scorsese. The premise is an intriguing one, a battle over the 5 points in NY between those of the mainland and Irish immigrants set in the 1860's. Whilst many people love its scope and authenticity, many have a strong distaste for its weak characterisations and messy dialogue. I'd say I'm in the former category though I can certainly see the films varied faults. As well as those things, what really makes the film work is assured directing by Scorsese and simply an incredible performance by Daniel Day-Lewis.
The story smartly weaves together a large scale battle, a revenge tale and real-life historical events (including the NY City Draft Riots). Scorsese is great at telling these kind of hard edged stories and considering how much is being told it really is excellently crafted, nothing feels forced and it all fits together rather seamlessly. The real focus is where it should be on the personal tale of revenge as Amsterdam Vallon gains the trust of crime boss William ''The Butcher'' Cutting, who he intends to kill for murdering his father. It is relatively simple but given the other ideas that the film is trying to bring in and its massive scope, this 'small' main story makes a nice anchor for the film as a whole. It does have slow parts and it does meander at times for little reason, but never to the point where the main focus is lost.
I actually really enjoyed how the historical aspects were used in the film and they never felt forced or contrived just to suit the plot. Everything that happened felt like it made perfect sense. There is a genuine tension to the film that makes everything taking place seem more important and there was a real sense of conflict between the two warring factions. Scorsese directs with his usual finesse. He knows how to give you the action up close and make the dialogue appear interesting which is useful give some of the stodgy lines dotted around. The production values are very high and the sets all look extremely authentic, with clear care taken to create such detail. Howard Shore's score was also nicely melodic and held many memorable compositions.
The action is as brutal as you would expect it to be. It is very gritty and dirty, while Scorsese shoots it all expertly by placing us within the battle sequences instead of watching it from afar. The opening battle in the snow is especially vivid and beautiful to look at. I will say though that the climax is somewhat messy. Considering the films intensity and the constant tension between the two main characters, the pay-off is a little underwhelming as they just have a small fight then that's it.
On to the best feature, Daniel Day-Lewis as Bill the Butcher. This performance is superb from beginning to end and it's almost impossible to take your eyes off him when he is on screen, this is one of the most interesting characters in modern cinema. Day-Lewis does it all he makes Bill menacing, humorous, aggressive, at times downright terrifying and all with a distinct accent. Yet at the same time many of his ramblings actual have a point and you kind of begrudgingly respect him for never backing down. It is a role that dominates the screen wonderfully and Day-Lewis was certainly robbed of an Oscar for it. Leonardo Dicaprio (in his first of many team ups with Scorsese) is just okay as Amsterdam. He is believable and captures the conflicted nature, but the character simply isn't fleshed out all that well and to be fair that is because he isn't written especially well. His accent wanders too much as well, he can't decide whether he's a New Yorker or if he's Irish. Cameron Diaz isn't as bad as you'd expect, but she doesn't leave much of an impression and her role is sort of bland as a result. Of the rest of the cast Brendan Gleeson and John C. Reilly show up irregularly but with little to do, however Jim Broadbent makes for a fun Boss Tweed.
Despite its issues I do have a soft spot for Gangs of New York. Most of that comes from the way this story is told and how Scorsese handles it, keeping the focus on its main plot while allowing us to see the bigger picture and the impressive authenticity in creating the atmosphere of the time. That said Day-Lewis is the real star here with a performance that really drives the film forward and manages to go in every direction without becoming unfocused, with Bill the Butcher rightly becoming a famed modern cinematic character as a result of that. It certainly isn't among Scorsese's best work and there are a variety of minor flaws that do threaten to drag the film down, but I think the things it is good at are things that is extremely good at and its a film that remains gripping despite its sheer size.