I Watched This Movie Because Of My New Job
The suggestion that I watched this movie because of professionalism or mobility within the company would mislead. I saw it because I like watching good cinema. Curiously enough, I learned after the fact that this picture was directed by Martin Scorsese. It changes very little. I enjoyed the film, despite how little of it pertains to nonfictional American history.
You're wondering, what of it was inspired by coworkers? Why did I watch it if it's not entirely true? My introduction to the film, the reference my introductory insurance training made concerned the unregulated nature of insurance at the time. In addition, as public goods hadn't become mainstream yet, firefighters and police brigades comprised entirely of volunteers. Now, volunteers, on its face, sound like heroes, especially to those afflicted by the plagues of crime and untimely disasters.
Your opinion should bear in mind that these brigades often set the very buildings ablaze as the unregulated nature of the industry meant they could earn greater commissions on larger blazes. Couple the unfitting incentive for putting out fires with the tendency for people to loot the burning buildings instead of help, and despite its creative fictional licenses, Gangs of New York captured precisely the tumult America faced in her earlier years.
For the portion that did represent the reality of time, we dive into...
The New York City draft riots
Roger Ebert opines that Scorsese did not excel here, with his directing of the film. Namely, he writes
All of this is a triumph for Scorsese, and yet I do not think this film is in the first rank of his masterpieces. It is very good but not great.
And I must disagree. I argue that this film represents masterpiece, not entirely of Scorsese's doing, but a work of art in the depiction of human nature, retold boldly through the lens of history. Maybe Scorsese more easily adapted the tales of "Goodfellas", "Casino", and "Mean Streets" but the truth stood out clearly in this piece.
At a time where squalid conditions only foiled the splendor of the upper class, racial difference represents the real battle ongoing in this film. Yes, the narrative centered on a revenge plot by the son of a fallen gang leader, but by the conclusion of the movie, we understand that many are not happy with their fellow man. Unionists despise Lincoln, Americans despise Blacks and the Irish, and Chinese people seem marginalized and reduced to virtually nothing but harbor strong, negative emotions towards America and her intolerant ways.
The scene is set by impoverished people unable to resist conscription into a conflict which they don't understand and do not sympathize. Larger issues press them, like the heavy hand of despotic gang leaders who rule with fear like William Cutting. Better known as Bill the Butcher, Cutting is the man responsible for killing the protagonist Leo DiCaprio's father, Liam Neeson, known as "Priest" Vallon.
Could you blame them? I asked myself as I watched and listened to jeers and taunts about how none (save for the well-off) could escape the draft with $300. According to Wikipedia, that amount would be $7,100 in 2022. Had the same situation faced us today, I would certainly be going off to war, if I wasn't already smoked by an intolerant crowd of xenophobes uninterested in our similarities.
Very accurately, Leonardo DiCaprio's character, Amsterdam comments, that New York wasn't a city, but a furnace from where a city would eventually rise.
I Recommend It
While the film ought not to be the first source for historical accounts, its source material, the 1928 nonfiction book by the same name belongs in my collection. I hope readers will support my endeavoring to own the first edition. However, Scorsese's picture is an excellent depiction of the evil that lies in the hearts of men, motivated by the goodness of his heart to protect and fight for what he believes in and who he cares about. No, I don't condone the bigotry and misogyny. It is most regrettable. Yet, I cannot look away from true stories that are so because of how close they come to life. Not only because of the film could I feel the conflict in a man taken in by his father's killer, a woman cast aside by a violent, senseless man, and one driven so much by violence he regrets not raising his own family.
Thanks for this i will see.
It's on HBO! Enjoy!
This type of movies are always worth watching because the storyline will be interesting
To me, the history adds the interest. America built itself upon many things, sadly, violence, money and greed included.
With this quality review, I will love to watch this movie
I am enjoying a lot of crime and drama pictures, lately. Maybe I could use some variety?
I will be sure to watch it with the review you have done on it. It will be interesting to watch over a few snacks.
You give me an idea. Maybe I can write about my favorite movie snacks as well as a movie next time?
Yes that would be interesting.