Where does one start with Ridley Scott? The guy is a master technician, his films are immaculately executed and shot, but what was the last film of his that you really cared about? “Blade Runner”? “Alien”? Sure “Blackhawk Down” and “Gladiator” are arguably strong movies, but do either really resonate with you deeply?
Perhaps this is a subjective argument, the problem with “American Gangster” more than anything is that it’s less a story than it is a “movie” (and make sure the quotations are in place). In expertly acted, directed, shot, edited, executed, scored; it’s airtight – but it’s also overcooked, often tediously long (it’s a 2 half hour movie that felt like 3 hours +) and a little soulless. It would be nice to see Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe try on meeker characters for once that aren’t just lions barking at the top of their kingdoms. Sure their performances simmer before the storm too – this is what these guys do, And yes, this is what you pay to see them do, but it can’t help but feel like serious, furrow-browed, steely performances that you’ve seen all too often from these guys.
Based on a true story (do people really care either way?) Denzel plays Frank Lucas, one of the most notorious gangster drug dealers in Harlem in the 1970s who went straight to the source to score his heroin during the Vietnam war. Crowe plays detective Richie Roberts a righteous man with little wiggle room. But ah, the contradictions! Denzel is the family man with the heart of gold who’s actually a ruthless badass drug dealer and Crowe is the morally high-road cop who won’t take money; but when it comes to the ladies, well, he give his principles some leeway (wow, both people come in two opposing flavors! Imagine that.) Pardon our skepticism, but two-notes are supposed to feel that much more fleshed out than one?
‘Gangster’ is grave, epic and at times brutal (the harrowing drug depiction is especially wretched, but not necessarily unlike other junky scenes you’ve witnessed), but you don’t ever feel any real emotional investment in any part of the story. You’re entertained sure, you’re told a big story and you get greed, ruthlessness, love, betrayal, redemption, etc., the stock traits of any good gangster movie, but there’s little to really sink your teeth into. Ridley Scott might be a master, but he’s also the master of anonymity. Any other classic 3-4 top dogs (Ron Howard comes to mind) could have directed this film and it likely wouldn’t have been much different. “American Gangster” isn’t a bad movie in the least, it’s extremely well crafted, but there’s also nothing especially memorable and resonating in it either aside from a few scenes (keep in mind Washington and Crowe have very little screen time together).
The rappers are fine. Every time you see T.I. or Common next to Denzel it’s kind of like watching a cat play with his mouse that’s in an inquisitive mood rather than being hungry. RZA fares a bit better and seems a bit more assured, but all of their roles are small and almost negligible. Will Crowe, Denzel and maybe Scott guys grab nominations? Probably, but again, we’ve seen it all before in varying degrees.
Washington really told EW that signing on for the role of “American Gangster” was a “smart business” move and he’s right, but where’s the art? Or at the end of the day is at all about the Benjamin’s and the slam dunk award nominations? Ridley Scott makes great movies, we’re just not sure he makes great films. [-B]