In the vast expanse of Ridley Scott's illustrious career, spanning various genres, American Gangster emerges as one such attempt to delve into the world of gangster epics, with the ambition to rival the likes of The Godfather and Scarface. However, unlike these timeless classics, American Gangster ventures into the realm of real events. The screenplay, crafted by Steven Zaillian, draws inspiration from Mark Jacobson's article “The Return of the Superfly,” which chronicled the life of Frank Lucas (1930–2019), a significant figure in organised crime during the early 1970s in New York City.
The plot begins in 1968, introducing Frank Lucas (played by Denzel Washington) as a loyal driver and lieutenant to Bumpy Johnson (played by Clarence Williams III), Harlem's charismatic crime boss. Following Johnson's untimely death from a heart attack, a power vacuum emerges, inviting various small-time gangsters and outsiders, including the Italian Mafia, to vie for control. Lucas seizes this opportunity to inherit and expand Johnson’s empire by capitalising on the Vietnam War. His cousin Nate (played by Roger Guenver Smith), serving in Southeast Asia, provides Lucas with access to opium and heroin from the Golden Triangle. Lucas's audacious plan involves securing a deal with Burmese warlord Khun Sa (Ric Young) for 100 kilograms of heroin, which he smuggles into the United States using military planes transporting fallen soldiers. This innovative method allows him to flood the market with “Blue Magic,” a product that is both purer and cheaper than that of his competitors. As Lucas's empire grows, he amasses wealth and social status, marrying glamorous Puerto Rican beauty Eva (Lymari Nadal) and mingling with New York City's elite, while at the same time managing to secure good relations both with Mafia and corrupt policemen. However, his success attracts the attention of Detective Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe), New Jersey policeman whose unwillingness to take bribes made him part of federal anti-drug task force that would ultimately bring Lucas down.
Despite its substantial budget and impressive cast—including Russell Crowe, one of Scott’s regular collaborators—American Gangster often appears lacklustre when compared to the iconic gangster films it aims to emulate, as well as many other entries in Scott’s own filmography.
A significant issue arises from Scott’s apparent indecision about whether to create a straightforward biopic or a quasi-nostalgic period drama that pays homage to the irreverent blaxploitation films of the early 1970s. This confusion undermines the film’s impact; while it is filled with violence and exploitative elements such as female nudity, it ultimately comes across as cold and unimaginative.
Similarly, Steven Zaillian grapples with how to portray Frank Lucas. The character is depicted as an intelligent and visionary crime lord who seeks his version of the American Dream through illicit means. Yet, this portrayal is complicated by the violence and suffering his actions inflict on countless individuals addicted to his heroin.
To counterbalance this portrayal of Lucas, Zaillian introduces Roberts as a more conventional protagonist; however, their interactions are sparse until the film’s conclusion. This lack of connection diminishes the potential for a compelling dynamic between them. Furthermore, while Lucas is depicted as a devoted family man, Roberts is shown as a womaniser whose infidelities contribute to his messy family life. This juxtaposition muddles the film's message about morality and integrity.
One unexpected source of disappointment lies in Denzel Washington's performance as Frank Lucas. While Washington typically delivers compelling portrayals, here he appears somewhat disinterested in his role. In contrast, Russell Crowe carries much of the emotional weight as Roberts, delivering a nuanced performance that highlights his character's ethical dilemmas amidst rampant corruption. The supporting cast includes several rappers seemingly included to attract younger audiences; while they contribute solid performances, they do not leave a lasting impression.
Despite achieving solid box office success, American Gangster received mixed reviews from critics. Some pointed out historical inaccuracies and creative liberties taken in depicting both Lucas and Roberts' lives—both men expressed dissatisfaction with how their stories were portrayed on screen.
Nevertheless, Scott directs with enough skill for American Gangster to rise above mediocrity. The film’s cinematography captures the gritty essence of 1970s Harlem effectively; however, it ultimately falls short when compared to contemporary television dramas like The Sopranos and The Wire, which have tackled similar subject matter with greater depth and sophistication.
In conclusion, while American Gangster presents an intriguing narrative rooted in real events and features strong performances from its leads, it struggles under the weight of its ambitions.
RATING: 5/10 (++)
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