If there is one movie that has received a ton of hype this fall it would have to be Bee Movie, with the outside the box advertising that was on each and every one of NBC's primetime shows. A close second would have to be Ridley Scott's American Gangster. This crime drama has had Oscar buzz surrounding it ever since the first trailer reached the big screen, and likely before (I can't remember exactly).
It has a strong Oscar-littered pedigree with a pair of Oscar winners in the lead roles (Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe), an Oscar winning writer in Steve Zaillian, and Oscar-nominated director Ridley Scott at the helm. Not to be forgotten are Oscar winners in editing, art direction, and costume design. Lots of gold among this crew. So, they may not have had quite the incessant advertising that Bee Movie had leading up to its release, but it definitely has more mantel bling. Does that add up to a good movie? Well, yes and no.
The production history is almost as interesting as the movie itself. The story begins back in 2004. Washington was signed to play Frank Lucas and Benicio Del Toro was set to play Richie Roberts. Antoine Fuqua (Training Day) was all set to direct. All of them had pay or play contracts, meaning that they would get paid regardless of whether or not the film was actually made Washington made $20 million and Del Toro $5 million when the plans fell apart and the project was shelved.
Then Terry George (Hotel Rwanda) was brought in to write and direct with Don Cheadle and Joaquin Phoenix in line for the leads. Finally, Ridley Scott was brought in to direct, and Washington was re-signed (and paid another $20 million), with the other lead down to Russell Crowe and Brad Pitt (obviously going to Crowe). There are other interesting notes that show supporting roles targeted for the likes of Ray Liotta, John C. Reilly, and James Gandolfini. It's surprising it got made at all with all that went on.
Now, I am sure you are curious to know what I thought of the movie. You do want to know, don't you? Of course you do!
Let me start by saying that the film is good, not great. There seems to be a lack of any real substance or depth. American Gangster is a fascinating story of true crime, seen through a Hollywood filter. As I sat in the theater, letting the images wash over me, I was completely engrossed by the story that was unfolding before me but when I left I felt a little unsatisfied.
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