Gangs of New York thoughts and discussion
 

I don't feel there are any large spoilers below in this post, but after the film is released there will probably be many plot details involved in the discussion.

I am a huge Martin Scorsese fan and had very high expectations walking into see Gangs of New York and I am happy to say they were met and exceeded.

Gangs of New York is truly an incredible film and, I feel, a landmark. As movies are moving more and more towards CGI, this film may be one of the last to actually recreate an entire city the old fashioned way - and the results are simply breathtaking. Watching the film you feel that it is actually taking place in the points, not on a set in Rome.

Beyond the incredible backdrop that Scorsese created everything about this film excels. Its story is an incredible retelling of a rarely heard part of American history told from the perspective that almost mythologizes the birth of modern day America. Some have criticized the creation of the character of Amsterdam Vallon (DiCaprio) and feel his story is unnecessary, however though his story may be the focal point of the film it is merely the springboard Scorsese uses to explore this tumultuous era.

The acting is also superb. DiCaprio, Diaz, Reilly, and all supporting characters are excellent and truly create fully realized people, not merely cutouts. However, Daniel Day Lewis is clearly the standout in the film. Its an incredible performance (there is a scene in which he sits in a chair, draped in an American flag, talking to DiCaprio that is mesmerizing) that is surely going to garner him an enormous amount of attention.

Last but not least is the direction. Scorsese is clearly a master of the medium and this film only cements his standing. He was woven a beautiful tapestry in this film and moves seamlessly from incredible street battles (the opening 20 minutes is a sheer knockout) to small poignant moments without flinching. He is still nearly unmatched the world over.

For those of you who have been waiting for Gangs of New York for over a year don’t worry – the wait was more than worth it.


Side notes:
Great article on the history behind the era at Cinema Gotham. Try to read it before you see the film, it is by no means necessary but will only enrich the experience.

For those who may of missed it and want to try to catch a repeat of it, there was a great Charlie Rose interview with Scorsese and Day Lewis last week.

Loved nearly everything about the film (including the ending) but the end credits were almost unbelievably bad. It seemed like something out of a different film. I have nothing against U2, but the music and titles just didn’t work. Halfway into it when the song stops all you hear is ambient street noise from NYC – much more appropriate.

Thanks for mentioning the piece on the history of the era. I do think that audiences will understand the film a lot better with a bit of a sense of the history. Here's the direct link

Also, here's the Cinema Gotham review.

I am really looking forward to this movie, more importantly, to the DVD which hopefully will have the parts cut for length restored.

Re: Gangs of New York thoughts and discussion
 

If you find that article interesting, you should check out the book.

Well, I've just seen it a second time and my opinion that it's a masterpiece is only reinforced. If anything I found it more moving the second time. It's really an outstanding achievement.

Actually, during the Charlie Rose interview Scorsese made it clear that he doesn't believe in director's cuts for his films. He basically said whatever is released is the director's cut. He said that editing, etc. is a very intensive process and that though from time to time he may think about what if he had done something differently, that the film that is released is the film he wanted to make at that moment.

Regardless, I've seen it twice now and I don't think a different version is necessary. This one is a masterpiece and, while not 100% perfect (very, very few films are) it's just outstanding.

Without a doubt, this is my most eagerly awaited film of the Oscar season. With all due respect to LOTR: TT, this film has priority.