The IRONIES of AMERICAN GANGSTER

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  • Опубліковано 26 чер 2018
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 1 тис.

  • @behindthescreenplay4821
    @behindthescreenplay4821  4 роки тому +116

    THANK YOU FOR ALL THE VIEWS and ENGAGEMENT, since so many of you logged in and watched, I have been hard at work making a new Video about WOODY ALLEN and his BEST MOVIE. So, Stay Tuned!

    • @DigitalDesignET
      @DigitalDesignET 3 роки тому +4

      Just Subscribed, good channel.

    • @voiceitshuzumidemo5845
      @voiceitshuzumidemo5845 3 роки тому

      cant wait for the next one. no email? why?

    • @xxxxbigrich5752
      @xxxxbigrich5752 3 роки тому

      Awesome channel are you still hard at work or hardly working. Hope you're working because I've seen the 3 clips would love to see more. Peace ✌

    • @whyasmek
      @whyasmek 3 роки тому +2

      keep up the great work man, I look forward to your next video!

    • @cadillacdeville5828
      @cadillacdeville5828 3 роки тому

      Damn, just 3 videos on your channel?

  • @anandnairkollam
    @anandnairkollam 3 роки тому +1229

    Frank was the loudest in the boxing arena with that outfit. He went against his own advice.

    • @likilikiki
      @likilikiki 3 роки тому +157

      And it cost him.
      His outfit was how he caught Richie's eye.

    • @rmm3803
      @rmm3803 3 роки тому +69

      Women... can't live without them, etc etc

    • @forickgrimaldus8301
      @forickgrimaldus8301 3 роки тому +20

      Well in reality he was actually the loudest man in the Room.

    • @DorGreen1
      @DorGreen1 3 роки тому +12

      And he knew it full well

    • @80sOutrunFan
      @80sOutrunFan 3 роки тому +29

      And he looked like a clown lol.

  • @TIOLIOfficial
    @TIOLIOfficial Рік тому +87

    For the people who continue mentioning the chinchilla fur coat - Frank didn't want to wear it. It was a gift his wife bought for him and she was the one who pushed him to go out looking rather very eye catching. At one point, he finds out that this is the start to his downfall. It wasn't his own actions that led him to getting caught, but rather the people around him that are clueless, like his wife, or reckless, like his family and brothers, that led to his ultimate demise.

    • @Lecker_Pizza
      @Lecker_Pizza Рік тому +7

      For real, fully agree. In the end the man who had himself, lost himself to the world around him.

    • @josecardenas5424
      @josecardenas5424 11 місяців тому +3

      Demise is too much of a strong word, let’s leave it at “downfall “

  • @bruciekibbutz4698
    @bruciekibbutz4698 4 роки тому +1415

    The loudest one in the room is the weakest one in the room - my favorite quote from the movie, and actually solid advice to live by.

    • @damienholland9244
      @damienholland9244 3 роки тому +50

      That's a very old saying that the movie borrowed. I heard it a long time ago in the 1990s but it's probably thousands of years old.

    • @Tvyasa
      @Tvyasa 3 роки тому +39

      It all depends

    • @555reaper
      @555reaper 3 роки тому +96

      Sounds cool but not true at all, strength comes in many forms in many personalities. Some loud some quiet.

    • @johans7775
      @johans7775 3 роки тому +44

      Generalisations should be avoided

    • @KNByam
      @KNByam 3 роки тому +24

      @Andrew McCall Jr. The point being when you draw attention to yourself you invite jelousy, envy and being that they were involved in illegal activities it will make people question how you obtained your status.

  • @Damar158
    @Damar158 4 роки тому +381

    My favourite ironic moment in the movie was Frank always being very discrete in dress and method, but the one time he flexes his wealth and dresses up with the flashy furcoat his wife gave him and sitting frontrow ahead of even the mobsters, he gets caught.

    • @afterlife101spirit
      @afterlife101spirit 3 роки тому +14

      Defo. I thought that fur coat didn’t suit him, either.

    • @o-wolf
      @o-wolf 2 роки тому +30

      @@afterlife101spirit sigh. the things we do for our women.

    • @el_fantasma_de_jorge_verga4034
      @el_fantasma_de_jorge_verga4034 2 роки тому +12

      @@o-wolf and they are always our downfall

    • @jollygoodgordon5580
      @jollygoodgordon5580 2 роки тому +11

      So basically another man fel by a women. Lol Cus she wanted him to wear it

    • @cheesesteakphilly
      @cheesesteakphilly Рік тому

      @@o-wolf
      Like Deniro in Casino. She kept stealing money to give to her pimp bf.
      Went to his safety deposit box and jacked all his shit, doing cocaine around her daughter and leaving the baby alone while she went for drinks and more cocaine.

  • @trauma4465
    @trauma4465 3 роки тому +331

    “That’s $25,000 Dollar Al Paca !
    You Blot That Shit !!!!”

    • @JimmyTurner
      @JimmyTurner 3 роки тому +9

      To be fair you should blot any carpet stain.

    • @4thePORSCHE
      @4thePORSCHE 3 роки тому +3

      That is what im talking about!!!

    • @JimmyTurner
      @JimmyTurner 3 роки тому +2

      @@inactiveusertypeofaccount181 lol

    • @sickofitall8486
      @sickofitall8486 3 роки тому +4

      Good to see other people appreciate the finest in dialogue!
      Pretty much anytime I have to blot a stain, I say this line in my head in Denzel’s voice.

    • @whateverwhatever4026
      @whateverwhatever4026 2 місяці тому

      My man

  • @JoelHernandez-yl6yw
    @JoelHernandez-yl6yw 4 роки тому +838

    “ I told Frank not to wear that coat, but we all know Frank does what Frank wants”
    - TK Kirkland

    • @Don_623
      @Don_623 3 роки тому +10

      LMAO

    • @justinhopper5941
      @justinhopper5941 3 роки тому +10

      Haha! legendary comment

    • @animalworld5296
      @animalworld5296 3 роки тому +22

      hahahaha yo this TK kirkland comment is getting out of hand.

    • @Chtigga
      @Chtigga 3 роки тому +8

      GladTV

    • @GhostJJJ
      @GhostJJJ 3 роки тому +1

      Lmao 😂😂😂

  • @lazyboyghrol
    @lazyboyghrol 3 роки тому +87

    This was a great summary of the battle between Lucas and Roberts, but it fundamentally overlooks what I would argue is one of the greatest ironies of the film: that Roberts and Lucas are both fighting against corrupt systems by becoming their leaders. Lucas cuts out the middle-man and becomes more powerful than the mafia, only to be cut down by Roberts, a good cop. Meanwhile Roberts takes a stand against corruption in the police force and gets his partner killed, only to be helped in the end by Lucas, one of the most brutal criminals he's ever faced.

    • @TIOLIOfficial
      @TIOLIOfficial Рік тому +1

      I may not remember the movie cause I am rather confused. In what way do you mean that Frank helps Richie?

    • @denzeldavis3311
      @denzeldavis3311 Рік тому

      This was so well done!

    • @andreingramakadjscrewrip7372
      @andreingramakadjscrewrip7372 Рік тому +2

      ​@@TIOLIOfficialFrank snitched on the corrupt police

  • @zlistcelebrityYT
    @zlistcelebrityYT 4 роки тому +1330

    Frank: “The loudest one in the room is the weakest one in the room”
    Also Frank: *wears chinchilla coat and hat to a boxing match*

    • @chongxina1387
      @chongxina1387 4 роки тому +84

      Bullshit in real life dude was a country bumpkin douche. He was loud and obnoxious. His attitude still sucked even into old age. The real Rick Ross said he was a douchebag.

    • @thereisa
      @thereisa 4 роки тому +109

      Yeah, but he didn't want to. It was a gift from his wife and he wore it for her, against his better judgment. He knows that coat exposed him and he burns it.

    • @blackcasanova7
      @blackcasanova7 4 роки тому +86

      @erozpl01 actually it wasn't the coat what exposed him. It was his sit place at that boxing match. He was sitting to close to the ring and even in front of Dominic Cattano (Armand Assante). That's 100 times more suspect than a 50.000 dollars coat.

    • @zlistcelebrityYT
      @zlistcelebrityYT 4 роки тому

      erozpl01 I already knew the story before the movie. That doesn’t change his actions.

    • @solarvalentine4486
      @solarvalentine4486 4 роки тому +27

      He could have said it was just a fake fur. The seat position is what exposed him since he was right at the front. How can you miss someone at the front?

  • @AlkalineAjay
    @AlkalineAjay 4 роки тому +295

    This movie was the last true gangster flick. They don't make them like this anymore. Wasn't romanticized or stylized, rather hyper realistic. Amazing film.

    • @NYCDom
      @NYCDom 4 роки тому +16

      You know The Irishman is our right? Gangster Squad? Much more movies

    • @pacco9532
      @pacco9532 4 роки тому +26

      NYCDom the Irishman is absolutely terrible!

    • @christopherayettey4390
      @christopherayettey4390 4 роки тому +16

      Kinda true
      I prefer this...
      Way better than the Irish man

    • @AlkalineAjay
      @AlkalineAjay 3 роки тому +6

      @potlovingchef14 well that’s obvious... but I’m speaking the stylistic realism... not how much of the story is based in facts

    • @Rrr_558
      @Rrr_558 3 роки тому +4

      @@pacco9532 you wildin

  • @michaeld2060
    @michaeld2060 4 роки тому +321

    “More important than one mans life is order.” Siciliano proverb

    • @fila6243
      @fila6243 4 роки тому +4

      or possibly... sowing disorder? antifa perhaps? throwing useful idiots into the fire to watch things burn? stalin had that part right.

    • @SuperRichyrich11
      @SuperRichyrich11 4 роки тому +4

      It’s true tho ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

    • @SuperRichyrich11
      @SuperRichyrich11 4 роки тому +30

      fil a stfu you brainwashed idiot

    • @504chris
      @504chris 4 роки тому +20

      @@fila6243 i see you're a special kind of stupid

    • @mafia_dave32
      @mafia_dave32 4 роки тому +7

      "3 can keep a secret if 2 are dead . " Siciliano proverb

  • @Collateral0
    @Collateral0 3 роки тому +31

    Also notice that from the very beginning Lucas is brutal and cold. He burns a man alive and then shoots him. He shoots a man in public, and even smashes his own cousins head with a piano. Through all his charisma you can see deep below their is a monster brewing. But he keeps a lid, only using force when necessary. Showing he is calculated and collected about his attacks, he choses when to strike, a true mastermind.

    • @jobsmine
      @jobsmine 3 роки тому

      Not certainly calculated nor masterminds, but he aware of his surroundings and knows how to punish.

    • @94462
      @94462 2 роки тому +1

      @@jobsmine that is being calculated

  • @blaisetelfer8499
    @blaisetelfer8499 4 роки тому +211

    One of the things that makes this screenplay so effective and engaging is that, within the first 15 minutes, the audience is introduced to the economics of the heroin trade and all the characters' roles in it through dialog and character interaction. Without a major exposition dump, you feel the ingenuity of Frank's business model as he's developing it, and understand how he becomes such a dominant kingpin so fast.

    • @egdapo
      @egdapo 4 роки тому +3

      This!

    • @blaisetelfer8499
      @blaisetelfer8499 4 роки тому +3

      Edit: having just rewatched the director's cut for the first time in years, I'd say it's actually the first 30-40 minutes.

    • @finished6267
      @finished6267 2 роки тому

      @@blaisetelfer8499 first 15 if you know how the ropes are lashed.

    • @TonyBambino
      @TonyBambino 2 роки тому +4

      The original screenplay True Blue is better than this and was more in tune with movies like Once Upon A Time In America, The Godfather, etc... While American Gangster is a good movie the cop story line drags it down IMO The cop storyline should not have even shown up in the movie until the last 30 minutes but Russell Crowe wasn't going to play in the movie unless he had equal screen time.

    • @TonyBambino
      @TonyBambino 2 роки тому

      The original screenplay True Blue is better than this and was more in tune with movies like Once Upon A Time In America, The Godfather, etc... While American Gangster is a good movie the cop story line drags it down IMO The cop storyline should not have even shown up in the movie until the last 30 minutes but Russell Crowe wasn't going to play in the movie unless he had equal screen time.

  • @defenstrator4660
    @defenstrator4660 4 роки тому +202

    I found Frank Lucas's character compelling because it was very positive qualities that made him such a good criminal. He was intelligent, conscientious, careful, thoughtful, but still capable of decisive action. With a different life mentor he probably could have become a fantastic army officer or successful legitimate businessman.

    • @chukidee6634
      @chukidee6634 4 роки тому +28

      "he probably could have become" - true, but only in an alternative reality where his race isn't a barrier to success.

    • @micahbenally5139
      @micahbenally5139 3 роки тому +14

      I remember thinking the same thing. He would've made a killing during the 2007 financial crisis slinging subprime mortgages

    • @Homunculas
      @Homunculas 3 роки тому +17

      @@chukidee6634 LOL, Lots of successful black business people the only thing holding people back is the ignorant "gangsta" culture. FACT

    • @lesliegonzalez2858
      @lesliegonzalez2858 3 роки тому +3

      FRANK FRANKLIN Agreed also what he was doing was illegal that was the main factor holding him back. He didn’t go to jail because he was black although he shouldn’t have worn that coat and hat.

    • @KarmaOLF
      @KarmaOLF 3 роки тому +7

      He really wasn’t..this movie is very inaccurate and lucas was a tough kid who could barely read or count . Hollywood painted this inaccurate picture of lucas .

  • @pennyisaround6608
    @pennyisaround6608 3 роки тому +20

    The most beautiful element of this film is the respect.
    Respect when portraying the 2 main characters, mutual respect between the 2, respect in each one's beliefs and lifestyle.
    Truly, a masterpiece.
    Amazing analysis in this video.

  • @enilenis
    @enilenis 4 роки тому +14

    A ton of symbolism in this movie. Both characters have television. One's fancy, the other's most basic. Even lines being spoken on TV are subtext. One buys the best piano without even thinking, the other occupies a church with a piano that probably doesn't even play properly. The film is so full of subtle cues about the connection between 2 men, that they feel connected, despite barely even encountering eachother. 2 men. Doing the right thing for the wrong reason and doing the wrong thing for the right reason. Both experience a revelation. Richie in the court room with his wife, and frank with his mother. Points where both characters realize their imperfections and begin progression to being better men. The movie is beautifully crafted. Well written, well acted, well shot.

  • @joseafalvel
    @joseafalvel 4 роки тому +24

    I love the way the middle point is told by pure visuals, it's not longer an investigation it becomes into a hunting after Frank violates for only once his own code of being smooth.

  • @Ridian98
    @Ridian98 4 роки тому +168

    Only just had this recommended to me ! Man beautifully written and put together. Well above the grade I'd expect from a channel with such low subs, I feel this will take off very soon only 40k views.

    • @madmanmaverick6725
      @madmanmaverick6725 4 роки тому +4

      I hope he notices the attention this video is getting and makes more. It looks like the algorithm gods have smiled on this video

    • @AngieCarr
      @AngieCarr 4 роки тому +2

      I’m saying, then I look to binge on his videos and he’s only dropped 2, IN 2 YEARS!!! WTF!!!

    • @marcosmanuelndongokenve9232
      @marcosmanuelndongokenve9232 4 роки тому +1

      100% agree. Just recommended, click straight. Didn't dissapointed. Well done.

    • @TheRagingNacho
      @TheRagingNacho 4 роки тому

      This is his only video and it’s from 2 years ago😢

  • @contact1araya
    @contact1araya 4 роки тому +85

    I like the ending with him coming out from jail with the rap music....I mean they almost have him run into Nino Brown for godsakes.

    • @erich.2550
      @erich.2550 3 роки тому

      Nino was dead by '91. CMB blew up in '86.

    • @Lioness_Es
      @Lioness_Es 3 роки тому

      Figuratively speaking.

  • @AmbaSnakeman
    @AmbaSnakeman 3 роки тому +25

    I liked the extended acene in the directors cut. It showed the reality, and Danzel diaplayed the confused state very well in that short few minutes.

  • @TheMJKnight
    @TheMJKnight 3 роки тому +44

    That was the most professional detailed analysis I've ever seen of any movie. You deserve more subs.

  • @dickfitzwelliner2807
    @dickfitzwelliner2807 Рік тому +5

    Awesome break down, it brought to light things I never noticed. American Gangster is a really good movie

  • @brianlevine4802
    @brianlevine4802 3 роки тому +5

    My Dad was an Army lifer. My parents divorced when I was 6. In my teens I got in touch with my Dad. When we started hanging out he would take me with him to the bars he liked. In Texas minors can be in a bar with a parent. My Dad never allowed me to drink. He had volunteered for Vietnam."Son,I fought some tough bastards. I'm not going piss off your Mom". He taught me how to read a room. First rule: "Don't worry about the loud guys. Pay attention to the quiet guys". I watched a waitress go to a guy's table with a fresh drink before the old one was empty. She took care of everyone but the quiet man was her focus. He was polite to the waitress and left a tip. No one talked to this man. But the older I got the truer it was. I've seen guys just minding thier own have someone try to "have a little fun" with them. They got put down real quick.

  • @daveyboy_
    @daveyboy_ 4 роки тому +45

    pretty damm cool. You should have mentioned the ultimate Irony that Richie became Franks Lawyer and they remained friends. Check out the interview with Charlie Rose.

  • @ViceVersace
    @ViceVersace 3 роки тому +62

    Moral of the story:
    If you’re a gangster, don’t attend boxing fights.

    • @darthkek1953
      @darthkek1953 3 роки тому +6

      Don't attend them in MINK.

    • @rafdizon8416
      @rafdizon8416 3 роки тому +2

      Tupac agrees (RIP king)

    • @darthkek1953
      @darthkek1953 3 роки тому

      @@rafdizon8416 the same Tupac who shot a child?

    • @stephordless8876
      @stephordless8876 3 роки тому

      @@darthkek1953 No the same Tupac who shoot two racist police officers 😌

    • @jayluis189
      @jayluis189 2 роки тому

      @@stephordless8876 The same Tupac that was shot and killed by his own people?

  • @MrShasteen
    @MrShasteen 4 роки тому +9

    You explained what my attraction is to this movie beyond just the storyline / plot. Thank you!

  • @jonmatrix3153
    @jonmatrix3153 4 роки тому +48

    I always felt that Trupo was the real antagonist. He thru his Special Investigations Unit has Lucas under his control and Lucas wanted to break free from that control.

    • @mstripling86
      @mstripling86 4 роки тому +9

      Trupo was the biggest gangster of them all, he literally had no redeeming qualities to him, just a cold hearted scumbag all around.

    • @dylanfarnum4121
      @dylanfarnum4121 4 роки тому +14

      Trupo is such a lowkey incredible character and an absolute masterpiece of a performance by Josh Brolin. "Pay your bills Frank? Do you pay your bills, I asked you?" Hes a true villain. The way he disrespects Frank's wife and mother when serving the warrant there. And tons of scenes where he doesnt even say anything, but still perfectly performs the scene, like at the end when he spills the coffee on the bed before going outside to sit by the pool, and his hilarious reaction to watching his car explode on Thanksgiving! 10/10

    • @trayslay718
      @trayslay718 2 роки тому +1

      Special investigations unit.

  • @followme3035
    @followme3035 4 роки тому +4

    I appreciate how you broke this down, it provides a whole new perspective on how i viewed the movie and I need to see it again. thx

  • @nolaanderson8770
    @nolaanderson8770 4 роки тому +15

    Absolutely brilliant - analysis with no hyperbole, woven with exogenous example that we all can identify with, and a patient, linear assembly of the points you're making. Organized but above all else, THOUGHTFUL. Bravo!

  • @gusgrau3594
    @gusgrau3594 3 роки тому +12

    “ I was the one that actually introduced Bumpy to Frank.”
    - TK Kirkland

  • @coachcook5754
    @coachcook5754 3 роки тому +6

    I believe that Frank got RR's attention by sitting with Joe Louis in the front row and talking with well-known mobsters. The coat was just a visual indicator. RR mentions his seats in the movie, not the coat. I think a lot of people get this part wrong about the movie.

  • @apb38
    @apb38 3 роки тому +40

    Catering to his wife and greed killed him.

    • @apb38
      @apb38 3 роки тому +5

      @L10 His desire to show his appreciation to his wife by wearing that very expensive gaudy fur coat/"clown suit" is what caused the cops to notice him in the 1st place and of course he coulda stopped what he was doing long before he was caught with money enough to last many lifetimes.

    • @robg8203
      @robg8203 3 роки тому +9

      Killed his career, not him.

    • @blackhawk-editsandmore3654
      @blackhawk-editsandmore3654 3 роки тому +4

      @@apb38 However, the most important factor was, that Frank was a black man rising up in the 1960s/70s. Richie was seeing that too (the other cops didn't). Even without the fur hat and coat, a black man sitting in the front row of a boxing match with Muhammed Ali... It may sound racist but remember the times back than.

    • @apb38
      @apb38 3 роки тому +1

      @@blackhawk-editsandmore3654 Yes, there are many more reasons but movie wise that coat was the catalyst.

    • @blackhawk-editsandmore3654
      @blackhawk-editsandmore3654 3 роки тому +1

      @@apb38 that is true

  • @norwegianwoode6870
    @norwegianwoode6870 2 роки тому +6

    Frank to Huey: You're wearing a suit that says "Arrest Me!"
    Also Frank: Wears a $25K Chinchilla coat to a boxing match and had better seats than Dominic Cattano

  • @rsr3245
    @rsr3245 2 роки тому +5

    The way that this movie was broken down makes me like the movie even more. This was an awesome breakdown and I found out things that I didn't notice when watching the film this is an awesome video!

  • @Alexamdern
    @Alexamdern 4 роки тому +11

    Nice analysis! Would love to see you go through movies like Casino (1994), City of God, There will be Blood, The Prestige, The Big Lebowski, Amadeus and The Deer Hunter.

  • @Rvns556
    @Rvns556 3 роки тому

    I went to his channel to see all the hundreds of videos he had…
    The pain…. Plz make more man. This is one of my favorite videos I’ve ever watched.

  • @DJCrisisUK
    @DJCrisisUK 4 роки тому +4

    The recommendations brought me here and I was not disappointed. Very detailed break down, it made me view the film completely different 👍🏽.

  • @wittafa
    @wittafa 4 роки тому +79

    They should’ve made the movie about Frank Mathews

    • @reimourrpower9357
      @reimourrpower9357 4 роки тому +12

      [edited] Exactly. The Frank Matthews story would still be a good film. AG was supposed to be about Lucas and his mob's ascent in the underworld but the fool Zallian who wrote the script made it more about Richie Roberts which was bullcrap. And Ridley didn't capture one note of 1970's Harlem NYC. All because the studio wouldn't give Antoine Fuqua the $90 million budget he asked for then gave Ridley Scott $150 million to do it.

    • @piciak
      @piciak 4 роки тому +2

      Well they didn't really make Frank Lucas's story anyway. Yes, some parts are accurate but a lot of his character and many of things he did in the movie (most notably the Vietnam trade deal) are base on Mathews, Ike Atkinson and other major black drug dealers of the era.
      Al Profit made some good videos about the topic.

    • @oppisjappatv172
      @oppisjappatv172 4 роки тому +5

      @travis Wow, you must be dense. Frank Mathews got away with everything and didn`t snitch like Frank Lucas

    • @therapheal_2278
      @therapheal_2278 4 роки тому +4

      Frank Mathews has WAY MORE MONEY than frank Lucas

    • @wittafa
      @wittafa 4 роки тому

      #OTF 1 I think the Mob eventually caught up with him

  • @Kugerl2
    @Kugerl2 4 місяці тому

    Absolutely amazing analysis, I didn't deviate or look away for even one second. Fantastic work!

  • @briancooper638
    @briancooper638 2 роки тому +2

    The was deep! Great job on tying everything together, especially the things that we saw but did not see!

  • @Twofirmfeet1024
    @Twofirmfeet1024 3 роки тому +11

    My favorite quote and quote to live by: “f*ck it, lets go” - when discussing going into the jungle

  • @DigitalOdyssey3001
    @DigitalOdyssey3001 3 роки тому +5

    Good post. Denzel has over 10 outstanding performances in his career. A true thespian. He is a legend.

  • @louiethexiii1
    @louiethexiii1 4 роки тому +1

    Yo.... this video randomly showed up in my feed so i watched it while i smoked... and Sir, if all your content is like this... you are definitely on your way! I was glued to this video lol I’m about to watch everything and definitely contribute to your patreon... and that “trading places clip” at the end was brilliant

  • @DingleCerri
    @DingleCerri 4 роки тому

    Checked out your page hoping there was way more content! This is brilliant, don’t stop creating!

  • @SilentKnight43
    @SilentKnight43 2 роки тому +4

    Good insightful breakdown of the movie. Ridley Scott and Denzel did an excellent job of making Frank's character sympathetic - all the while killing people literally...and with his heroin. At the same time he makes Ritchie almost a Serpico type cop with personal faults. I've watched American Gangster maybe a half dozen times and it never fails to be interesting on the many levels you aptly point out. Definitely a tour de force by Washington - by far one of the very best actors in Hollywood these days.

    • @dandaadnad529
      @dandaadnad529 Рік тому

      Honestly I cant even count the number of times I've watched this movie and I feel Denzel didnt get the prizes he deserved. His top 3 performances imo and he always brings the best out of the directors

  • @ashishgurungchinesebro101
    @ashishgurungchinesebro101 4 роки тому +18

    My man. You ironified me.

  • @MegaMeco2
    @MegaMeco2 2 роки тому +1

    Very well done. This is one of my favorite movies and even though I have seen this movie about 20 times I have never considered this. It went right over my head

  • @MontyRaeSp8
    @MontyRaeSp8 3 роки тому +2

    This was a GREAT video essay.

  • @jorgebranchi1862
    @jorgebranchi1862 4 роки тому +51

    I love this movie... i watched like 1000 times!

    • @a.demifemiflapo5795
      @a.demifemiflapo5795 4 роки тому +5

      Idris Elba was incredible "You gonna shoot me? In front of everybody? Huh? Come on!" *bang*

    • @blaze6477
      @blaze6477 4 роки тому +3

      @@a.demifemiflapo5795 "there you go. 20%"

    • @a.demifemiflapo5795
      @a.demifemiflapo5795 4 роки тому +3

      @@blaze6477 "Bumpy don't own 116th no more. Bumpy don't own no real estate in Harlem. I'm the landlord and the lease is 20%"

    • @StreetDrilla
      @StreetDrilla 3 роки тому +1

      @@a.demifemiflapo5795 that scene was hard for me to watch. He gets treated nice by a civilian woman in the coffee shops goes to someone, shoots im in the forehead and i just felt like vomiting when seeing the bullet in his head

    • @a.demifemiflapo5795
      @a.demifemiflapo5795 3 роки тому

      @@StreetDrilla They hate each other and Idris Elba's character owes him so I guess only one course of action

  • @Chris24_
    @Chris24_ 5 років тому +10

    Amazing work 👌🏻

  • @victorrain
    @victorrain 4 роки тому +2

    Please keep making these! Great job!!!!!

  • @marcus_N_kendra
    @marcus_N_kendra 3 роки тому +2

    That was impressive, the best breakdown of a movie I've ever seen

  • @quadders9198
    @quadders9198 4 роки тому +197

    Ok I am all for film analysis but this whole analysis incorrectly uses the concept of irony when several other character traits are more relevant, ie contradictory, paradoxically. Major omission is the concept of Crowe's character being Jewish, he is an outsider in a New York police dept that is probably majority Irish Catholic or Italian. Him being an outsider leads him to act differently, to refuse a bribe, to investigate a case differently, he knows being Jewish in the police in force in the 1970's means he isn't trusted, isn't part of the team, so he makes his own team of fellow outsiders (which this analysis didn't cover). It isn't irony that Crowe's character is a good cop but bad father, it is a character flaw not irony. It also isn't ironic that Washington's character is low key, he defines himself in opposition to the brash Italian gangsters by being invisible, by knowing that having the power is more important than having superficial wealth. Interesting analysis from this channel but on this occasion I have to disagree.

    • @mackychloe
      @mackychloe 4 роки тому +4

      I agree.

    • @FrankLucas-pw5hs
      @FrankLucas-pw5hs 4 роки тому +3

      totally agree

    • @jdlc903
      @jdlc903 4 роки тому +11

      Are you jewish?or someother minority?
      This type of analysis sounds very....identitarian...

    • @commentcopbadge6665
      @commentcopbadge6665 4 роки тому +3

      Okay sure but...Why male models?

    • @quadders9198
      @quadders9198 4 роки тому +32

      @@jdlc903 I'm not Jewish but that's irrelevant to the analysis. Did you NOT notice that Frank is black? If you did does that make you an identitarian. It would be crazy to pretend you can't see that Frank is black and became the biggest gangster in New York in the 70's! Or do you not see colour? I'd argue gangster films are all about the characters ethnic background, if I say the Godfather, what do 99% of people think?? Italian Americans. If i said Scarface most people think of Cuban exiles, Carlitos Way Puerto Ricans. Gangs themselves are specifically about ethnic group identity. And how many cop films are about the same, Irish cops etc. Identitarian implies unnecessary insertion of ethnic politics, if this was sesame street then I'd agree, but it isn't, this is messy reality.

  • @TexasBoyRob
    @TexasBoyRob 3 роки тому +3

    Man this was a very well put together video! Enjoyed every minute!

  • @195516Z
    @195516Z 4 роки тому

    Just discovered this Behind the Screenplay. Love it. I will look for more.

  • @philipwheeler864
    @philipwheeler864 5 місяців тому

    Wow, I really appreciated that video - insightful for me! Thank you

  • @ShitKid1337
    @ShitKid1337 4 роки тому +11

    Wow i thought i was watching some established 1m + subbed channel here, great stuff!

  • @pipingyourmama
    @pipingyourmama 4 роки тому +20

    I wish I could find the uncut film. The edited version just abruptly ends when he gets out of prison.

    • @AD-mp6wl
      @AD-mp6wl 3 роки тому +1

      Fmovies

    • @daveyboy_
      @daveyboy_ 3 роки тому

      But it on DVD

    • @nervousnorvous3325
      @nervousnorvous3325 3 роки тому +3

      @@daveyboy_ lol This guy actually buys movies. let's all point and laugh at him.

    • @daveyboy_
      @daveyboy_ 3 роки тому +4

      @@nervousnorvous3325 well if the guy wants the uncut version this is the best way to do it , that way you own the movie .

    • @nervousnorvous3325
      @nervousnorvous3325 3 роки тому

      @@daveyboy_ Still a waste of money

  • @ReganInfamous
    @ReganInfamous 4 роки тому

    Man your content is amazing.
    Very happy to have found your channel,subbed and liked.
    Cant believe you tube only recommended this to me in 2020..
    Keep it up.

  • @danieldabella4869
    @danieldabella4869 3 роки тому

    Subscribed, liked, and thoroughly enjoyed the analysis. Channel is massively underrated.

  • @skyesthelimit2010
    @skyesthelimit2010 3 роки тому +7

    Very Insightful!!

  • @Oz521
    @Oz521 3 роки тому +31

    “The ironies of American Gangster” : The End.

  • @Joshtheman991
    @Joshtheman991 4 роки тому +1

    This is great content !! Hope you make more videos man

  • @maxclough6599
    @maxclough6599 3 роки тому

    Nice work, man. Enjoyed your take on breaking it down...

  • @jewulo
    @jewulo 3 роки тому +4

    That was an amazing analysis. They are both gangsters.

  • @kamita509
    @kamita509 4 роки тому +16

    The most movies decipher ever done

    • @eljefe4883
      @eljefe4883 3 роки тому

      wow, i'm short of words

  • @stevemanson2165
    @stevemanson2165 3 роки тому

    Just subbed been looking for new and exciting new UA-cam channels that cover these things thanks man

  • @Guitarisforgrins
    @Guitarisforgrins 3 роки тому

    Really well put together!

  • @robertm3951
    @robertm3951 4 роки тому +6

    In real life Ike Sgt Smack Ackenson was the one who smuggled drugs from Thailand on military planes, Frank Mathews ran Harlem, and Frank Lucas ran Newark NJ.

    • @ShadowTetsuo9999
      @ShadowTetsuo9999 4 роки тому

      That’s what he says, it’s he say vs he say at this point

  • @b.g.3073
    @b.g.3073 4 роки тому +4

    THAT'S ALPACA. YOU BLOT THAT SHIT!

  • @LeMeilleurr
    @LeMeilleurr Рік тому +5

    The most hilarious and ironic fact is racism is what got Frank caught, they saw a black man in a mink and was like” aw HELL nah wtf he doin!?”

  • @GenoSinnett
    @GenoSinnett 3 роки тому

    Your research and dialog and your voice...... You do amazing work. I love that movie. Having been around during that time its spot on!

  • @MrDidier11
    @MrDidier11 Рік тому

    Mannnnn. This is fire! Great production.

  • @warri9
    @warri9 3 роки тому +31

    that's life tho, we are all not perfect but yet we judge each other.

    • @davidmitchell3997
      @davidmitchell3997 3 роки тому +2

      @W G I disagree. Yes nobody's perfect but there's a reason people judge each other. If there's wasn't a reason then people wouldn't be judging their government or religious infrastructures. That whole "we all human" talk gets played out quickly nowadays especially if you're still considered 3/5 of a human being (yes that law still a thing) to the rest of world like black people are! Likewise, here's a quote from my one of my favorite scholars:
      "If you do not understand white supremacy (racism). What it is, and how it works, everything you understand, will only confuse you." - Neely Fuller Jr.
      PS I'll assume that the rest of my comment may not make sense to you right now but study the era that American Gangster was set in and maybe you might possibly understand!?

    • @gwappo4852
      @gwappo4852 3 роки тому

      True

    • @warri9
      @warri9 3 роки тому

      @@davidmitchell3997 So what is the reason?

  • @nympho25
    @nympho25 4 роки тому +6

    1969 to 1975? That's very very short run don't you think?

    • @phillycardshark9257
      @phillycardshark9257 3 роки тому +3

      That's a lifetime in the game.
      The longer you stay...the more dangerous it gets.
      In my narration voice... "I believe a rotund rapper, out of what locals call, Bedstuy do or die AKA Brooklyn NY...one Biggie Smalls, or Notorious BIG, said it best...Mo money...Mo problems.

  • @rcald-gz5jd
    @rcald-gz5jd 4 роки тому

    *Behind The Screenplay* Thank you for producing this video. I really enjoyed it.

  • @SuperLapplander
    @SuperLapplander 3 роки тому

    This was a nice 14 min of my day. thank you!

  • @ernielarkin4793
    @ernielarkin4793 4 роки тому +5

    You said, "den of inequity"
    Nice man. No one talks like that anymore.

  • @Dirk80241
    @Dirk80241 Рік тому

    Wow, very insightful analysis of American Gangster. Thank you!

  • @Nick-lu5sg
    @Nick-lu5sg 4 роки тому +4

    This is one of the best true stories out there. I definitely would of loved to have seen him get away with all this... one of type of movies where the villain should of won, hands down

    • @Kruppt808
      @Kruppt808 4 роки тому +2

      he did win. he poisoned his people for years, had people killed, made millions, didn't do alot of jail time in relation to his crimes and became famous again after he got out. for a major crime boss, that is as close to "winning" as it gets. Look at most of the bosses in the mafia for instance........

    • @crazy75able
      @crazy75able 2 роки тому

      You might reconsider your morals if you really mean what you wrote. Also, getting 15 years for crimes he commited is a fking joke

    • @OK-yy6qz
      @OK-yy6qz 10 місяців тому

      ​@@crazy75able in real life it wasn't even 15 years. It was 5 years (reduced from 70). And he got an additional 7 years sentence a few years afterwards when he was caught trying to sell drugs again (despite having Like 65 years left on parole he wasn't forced to serve it)

  • @therealb888
    @therealb888 4 роки тому +13

    What happened to you?! This channel started out like a gem!. I expected you to be an experienced youtuber with no less than 53k subs if not 530k subs! But here you are with 53 subs!

    • @snow-man2931
      @snow-man2931 4 роки тому +1

      Right ? What happened?

    • @carolincas
      @carolincas 4 роки тому +1

      @@snow-man2931 yeah, what the hell?? this was a great channel.

    • @aldjix
      @aldjix 4 роки тому

      Right?? Where did all the content go?

  • @andrewtravis
    @andrewtravis 3 роки тому

    Great Movie Essay! Wishing for more!

  • @hyperboi87
    @hyperboi87 3 роки тому +2

    That was a brilliant breakdown, I enjoyed it too to end

  • @faceman7966
    @faceman7966 3 роки тому +3

    My favorite part in this masterpiece is when they finally come face to face outside of the church

    • @verawallace9055
      @verawallace9055 3 роки тому

      Yep I love both songs inside the Church, and the other song in the scene that you mention, great Hymns

  • @boastyy
    @boastyy 2 роки тому +3

    I read this info online and found it interesting:-
    In 1981, after five years in custody, his 40-year federal term and 30-year state term were reduced to time served plus lifetime parole. In 1984, he was caught and convicted of trying to exchange one ounce of heroin and $13,000 for one kilogram of cocaine. He received a sentence of seven years and was released from prison in 1991.

  • @BerosusNL
    @BerosusNL 3 роки тому

    You need way more views and subs my man. Thanks for the narration on this. Its good shit.

  • @scarletozzy8937
    @scarletozzy8937 3 роки тому

    this was very well put!

  • @capote4779
    @capote4779 4 роки тому +20

    I dated a girl who 40 yearls later i learned was an escort while we were in college. Not that i care but that hoar better not look at me sideways ever

  • @housemane7686
    @housemane7686 4 роки тому +5

    Peewee Kirkland was the biggest heroin kingpin in NYC and was alot more powerful than Frank Lucas also he got drafted to the NBA but didn't accept because there was more money in the dope game

    • @Lioness_Es
      @Lioness_Es 3 роки тому

      And he should not be looked upon as some kind of martyr. He made that choice which ended up killing a lot of his own people. There's nothing to brag or be proud about in being the biggest drug dealer.

  • @kemita
    @kemita 4 роки тому

    Great video. Thank you for making it.

  • @pluto2397
    @pluto2397 2 роки тому

    One of my favourites, great breakdown

  • @mariantheplug920
    @mariantheplug920 3 роки тому +3

    Denzel ia one of the best in this thing in the last 20 years.....He make the best natural angryness but in a greatest nicest way possible....he does not have a competition in that type of acting...nothing similar...maybe keanu but is not the same

  • @fotpjusto457
    @fotpjusto457 4 роки тому +6

    How is it ironic that the CEO of an organization is highly disciplined whether the business is illegal or legal? Theres nothing ironic here, it's just life. And the cop is human, not everyone is a perfect Dad or Husband.

  • @gerardmorton8517
    @gerardmorton8517 4 роки тому

    definitely painted a picture of this movie I never even noticed...thank you made this movie that more enjoyable.

  • @flipsvaldes8325
    @flipsvaldes8325 4 роки тому

    Great breakdown , I subbed, really greatly done

  • @standafan4141
    @standafan4141 4 роки тому +7

    I got the DVD in the UK and the scene with the café latte is not deleted.

    • @raoulduke8794
      @raoulduke8794 4 роки тому

      Weird, I thought you guys famously had censored versions of movies

    • @standafan4141
      @standafan4141 4 роки тому

      @@raoulduke8794 some movies indeed. When there is sex in it. Like Caligula's British version is ridiculous. The Continental European version is like hardcore porn. But going back to today's cinema, directors are often asked to shoot two or three different endings. Room 1408 has two main endings which are radically different. The biggest issue was To live and die in LA where the director refused to shoot a different ending. It cost the producers a lot of money cause the audience didn't like the ending. Since then, there are at least two different endings in a lot of movies.

  • @zerocool3394
    @zerocool3394 4 роки тому +4

    True that he did cover up a murder cause he died I forgot abou that. To many dirty cops

  • @rodneyhutchinson8127
    @rodneyhutchinson8127 4 роки тому

    First video I watched, enjoyed commentary very much.

  • @thuurmans
    @thuurmans 3 роки тому +1

    Great analysis.

  • @vvblues
    @vvblues 4 роки тому +16

    Denzel Washington: Best Actor of all-time, period.

    • @Louey_
      @Louey_ 4 роки тому

      Alright he's good in this but he's highly overrated it's like Jim Carey same shit over and over always the tough guy no range

    • @MrSosa35
      @MrSosa35 4 роки тому +2

      @@Louey_ Denzel and overrated don't belong in the same sentence not sure how many of his movies you've watched if you think he plays the same roles you need to dig deeper into his catalogue!

    • @skipper4126
      @skipper4126 4 роки тому +1

      all time is a long time. He's a great actor and definitely one of the best of his generation, but you really want to say he's better than Tom Hanks? That man has incredible range and the awards to back it up. Denzels one of the greatest, without a doubt.

    • @Samir-il4ky
      @Samir-il4ky 4 роки тому +1

      my top 5: 1. Anthony Hopkins, 2. Al Pacino, 3. Gary Oldman, 4. Daniel Day Lewis and 5. Robert De Niro

    • @MrSosa35
      @MrSosa35 4 роки тому +1

      @@Samir-il4ky That's a decent list!