September 16, 2004

Gangster No. 1

Now that the Olympics are over and I've stalled in the reading of literature, my Netflix subscription is no longer going to waste. I am now getting to the movies that have been waiting me to view for over 2 months.

Last night, I watched Gangster No. 1, with Malcom McDowell (A Clockwork Orange, Hidalgo, Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius) portraying Old Gangster and Paul Bettany (A Knight's Tale, Master & Commander: The Far Side of the World, Wimbeldon) portraying Young Gangster.

Malcolm McDowell .... Old Gangster 55
David Thewlis .... Freddie Mays
Paul Bettany .... Young Gangster 55
Saffron Burrows .... Karen


The story follows the life of a young man (Bettany) who joins the gang of the infamous Freddie Mays aka The Butcher of Mayfair (David Thewlis) in 1968 and his subsequent rise to the top of the organized crime chain.

The acting in this movie was superb! I can't believe Paul Bettany wasn't nominated for anything for this movie. He is so freaking intense and scary, yet at the same time, you see his vulnerability and low self esteem. Malcom McDowell is equally as intense and vulnerable as the older version of Bettany's character. David Thewlis was excellent as Freddie Mays. You got the idea that he'd kill you just as easily as he'd kiss you. It was a little odd seeing him play a "bad guy" since the only other thing I'd seen him in was Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban as Professor Lupin.

The storyline got a little dry in places. When the gangsters are all just handing around and talking, it gets a bit boring. Also, character development isn't a big thing. There's no background on the Young Gangster, so you really have no idea why he's so intent on taking over Mays' operation. The cinematography was a bit jumpy in places but the acting pulled you through.

I will warn you though. This is a VERY violent movie. I mean, I'm not squeamish when it comes to blood and hacking off body parts and stuff (unless said body parts are broken and sticking out at wrong angles) but this was making me a bit uncomfortabe. That's why it's getting 3 halos (for the acting) and 2 pitchforks (violence, dry writing/storyline).

Posted by xinh at September 16, 2004 09:32 PM