American Gangster

Hey Guys,

I recently watched the hit crime drama "American Gangster" by Ridley Scott and starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. I personally thought it was an well done movie with great performances and an unforgettable storyline which may seem outdated but it was cleverly sought out by Scott. What were your thoughts, comments and concerns on the movie?

Hi.
I thought it was okay, not Denzel's or Crowe's best work. BTW if you search in Movies and Television and/or Other Mob Films there are a few discussions on the film.

It was OK. Had the usual revisionist history though.

I just watched AG and I missed some things.

Why did Frank burn his fur coat?

How is it that Cattano escaped prosecution?

When Frank was at Cattano's house, did Cattano threaten Frank into selling to him wholesale?

Frank's plan was to keep in the background as much as possible. His wife wanted to enjoy life a little more and brought him the loud flashy fur coat and hat. That, combined with his extremely good seats at the Ali-Frazier fight (better than some notable Italian mob figures), put him on the radar screen of the police.

IRL the police say they already knew of him but that this incident made them that much more eager to take him down.

So in movie his anger at losing whatever degree of anonymity he had made him burn the coat.

Truth, lies, different stories, exaggerations and fading memories-just like any other crime story..
http://www.chasingthefrog.com/reelfaces/americangangster.php

And yet again an interesting link. Thanks Lilo.

I also came to understand that most of the film is inaccurate, glamorized and exaggerated.

But if you put these things aside it's a very enjoyable film, masterfully told and filmed by Ridley Scott, who's one of the better directors. And Denzel is a very cool and likable guy.

Can't deny it's one of my favorites as it comes to crime films.

Okay. But how did he know or find out that he was now on the radar screen?

It's been a while since I've seen the film but I seem to remember that that night not only did the Russell Crowe character notice him and take some pictures but so did the other (corrupt) police (Josh Brolin??) who stopped him on the way home and either insulted him or shook him down. Unclear on that part but I definitely recall some unpleasant law enforcement contact.

its one of the finest movies of this decade. I still remember i watched the premiere show with my girl friend and i was totally lost in the movie and completely forgotten that i was on date