The best gangster film ever?

Yesterday the latest the “gangster” genre film hit the shelves when Johnny Depp’ s role as John Dillinger in “Public Enemies” was released. In my opinion, it immediately jumps into the running for one of the best gangster films of all time – maybe not the best, but it’s up there. There have been plenty from the genre, so to narrow it down to an official winner we’re going to need your help. We’ve put together our top five to choose from, so refresh yourself, take a minute to think about it, and give it to us straight… what’s the most badass gangster film?

Goodfellas

The lowly, blue-collar side of New York’s Italian mafia is explored in this crime biopic of wiseguy Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) as he makes his way from strapping young petty criminal, to big-time thief, to middle-aged cocaine addict and dealer. The film explores in detail the rules and traditions of organized crime, while watching the rise and fall of Hill and his two counterparts, the slick jack-of-all-trades criminal Jimmy Conway (Robert De Niro) and the brutish, intimidating Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci). This true story realistically explores the core and brutal reality of the mob. The Oscar for “The Departed” (more on that later) righted an injustice towards Scorsese, who was snubbed for this flick.

Scarface

An update of the 1932 film, Scarface (1983) follows gangster Tony Montana (Al Pacino) and his close friend Manny Ray (Steven Bauer) from their trip on the Cuban Boat Lift for refugees to their arrival in Miami. After killing a powerful Cuban figure, Montana and company gain the ability to leave their refugee camps and roam around the U.S. After unsuccessfully trying to make it legitimately in the country, Montana and Ray resort to selling cocaine to dealers around the world. Tony’s rise is quick, but as he becomes more powerful, his enemies and his own paranoia begin to plague his empire.

The critical response to Scarface was mixed and the film received criticism for its violence and graphic language, but despite that, it did well at the box office and has since gathered a phenomenal cult following.

Casino

This Martin Scorsese film depicts the sensational thrill of Las Vegas–it has a glittering, glamorous face, as well as a brutal, cruel one. Ace Rothstein (Robert De Niro) and Nicky Santoro (Joe Pesci), mobsters who move to Las Vegas to make their mark, live and work in this paradoxical world. Seen through their eyes, each as a foil to the other, the details of mob involvement in the casinos of the 1970’s and ’80’s are revealed. Ace is the smooth operator of the Tangiers casino, while Nicky is his boyhood friend and tough strongman, robbing and shaking down the locals. However, they each have a tragic flaw–Ace falls in love with a hustler, Ginger (Sharon Stone), and Nicky falls into an ever-deepening spiral of drugs and violence.
Another classic from the tandem of De Niro and Pesci.

The Departed

In South Boston, the state police force is waging war on Irish-American organized crime. Young undercover cop Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) is assigned to infiltrate the mob syndicate run by gangland chief Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson). While Billy quickly gains Costello’s confidence, Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon), a hardened young criminal who has infiltrated the state police as an informer for the syndicate, is rising to a position of power in the Special Investigation Unit. Each man becomes deeply consumed by his double life, gathering information about the plans and counter-plans of the operations he has penetrated. But when it becomes clear to both the mob and the police that there’s a mole in their midst, Billy and Colin are suddenly in danger of being caught and exposed to the enemy and each must race to uncover the identity of the other man in time to save himself. But is either willing to turn on the friends and comrades they’ve made during their long stints undercover?
And as previously mentioned, Scorsese finally took home the hardware for this epic film – a much overdue honor. Spoiler alert for the clip below!

The Godfather

What’s a gangster list without The Godfather? Simply one of the greatest films ever made. There really isn’t a flaw from beginning to end and made stars out of numerous 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 relationship between father and sons and Michael’s slow transition from innocent war hero to head of the family were effortless. How many lines can you recite? How many characters do you know? How many times do we philosophize about it? There may never be an equal and all gangster films will always aspire to its greatness.

Ok, so there’s our five. Like I said before, there have been numerous films that fall in this genre, so my heartfelt apologies if your favorite was left out. Now, quit whining about it and vote!

This entry was posted on Thursday, December 10th, 2009 at 12:10 pm and is filed under The Daily Muze.