GANGS OF NEW YORK (2002) / *** 1/2
Directed by Martin Scorsese. Screenplay by Jay Cocks, Steven Zaillian and Kenneth Lonergan, based on a story by Cocks. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis, Cameron Diaz. Running time: 168 minutes. Rated AA for blood letting and nude scenes by the MFCB. Reviewed on January 6th, 2003.
By SHANNON PATRICK SULLIVAN
Synopsis: In 1863, the Five Points area of New York City is ruled by the vicious Bill the Butcher (Day-Lewis). Young Amsterdam Vallon (DiCaprio) arrives, seeking revenge against Bill for the murder of his father. Amsterdam unexpectedly becomes Bill's friend, and finds himself falling for another of the Butcher's proteges, pickpocket Jenny Everdeane (Diaz). But as New York heats up in the wake of the controversial Civil War draft, Bill and Amsterdam head for an inevitable confrontation.
Review: The teaching of history is never so interesting as when you don't even realise it's happening. Such is the case with "Gangs Of New York", which on a superficial level is simply the story of a man seeking revenge. Look more deeply, though, and Scorsese's film is a study of the melting-pot society of nineteenth century New York. The conflict between Amsterdam and Bill the Butcher is really just a parallel for the innumerable struggles out of which -- almost astonishingly -- modern New York City emerged. As might be expected, Scorsese is uncompromising in his portrayal of the era. The New York of "Gangs" is every bit as violent, dirty and bewildering on film as it probably was in reality, and the real people Scorsese co-opts for the movie, like corrupt politician Boss Tweed (Jim Broadbent), come across as genuinely complex individuals. None is more riveting, though, than Day-Lewis as Bill, both a murderer and a statesman, who somehow manages to radiate an aura of tarnished nobility despite his foulness. In comparison, DiCaprio is less interesting as Amsterdam, despite turning in a measured performance: the depth of characterisation is simply not there. But if "Gangs Of New York" is remembered for anything, it will surely be that it serves as a brilliant testament to the city which Scorsese unmistakably loves above all others.
Copyright © 2003 Shannon Patrick Sullivan. Archived at The Popcorn Gallery, http://www.physics.mun.ca/~sps/movies.html
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