A Modern Classic Gangster Movie Airing Tonight
Tonight's TV movie choice (8 November) is Gangs of New York, a period gangster epic directed by Martin Scorsese, known for Goodfellas and The Departed.
Based on Herbert Asbury's 1927 non-fiction book The Gangs of New York, the 2002 film features a star-studded cast including Oscar winners Daniel Day-Lewis and Leonardo DiCaprio, alongside Brendan Gleeson, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Marsan, Jim Broadbent, John C. Reilly, Liam Neeson, and Stephen Graham.
Plot Overview
“Vallon knows that revenge can only be attained by infiltrating Cutting’s inner circle. Amsterdam’s journey becomes a fight for personal survival and to find a place for the Irish people in 1860s New York.”
The story follows Amsterdam Vallon (DiCaprio), an orphaned Irish-American in the 19th century, who returns to New York City's Five Points to seek revenge on William ‘Bill the Butcher’ Cutting (Day-Lewis), a powerful anti-immigrant gang leader responsible for his father's death (Neeson).
Production Background
- Long-time passion project: Scorsese was deeply invested in this film.
- Turbulent production: The shooting ran over time and budget.
- Studio interference: Producer Harvey Weinstein reportedly demanded cuts to the movie.
- Unreleased version: There may be a longer cut that better reflects Scorsese’s original vision.
Gangs of New York remains a significant cinematic exploration of 19th-century New York’s gang culture and immigrant struggles.
Author's summary: This classic gangster film dramatizes immigrant life and revenge in 19th-century New York, brought to life by Scorsese’s vision and a stellar cast.