When you think of concepts that define “American”, things like baseball, apple pie, muscle cars and mainstream pornography spring to mind. But we must include another category: the classic American gangster film. In honor of that tradition, we came up with a list of essential films that transcend the genre.
The Untouchables
Brings a whole new meaning to “batting clean-up”. Some of the scenes were laughable — much like Connery’s ATTEMPT AT AN (Does that clear it up for people, he was playing an Irish character)English Irish Accent — (thanks Josh), but the movie was shot well and DeNiro was excellent as usual. Al Capone is a not only a legend in mafia lore but also an icon that exemplified the American Dream, albeit through violent and illicit means. Nevertheless, he captured the imagination of the American public and this movie maybe be the best portrayal of the man they called “Scarface”.
State of GraceCan you go wrong with a crazy Gary Oldman (wait…that’s pretty much all his movies), a solid Sean Penn and the steel-jawed Ed Harris? We think not. Darkly shot and richly acted, this gritty Irish mob tale gave us a great story of family and betrayal, not to mention sparked the fire between Penn and his current wife Robin Wright. Seriously, we envy this guy: first the Material Girl and then Princess Buttercup.
Get ShortyElmore Leonard’s adaptation of a Hollywood loan shark trying to break into movie producing produces genuine laughs and admiration for a revived Travolta. This was his second showing after playing the now-legendary role of Vinny Vega in Pulp Fiction (no relation) that relaunched his career. The dialogue is full of wit and humor and boasts a robust cast including Danny DeVito, Rene Russo, Gene Hackman, and James Gandolfini.
Mean StreetsThe second of six showings for DeNiro on our list is his earliest role and possibly — after a young Vito Corleone — his strongest. Throw in a similarly youthful Harvey Keitel and you cannot miss. Though flawed in many ways, “Mean Streets” shows us a Scorcese on the verge of stardom who would continue to keep us coming back for more with every succeeding film.
Donnie BrascoJohnny Depp and Al Pacino have amazing chemistry in one of Pacino’s few roles where his penchant for over-acting was held in check. Depp’s innocence and subsequent descent into the underworld was beautifully portrayed — his versatility, charisma and instincts as a screen actor go underappreciated. Few other contemporaries have his ability to lose himself in a role so completely: seeing only the character, not the man playing it, is the hallmark of superb acting. (cf. Cate Blanchett on the women’s side.)
Why on earth doesn’t he take on more similar, serious roles instead of constantly teaming up with Tim Burton for colorful caricature movies? (Though it’s true we loved Edward Scissorhands. Willy Wonka, not so much.)
Carlito’s WayTrue, Al Pacino’s Carlito was a memorable performance, but who could forget John Leguizamo as Benny from the Bronx? Add Viggo Mortenson, Luis Guzman and an Afro-styled Sean Penn and we have one for the ages. How many of us have crooned the line:
“You think you’re big time? You’re gonna f#$%in’ die big time!”?
Priceless!
SnatchGuy Ritchie’s sophomore junior effort (thanks Nathan) was especially hip with its cockney-tongued Irish/Gypsy (thanks K) Brad Pitt gives us a rich (and sweaty) performance as a gambling boxer with a steel chin. Grisly and disturbing at times, it still resonates with its closing revenge scene that brings much satisfaction to the viewer.
We also want to mention that watching this flick makes us wish Benicio del Toro did more movies, because despite the relatively small role as Franky Four Fingers, no one could play a Hasidic Jew diamond thief better. (See also a mumbling Fred Fenster.)
The Godfather Part 3The only installment in the franchise that did not take home the best picture award (although it was nominated) didn’t just ride on the coattails of its predecessors: it was a great film on its own merits. But once again, Coppola cast a female role poorly — in this case, his daughter Sofia — which leaves a whole lot to be desired.
The film is much-maligned in comparison with the overwhelming success of the first two installments but we’re convinced the story is solid and portrays the final chapter of the Corleone family with admirable tenderness and grace. The hot-tempered Andy Garcia made us believe that he really was the heir-apparent to the Corleone throne as James Caan’s bastard son and his evolution from fiery youngster to competent don was so effortless we hardly noticed it was happening.
Just when we thought we were out of the gangster movie game, Coppola pulls us back in!
Once Upon a Time in AmericaSergio Leone’s gripping and extremely long tale of the origins of the mafia in America is led once again by Robert DeNiro and an all-star cast. At a shade under four hours, be prepared with lots of popcorn and soda and leave the loved ones with attention deficits at home. No movie on this list, even the king sitting at the top, may be more faithful to details and atmosphere. From beginning to end, the film draws you into the spectacular sets and powerful dialogue.
CasinoFantastic epic about Ace Rothstein and Nicky Santoro who revolutionized Vegas while destroying those around them. DeNiro and Pesci make an amazing team which is probably the reason they have been cast together in, oh, about 400 films. No one (with perhaps the exception of Tarantino) mixes tremendous scripts, colorful wardrobes, glorious soundtracks and magnificent direction to make a balanced film as well as Scorcese.
PaybackMel Gibson stylizes one of the classic characters in modern films in this intrepid and dark gangster drama. The whole movie is shot in shades of blue which lends realism to its mood and delivers the goods in terms of “coolness”. The premise is hilarious as the anti-hero goes after the bad guys for the monumental sum of… uhhhh… $80,000 $70,000? (thanks Travis) Watch this movie and tell me: when you have rooted more for such an ignoble character?
True RomanceWritten by Tarantino and directed by Tony Scott, this love story is cast by a who’s-who of nineties’ stars and features an unforgettable scene by Patricia Arquette and James Gandolfini in his pre-Sopranos days. In virtually every shot there is a cameo of some sort from an actor who would become famous in the near future. (We don’t want to give up the names because it is more fun to watch and recognize them.) Outside of “Pump up the Volume”, Christian Slater has never been better, although we do have a weird thing for “The Legend of Billie Jean”.
Reservoir DogsWhat do you get when you mix seven gangsters, a undercover cop and a score gone wrong? A work of art that has inspired countless projects since and made a star out of Quentin Tarantino. Most of the movie takes place in an abandoned warehouse, and outside of the main characters the cast totals about three. Make no mistake: it is not for the faint of heart, but it features one of the most compelling scripts ever produced.
Mr. Brown: Yeah, yeah, but “Mr. Brown”? That’s little too close to “Mr. S#%t”.
Mr. Pink: Yeah, “Mr. Pink” sounds like “Mr. P#$$y”. Tell you what, let me be Mr. Purple. That sounds good to me. I’m Mr. Purple.
Joe: You’re *not* Mr. Purple. Somebody from another job’s Mr. Purple. You’re Mr. Pink!
and:
Mr. Pink: You kill anybody?
Mr. White: A few cops.
Mr. Pink: No real people?
Mr. White: Just cops.
I am stopping right now to watch it again.
Lock Stock and Two Smoking BarrelsGuy Ritchie brings the goods in this complex, twisty urban London crime thriller. With tons of laughs, quirks and unforgettable characters — not to mention some indecipherable British accents — it may need a few screenings in order to get the full scope of the film. The movie created a whole new world of British slang and introduced us to Jason Statham and Vinnie Jones.
The Usual SuspectsBrian Singer directs this stunning crime thriller with a solid cast and shocking conclusion that had the water cooler buzzing for months. How this one missed out on major awards was beyond most of us, but at least Spacey took home the gold (it may have been a supporting role, but it stole the show). The cast was phenomenal and Singer was amazing in direction, but Christopher McQuarrie’s script is once in a lifetime.
Pulp FictionA massive and brilliant film that that may be rivaled only by #1 on this list in terms of a gangster films. Reviving several careers (not just Travolta’s — what was the last thing you remember Uma Thurman doing?) and launching others (this was Sam Jackson’s big break), it brought a whole culture of lingo and slang into popularity. In terms of pop influence, this one may top our list. The story is told on a backward timeline that is brought together at the satisfying conclusion.
Although Travolta got the Oscar nod, Samuel L. Jackson’s monologue in the beginning may be one of the best ever. Also featuring Tim Roth, Eric Stolz, Ving Rhames, Patricia Rosanna Arquette (thanks Ccrow) and a small cameo by Steve Buscemi.
The DepartedScorsese finally took home the hardware in this 2006 remake of 2002’s Infernal Affairs. Jack Nicholson was vintage, DiCaprio was sinfully good and Damon and Baldwin more than delivered. The musical score was perfect and the dialogue was brilliant. Can we say more? Yes: what an ending! After the initial shock wears off, it has you wanting more.
(Some argue that this was a make-up after Goodfellas failed to take home the bald statue, but we feel that it is epic film making in its own right.)
Goodfellas
From beginning to end this film leaves you awestruck. The characters, the vocabulary, the power-driven performances and the directions took on a life of their own and gave us one of the best films in the last quarter century. Pesci and DeNiro were never better and Ray Liotta is excellent as the lead, but it may have been Paul Sorvino as Paulie that brought it all together. The director’s band of mafioso thugs delivered better than ever and we should be thankful this movie is in our lives. (OK, that may be a little strong. But did we mention we like it?)
The Godfather Part 2Here is where the controversy begins (in our minds, at least). Many feel the second was better than the first, but we defend its spot here. It was lengthy, sure, and too dark at times (literally, not figuratively — though we hear the Blu-ray brings out a whole new world), but at the same time massively luminous in its depth and scope. Even smaller support roles the likes of Bruno Kirby, Lee Strasberg and a young Dominic Chianese (Uncle Junior from the Sopranos) left us clamoring for more.
No one will ever forget the moment that Michael figured out who betrayed the family and the tragic decision he makes as a result. All in all, a classic that would be top five on any list.
The GodfatherWhat can we say? The greatest film ever made, with an emphatic period, was at its heart not concerned with a vivid portrayal of gangsters or violence, but a tale of family drama spanning two generations.
There was not a flaw from beginning to end and the film made stars out of several of its actors. From the immortal Marlon Brando, to Al Pacino, James Caan and the legendary John Cazale, this family lived and breathed with us for the last forty years and no matter how many times you watch the movie, it never grows old. The film’s greatest strength revolves around the relationship between father and son(s) as it tracks young Michael’s gradual, inevitable transition from innocent war hero to family don. Vito Corleone’s only wish was that his beloved youngest son not follow in his footsteps: And so it was that the pained look on Brando’s face upon waking from his coma and learning of Michael’s tragic fate conveyed silent volumes of anguish, heartbreak, fear and loss.
Like all masterpieces, this film endures in our memory long after we’ve watched it. How many lines can we recite? How many characters do we know? How many times do we philosophize about it? There may never be an equal and all films — gangster or otherwise — will always aspire to its greatness.
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